So begins the adventure of a little girl who climbs the dream stair-first up, past chimneys, balloons, and trees to the special attic room with the moon at the window; then down, past furnaces, rivers, and roots to the dark safety of the cellar room; and then, finally, back to bed.

Betsy James and Richard Jesse Watson have created a book filled with images and emotions of a child’s day, and the security of a granny’s love. The Dream Stair, with its poetic text and evocative illustrations, awaits all travelers who are about to begin the universal nighttime journey.

Media Reviews of The Dream Stair:
“Most notable are Richard Jesse Watson’s portrait-like illustrations that blend so well with the fantast, as in his recent ‘Tom Thumb.’ Using a Southwestern/Hispanic setting, he portrays the dreams as pleasant collages, rich with cultural symbols. Any child who has experienced the calm love of a grandmother will find these pages reassuring.”
Los Angeles Times, 1/29/90

“Offering a feast of cleverly interwoven images. Watson’s fantasy pastiche is colorful and cheerfully surrealistic.”
Publisher’s Weekly, 4/13/90

“The strong poetic images are matched by artwork that moves between realistic and fey. … At the centerpiece of the story is the Hispanic narrator; Watson portrays her with a purity that is both tender and strong. A dreamy, evocative piece that celebrates dreaming as well as strong family relationships in everyday life.”
Booklist, 3/1/90