A most amazing book, The Merchant of Marvels and the Peddler of Dreams, reads like poetry but the text is interspersed with drawings and images, different fonts and point sizes, flowy arrangements and line breaks, all put together to craft a story written to a child. The text guides the reader as to how to read the story. Where to pause, what to accentuate, what to pass by.
The drawings, paintings, and photographs match up with the words, making you feel like you are being carried away on the thread of a tale. The images are a large part of the journey, making the story feel real and immediate. The thick pages make each spread appear as a work of art.
It’s rare that a book or item compels me to write about it, all on its own. I noticed this book at my local library, in the children’s area, and I had to pick it up. For me. Not for my kids. And I wasn’t disappointed. I recommend The Merchant of Marvels and the Peddler of Dreams to anyone who likes to be carried away by a story for a time.
I won’t ruin the experience by giving even a hint as to the story’s premise, but if you enjoy unusual books that flow melodiously, are meant to be shared, and can be read at one sitting, don’t miss this one.
The Merchant of Marvels and the Peddler of Dreams by Frédéric Clément costs about $5-10. If you can’t find it for sale, check it out at your local library! It’s for dreamers everywhere.
