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The Deer Dream: A New Book for Brave Little Dreamers
- Anita R. Elliott
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Plus: Meditation, Movement, and Dream-Building Practices for Kids and Parents
August 5, 2025
After a swarm of mosquitos chased me out of the prairie last week, I finally wandered back to capture this moment—me and The Deer Dream, nestled in the golden quiet of home. There’s something full-circle about standing in this sea of yellow, holding a story that bloomed from my own imagination. 💛🌿
Something soft and important has arrived.
I’m honoured to share that The Deer, Dream —the second book in my Empowering Adventures series—is now available in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.
This gentle story follows a little deer with a big dream—but no clear map. Alongside forest friends, quiet challenges, and a few brave steps, he learns that dreams aren’t just for wishing. They’re for becoming.
🌿 A Story for the Dreamers in the Quiet
I wrote this book during a summer of stillness—no job, no clear direction, no air conditioning even. Just prairie heat, soft mornings, and a rocking chair tucked in the corner of a rural farmhouse. I was recovering from burnout and learning how to move gently again.
Somehow, in that hush, the deer arrived. One slow page at a time. And with him, a small miracle: hope.
The Deer Dream isn’t just for children—it’s for the inner child in all of us who’s still learning how to dream softly, even when life feels hard or uncertain. It’s a love letter to becoming.
📖 What Makes This Book Special:
This is more than a story—it’s an invitation.In this edition, you’ll also find:
✨ A guided meditation to calm busy hearts
✨ A journaling page for wishes and goal-setting
✨ A joyful movement activity called The Deer Dance
✨ Gentle prompts to explore courage, imagination, and emotional awareness
Ideal for ages 6–12, but perfect for any age that still believes in possibility.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, counsellor, or quiet-hearted human, I hope you’ll find something here that resonates.
💛 A Whisper from the Heart of the Story
“Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is whisper our dreams—and take the next gentle step.”
🌸 If You Feel Moved…
Here are a few soft ways you can help The Deer Dream reach other hearts:
🪶 Leave a kind review on Amazon
🪶 Share it with a child, classroom, or friend in need of gentle encouragement
🪶 Post a photo or a quote that spoke to you—tag me @s0uldanc3r so I can thank you
🪶 Follow me on Amazon or subscribe to the blog for future book releases
Thank you for being here—for witnessing, supporting, and tending to this soft dream with me.
May this story remind you (and the children in your life) that becoming doesn’t happen all at once. It begins with a whisper… and a single, tender step.
With love,
Anita (aka Souldancer)
🌱 Nurturing Imagination in Kids: 5 Gentle Practices Inspired by The Deer Dream
Empowering imagination is essential for fostering creativity, resilience, and emotional growth in children. Here are a few practices drawn from the spirit of the story:
1. Encourage creative play
Offer simple, open-ended toys or natural materials that spark imagination. Forts, art supplies, nature walks—let their curiosity lead the way.
2. Read and tell stories
Reading aloud together helps children understand narrative structure, build empathy, and dream new worlds into being.
3. Ask open-ended questions
Invite imaginative thinking with prompts like:
• “What would you do if you could fly?”
• “How would you design your dream treehouse?”
4. Model creativity
Share your own creative process. Let kids see your mistakes and brainstorms. Creativity is a muscle—and seeing it in action matters.
5. Celebrate uniqueness
Remind children often that their thoughts and dreams are meaningful. Help them feel safe to share their wild, wonderful ideas..
📖 Where to Find the Books
🦌 The Deer Dream
🦋 The Butterfly, Believe
✨ Follow me on Amazon for new releases and special updates.
~ ~ ~
For the quiet-hearted wanderers:
🧘♀️ Meditation: Dreaming with the Deer
Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly and exhaling completely.
Imagine yourself in a peaceful forest, surrounded by tall trees and the sounds of nature. Visualize a young deer approaching you, its gentle spirit inviting you on a journey of self-discovery.
As you follow the deer deeper into the forest, notice how the sunlight filters through the leaves, casting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. With each step, feel yourself becoming more connected to your dreams and desires.
The deer leads you to a clearing filled with soft, green grass and vibrant wildflowers. Here, you both sit together in silent companionship, allowing your dreams to unfold in your mind's eye. Visualize your dreams in vivid detail, and allow yourself to experience the emotions that arise as you connect with your deepest desires.
With each breath, feel the energy of your dreams flowing through you, filling you with inspiration and motivation. The deer offers you a reassuring look, reminding you that you have the power to bring your dreams to life.
Now, repeat these affirmations to yourself, either silently or out loud:
I believe in the power of my dreams.
I trust my ability to manifest my desires.
I am deserving of a life filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment.
As you continue to breathe, allow these affirmations to resonate within you, strengthening your connection to your dreams and your belief in your ability to achieve them.
When you feel ready, take a few more deep breaths and slowly open your eyes. Carry the energy and insights of this meditation with you as you move forward, pursuing your dreams with courage and determination.
Remember, the more you practice this meditation, the more you'll strengthen your connection to your dreams and your belief in your ability to make them a reality.
🌾 Movement Exercise: The Graceful Deer
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward, and your arms by your sides.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself as a deer, embodying its gentle and graceful nature.
Take a deep breath in, then exhale as you raise your arms to the sides and overhead, keeping them slightly bent and relaxed. As you raise your arms, lift your heels off the ground, coming up onto your tiptoes slightly.
Inhale as you lower your arms and heels back to the starting position.
Repeat this movement pattern for 1-2 minutes, focusing on the fluidity and grace of your movements.
Now, add a gentle sway to your motion. As you raise your arms and lift your heels, sway slightly to one side, then sway to the other side as you lower your arms and heels. Continue this flowing pattern for 1-2 minutes.
Finally, return to the standing position, take a few deep breaths, and open your eyes. Observe any changes in your energy and the sense of lightness in your body.
Remember to move at your own pace and modify the exercise as needed to ensure your comfort and safety. Let the gentle, graceful nature of the deer inspire your movement and bring a sense of serenity to your practice.
🎶 Music to move to:
Let these uplifting melodies enhance your movement experience, deepening your connection to the deer's light and graceful energy.
"Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest
"Float On" by Modest Mouse
"Weightless" by Marconi Union
© Anita Elliott (aka Souldancer), 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Anita Elliott with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.