The Dreaming Game

Dorothy Kundhardt is well known as the author of the children's classic Pat the Bunny. This volume, poignantly penned by a dying son about his deceased mother, guides readers through the highs and lows of her life--which included exotic vacations, Depression-era attempts to induce miscarriage, a possible suicide attempt and struggles with tranquilizer addiction. For the most part, the author seamlessly weaves his mother's story around passages from letters and other bits of correspondence, augmenting it with his own direct recollections. After reading the detailed descriptions of Dorothy's illustrations, readers will be disappointed that this volume offers only a single photo at the start of each chapter. However, history buffs will enjoy this front row seat to life in the Roaring Twenties and beyond, and writers and illustrators will be intrigued by such an intimate peek at how a successful children's author worked. ""She often had half a dozen projects going at one time. To work on one intensely, then set it aside for another quite different challenge, suited her nature,"" Kundhardt writes. Snippets from early correspondence with her publisher and other professionals are a real treat, as are the detailed texts from her beginnings as an author. All in all, this is surprisingly candid look at the professional and personal life of a remarkable children's author, illustrator, friend, wife and mother.