The Boy Who Wasn't Scared to Dream
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 Cover of the 2024 hardcover edition. | |
| Author | Mustafa Sheikh |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Ishana Ratti |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Mustafa Sheikh |
Publication date | January 2024 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 48 |
| ISBN | 978-0473703714 |
The Boy Who Wasn't Scared to Dream is a 2024 children's picture book written and self-published by rapper Mustafa "Mussie" Sheikh and illustrated by Ishana Ratti.[1] The book tells the story of Billy, a young boy who dreams of becoming the world's greatest racecar driver. It features contributions from Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari's Chief Design Officer.[2] The book's proceeds are donated to the New Zealand charity Bread, which was founded by Sheikh.[3]
Content[edit]
Billy, a young boy, dreams of being the fastest race car driver in the world. Despite being laughed at by his classmates, his determination never wavers. An encounter with a sports car and its encouraging driver further fuels his ambition. Billy's journey of hard work and perseverance, racing at local tracks and growing stronger with each challenge, mirrors the aspirations and experiences of Flavio Manzoni, who shares his own childhood dreams and journey to becoming Ferrari's Chief Design Officer.
The book includes childhood drawings and autobiographical elements from Manzoni's life.
Reception[edit]
The New Zealand-based children's literature review site The Sapling reviewed the book, praising illustrator Ishana Ratti's use of watercolours, and the book's underlying message, but criticizing the story for uneven pacing, and for its choppy writing style.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ "How Ferrari helped a children's book come to fruition". RNZ. 2024-02-19. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "The Boy Who Wasn't Scared to Dream". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- ^ a b Giles, Fiona; Judson, Annelies; Judson, Fiona Giles and Annelies (26 March 2024). "Reviews: Five New Picture Books". The Sapling. Retrieved 2024-04-05.