"I am poetry, surrounding the dreamer"

If you like to dream and wonder and ponder, I imagine you would enjoy The Dreamer by Pam Muñoz Ryan.  This is a fictionalized account of the childhood of Neftali, the boy who became Pablo Neruda, a popular poet who lived in Chile.  As a child, Neftali loves words and books,  and he treasures his collections of objects from nature, such as twigs and shells. Unfortunately, his domineering father makes his life miserable, but Uncle Orlando, a newspaper writer who recognizes the boy's sensitivity and writing talents, sympathizes and takes Neftali under his wing.  The lyrical expression of Neftali's emotions - the utter joy at finding the perfect place to read, the haunting sadness of his father's disrespect - are accompanied by the beautiful illustrations of Peter Sís.  A book to read slowly and savor.