How would you feel if you lived in a world where everything was the same?
Would you accept? Would you rebel?
Perhaps take a read of this story and see where both those paths might take you.
Danny Blue lives in a world where everything is blue – bowls, spoons, chair and table. And at first Danny is pretty happy about this blue world. It is all he knows, he is happy and so is everyone else it seems.
That is until one day Danny has a Really Excellent Dream (R.E.D.) which he just can’t shake.
Danny takes it upon himself to follow his dream despite many people around him telling him otherwise . He uses the ideas from his dream and through perseverance he discovers what else is out there. Danny Blue shows determination and by following his dream he begins to make a difference in his blue world.
Danny Blue is a strong character who shows self doubt at first but then displays the ability to see that his idea can work and that it will benefit those around him. He also shows that even when those around you don’t support you, you need to give things a go – because you just never know!
Max Landrax has cleverly illustrated this picture book. Children love the pictures and in this story the illustrations add more depth to Danny and his different activities. Danny is portrayed beautifully as a tiny boy living in an adult world but with a big dream – and each illustration entices the reader to love Danny and his project even more.
Danny Blue’s R.E.D., shows how society can really take hold of the individual and how the individual can just go on accepting what the status quo is.
Children will feel empowered after reading this story as Danny Blue is a young boy and despite being told his ideas were not possible by the adults in his world, he was still able to make a change.
As parents we have a lot of influence on the young people in our lives and we need to ensure that they are given the opportunity to think for themselves.
How can you add more to this book?
– Before you turn the last page ask children to predict what Danny Blue’s next dream will be about.
– What do you think Yellow would stand for?
– Research some famous inventors who have changed history despite being told they couldn’t make a difference.
– Research some famous people in history or perhaps even today who have done something that others thought they couldn’t. Look at people who have made changes that have helped society to become a better place.
– Design a world where everything is the same. Work out what would have to change in your world if you were to be similar to everyone else.
– Discuss – If we all lived in a world where we all agreed would we need elections? Would this be a good or bad thing for us all?
– Have you ever had a really excellent dream? Discuss dreams and try to keep a journal for a week to see what you dream about.
