Diary of My Dreams by Dr. Hazem Nassar is an emotional children’s picture book that invites young readers into the life of Naji, a child whose peaceful dreams are frequently interrupted by the harsh realities of living in a war-torn environment. Through Naji's perspective, readers encounter the striking contrast between the tranquil realm of dreams and the jarring wakefulness triggered by nearby explosions. Dr. Nassar skillfully navigates the delicate topic of war, presenting it through the lens of a child’s daily life and inner thoughts. Naji’s emotions echo throughout the book, powerfully capturing his longing for peace and normalcy. The story is a gateway for young readers to understand and empathize with those living in conflict zones.

Dr. Hazem Nassar's narrative is masterfully woven with emotional depth, highlighting themes of resilience, hope, and the power of dreams. Despite the bleak backdrop, the story is filled with hope and the potential for a brighter future. Naji's journey inspires readers to look beyond their own experiences and promotes a deeper understanding of global issues. The illustrations are as impactful as the narrative. They fluctuate between vibrant dream sequences and more muted, realistic scenes that depict Naji's environment. The transition between these visuals effectively emphasizes the dichotomy of Naji’s world, enhancing the story's emotional impact. Diary of My Dreams educates and inspires, urging readers to appreciate the safety of their surroundings and empathize with less fortunate people. This book is an essential educational tool that helps cultivate empathy and awareness among young readers, making it a valuable addition to any child's bookshelf. It also provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to explain the impact of war to their students.

Diary of My Dreams by Dr. Hazem Nassar expresses the dreams of a young boy, Naji, who lives through a war. The entries describe his life before the conflict, where he ate plentifully, went to school, and didn't care to do simple tasks, like helping his father bring in the groceries. The scene changes when he wakes up, displaying the repercussions of the war and how his family and community suffered. Naji wishes to remain in his dreams but wakes up to harsh realities. Even though he can't have his previous life back, his hope for the future still lingers.

Dr. Hazem Nassar, a Palestinian immigrant, lived through a war in his home country. He wrote and illustrated this book for the children of war-torn countries who face terrible circumstances. The images on each page enhance the words, giving a fuller picture of the devastation he witnessed. The entries allow caregivers to discuss the story's events with children as they focus on gratitude, hope, and humility. Get ready to cry, because tears of sadness and hope streamed down my face as I read Naji's journey to my children. Once you learn about the tragedies in his homeland, it's hard not to put the author in the place of the child. The effect humanizes Naji, making him seem like someone who could live down the street or go to your school. The book delivers a powerful message about dreams and the hope they bring to your waking reality. Reading Diary of My Dreams to children is beneficial in raising their awareness of the need to appreciate their circumstances and be more empathetic to others who may share Naji's story.

War is destructive. Dr. Hazem Nassar depicts war’s lasting effect on children in Diary of My Dreams. Until recently, people thought of the destruction of buildings and the deaths of soldiers but forgot about the trauma caused to children. In this book, the reader learns that Naji was constantly awakened from sleep and his dreams by the sounds of explosions. One of his friends used to laugh but no longer laughed after he was injured during the war. Their school building was destroyed. Naji remembered how he had often helped his dad bring groceries into the house, but now he has to buy and bring the groceries in by himself. Be sure to comfort your child as they read this book. They will need your support and help to understand the concepts presented.

Dr. Hazem Nassar has faced the trauma of war and writes about it in Diary of My Dreams. This book tackles an extremely sensitive and volatile issue in a compassionate and child-friendly manner. Using words and illustrations that any child will understand, Dr. Nassar gently approaches death, destruction, and upheaval without causing young readers to develop trauma themselves. Be sure to spend time with your child, allowing them to talk about the various emotions this book will elicit. Ask your child questions about what they understand and want to know more about. Be sure to discuss why war exists and ways to prevent wars in the future. Another topic to discuss with your child is bullying, how war is like bullying, and how either or both of them can be avoided.

Diary of My Dreams by Dr. Hazem Nassar is a story told by Naji, a little boy who just can’t seem to sleep through the night. He closes his eyes, and he starts to dream, but then, suddenly, BOOM. Naji is woken by the sounds of bombs going off, of explosions bringing him back to the realities of war and the horrors it brings. He dreams of a time when he had fun with his friends, when they all went to school, and when he had meals on the table. He dreams of a time before the war, of a time when things were peaceful, but then the war came. But it’s time for Naji to move on with his life, to wake up from those dreams and make them come true.

Diary of My Dreams by Dr. Hazem Nassar is a powerful story. It may be a children's story, but it’s written to touch the hearts of adults, too. The writing and illustrations are in the style of a young child, making it eminently more readable and relatable to young readers but it brings home the horrors of living in a war-torn country, something most of us simply cannot relate to. The language and pictures are appropriate for the target audience, and they offer a sliver of hope – those who dare to dream can work toward making their dreams come true. It also teaches kids about resilience, about bouncing back no matter what life throws at them. This is an enjoyable book, written in a way that hits home without being graphic. Highly recommended for young readers, parents, teachers, and caregivers.