Children whose daily lives are afflicted by violence dream of a different world in this powerful book created by Mexican artists as a fundraiser for the IBBY Fund for Children in Crisis.

In many parts of the world, including North America, children are living with violence. Wars, gangs, guns, crime, bullying, harassment and fear keep many kids from living the full, free lives that every child should enjoy. This book was created in Mexico, where for the past six years a vicious war has brought fear and insecurity into every child's life. Many children's dreams have become nightmares. Some of Mexico's best illustrators have donated their art to create a book that gives children a way to talk about their fears, a reason to hope and the inspiration to resist falling into grief and depression. Like some city trees they have the possibility to grow strong and, despite everything, to try and make the world a better place.

I dreamt... is being published in North America for the same reasons. Royalties from sales will be donated to IBBY's Fund for Children in Crisis, which supports bibliotherapy projects that use books and reading to help children who have lived through wars, civil conflicts and natural disasters to think and talk about their experiences.

Gabriela Olmos is a writer and editor. She has worked at the prestigious publishing house Artes de México for fourteen years and is currently the deputy publisher.

Among her most distinguished books are El juego de las piedras antiguas, Pintores mexicanos de la A a la Z, El juego de las miradas, Cómo bailan los monstruos, El zopilote y la chirimía y Con los ojos cerrados. In 2009 she was nominated by the Mexican government for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, one of the most important children's literature prizes in the world. She lives in Mexico City.

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