The Sandman and the War of Dreams (4) (The Guardians)

Let's face it, the third book ended on a nasty cliffhanger. Thankfully it's resolved, but honestly, the whole thing feels somewhat rushed. A friend of mine said it felt like watching a movie on TV, that had been edited for time, and parts were missing. It's obvious that time is passing (and has passed), and while the writing is delightful, there's just the nagging sense that there should be more. Now, I'm not part of the targeted age group for this series. In fact, I love how 'retro' the storytelling and the illustrations are. But there is something about the concept that caught my interest and brought me into the world that Joyce has created. There's one more chapter book to go, but I'm going to hope for some short stories and picture books to further expand upon the Guardians.

I love William Joyce’s Guardians of Childhood series. The picture books, the novels, the movie… they’re all a lot of fun. I’m sad that the movie—which is really good—didn’t seem to get much attention, and I’m sad that it appears that the next novel looks like it’s the last one. Still, they’re all quick enough reads that I can go back and read them all over again.

This latest novel brings the character of Sanderson Mansnoozie, the Sandman (geddit?) into the fray, after having had his origin told in a picture book. While each book in the series builds from the last, this one is very much an installment in a serialized tale. Following the capture of young Katherine in the previous volume, the Guardians search for their friend. Along the way, we learn more about the evil Pitch, his daughter, Mother Nature, and we see the Guardians begin to set things up for what may be the final battle.

As with previous books in the series, I really enjoy the mythology Joyce is building. It’s an epic adventure featuring Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and Mother Goose, but it neither feels silly nor overly serious. The books have the tone of an oral folktale, one that has been told again and again over generations. And yet, they also feel focused and detailed. While this time around, we don’t get too much insight into most of the characters, we do learn a great deal about Pitch, Sandman, and Nightlight.

Unfortunately, it felt as if this volume had fewer illustrations than previous ones. I really enjoy Joyce’s artwork, so that was a shame. Also, this feels less like a complete installment than setup for what will come next. Having said that, the background information this book provides more than makes up for that. And since I am totally enjoying the series as a whole, I’m okay with installments that expect me to read what came before and what will come next.

This book is a perfect follow-up to the other Guardians stories. It is clear enough to stand alone, but is better understood if the previous stories are read first.

William Joyce has become one of my favorite authors with his imaginative, heartfelt, and inventive stories. I would have to say that this book is probably his best work yet.
Suspenseful, gripping, and all over a wonderful continuation of the Guardians of Childhood series.

If you haven't picked up this series yet (no matter your age) I suggest you at least give it a shot. I've converted many a picky reader it's that good.

This fourth book turned out to be perhaps my favorite of the series so far. I was furiously reading it in the van as we started our vacation. Interesting characters and some tension filled plot twists make filling in the back story on the guardians, and this particular guardian, a fun ride. [some spoilers ahead]

As I have noted each time I review a book in this series, they are more chapter books in style than YA Fantasy. There is less world building and detail and more reader imagination and action. That said, I really like the flow of this volume. It starts with the story of Sanderson Mansnoozie aka The Sandman, brings in the other guardians, and reminds us of the tension with Katherine being captured by Pinch.

Then Sanderson tells his story (via dream of course) and his interaction with Pinch’s daughter, and thereby Pinch, who becomes Mother Nature. This whole section, highlighted by its white type on black paper design, is very well done. It really highlights Joyce’s ability to spin imaginative yet simple tales with fascinating characters. There is a great sense of mystery and magic lurking behind these stories; they seem like mythology weaved from shared memories and folklore. Just different enough to hold your interest but with enough shared ingredients to already be a part of your imagination.

These threads then connect as Sandman and Nightlight seek to save Katherine and they do; in ways that change them forever. Even as all of this is going on, Katherine helps Nicholas embark on his dream which in turn will play a role in her rescue and its seems a happy ending for once … But even with all the power of the guardians, Pinch manages to turn things to his favor – as he always seems to do.

And we are left once again waiting for the next book.

But so it is with great series. And this is one I am very fond of. I have a feeling this will become something of a classic in our family. Moving from bedtime read aloud stories to exciting reading for young readers to a favorite shared by everyone.

And it is a bonus that they are beautifully designed and illustrated and so that much more fun to have in your library.

My 6 year old son loves The Guardian series and wants to read all of the time.
It's nice to have found something that he wants to read verses has to read.

This book was great! It filled me in on a lot of details that I was dying to know. The pace could have been slowed a hair, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book. I loved it!

I started reading this series last year and fell in love with it. While Toothiana wasn't my favorite, I think the series was redeemed with Sandman. It's great for kids and adults - especially those of the Harry Potter generation.

William Joyce is doing a great job with this series. Each book has gotten better nod the action has increased. I can't wait for the exciting conclusion this fall.

Enjoyed reading this book with my 8 year old daughter and glad we have this series! Can't wait for more!