The “Dream” Series Presents 5 New Books for Children of All Ages and Interests (Video)

One of the highlights is the Armenian-language debut of “School of Seven Galaxies” by acclaimed Armenian fantasy writer Ruslan Saghabalyan, originally written in Russian in the 1980s.

“I wrote this book inspired by my own school years,” Saghabalyan shared. “A famous screenwriter once told me: ‘Don’t invent, just remember and add imagination.’ That’s exactly what I did. I completed this story in 1988, long before I had even heard of Harry Potter. Back then, fantasy was a promising genre, and we hoped it would take root here too.”

He emphasized that fantasy literature requires cultural depth and freedom of thought—a genre best nurtured in civilized societies.

“Fantasy encourages dreaming, and dreaming is the most important thing for children. A child without dreams is limited. Books that lack imagination can’t help one grow. I believe my book is not only for kids—it should be enjoyed by adults too.”

The book is beautifully illustrated by Sona Babajanyan, an Australian-Armenian illustrator and children’s author, known for “The Strange Journey of Mush.” Saghabalyan praised the harmony of her visuals with his narrative, promising a sequel in the future.

Also presented was “Hey, Grandude!” by legendary Beatles member Paul McCartney—a whimsical picture book inspired by his eight grandchildren. According to Gohar Manukyan, head of the “Dream” series:

“Our series is called Dream, and our goal is for children to dream big and read more. McCartney’s book nurtures imagination—it’s a celebration of adventure and dreams.”

Another important addition is “Extinctopedia”—a richly illustrated, educational book about endangered and extinct animals. With engaging storytelling, the book raises environmental awareness among young readers.

“The author, a teacher by profession, explains why these animals disappeared and how we can prevent further loss. It’s not just an informative book, it’s a call to love and protect nature.”

To encourage reading at home, Gohar Manukyan also highlighted the importance of parental involvement:

“Children mirror what they see. If parents read and enjoy books, their children will follow. Buy books together, read them together, and talk about them.”

This year, two Latvian picture books were also added to the “Dream” series, both translated into Armenian by Naira Khachatryan. She spoke about the growing presence of contemporary Latvian literature and the unique qualities of the selected titles.

One of them, “The Poet and the Smell” by Lotte Vilma Vitinja, offers a multisensory reading experience. Children explore the world through scents—both pleasant and unpleasant—and search for a hidden aroma embedded in the illustrations.

“This book is perfect for children under six, who are just beginning to make sense of the world through their senses. It helps them put words to what they smell.”

The other Latvian title, “Kate Wanted to Be a Grandfather” by Signe Viška, is a heartfelt story about intergenerational love and admiration.

“The story follows little Kate, who adores her grandfather and wants to be just like him. It’s a beautiful exploration of the deep bond between grandparents and grandchildren,” said Khachatryan.

Each of these five new books—from space-fantasy to family love and environmental awareness—offers something special for young readers, making this summer’s reading list one to remember.