Saturday, March 9, 2013

Book Review: The Guardians of Childhood; The Sandman by William Joyce


By: William Joyce
Published by: Simon & Schuster Kids
Released on: October 2nd, 2012
Series: The Guardians series #2
Source: unbound book from publisher to review
5 Stars: WE LOVED IT!
Purchase from: Simon & SchusterAmazon | Barnes & Noble
Add it to Goodreads

The Man in the Moon has a problem.

Most nights, he beams down at the children of Earth, providing them with an inextinguishable nightlight that keeps nightmares at bay. But what happens when it's foggy or cloudy? When the moon is less than full and bright? Who will keep the children safe at night? 

He needs a helper! And he's spied just the fellow: a sleepy little guy named Sanderson Macsnoozie (Sandy, for short), who might be perfect...if only the Man in the Moon can get him to wake up


If there is one children's book series you pick up this year, this needs to be it! I am in LOVE with William Joyce's The Guardians series. These are not only priceless children's books to have, they're also ones that as a parent remind me of the joys that come from reading, and having stories like this to read to my kids. Story's like this are the kind that stick with us all through childhood and as we continue to grow older, they find a small corner in the back of our memories, and our minds to go, so that we can draw on it at some other time in life, and be reminded of the fun, and imaginative times we spent as kids getting lost in books. As a parent, reading these books with my kids allows me to relive the magic, the innocence and the joy that makes up childhood.

The Sandman is the first Guardian chosen by The Man in the Moon. His role is to help children have good dreams. While the Man in the Moon is only allowed to be on the moon, the Sandman is one of the Guardians on earth, who's role is to protect the children of the world from Pitch, the Nightmare King. If you read The Man in the Moon, you'll know who Pitch is (if you haven't read it, I highly recommend that you do. Read my 5 star review here). I love that this book continues with the rich mythology, and story telling that I have come to love with William Joyce's series. Just like the first book in this series, The Sandman has incredible illustrations that alone bring this book to life. The Sandman is a richly detailed, magical story that soothes children of their night times fears as they realize there is a pint size Guardian who is waiting to send them warm, happy dreams.

The Sandman is part of the The Guardians series, which is made up of two picture books, The Man in the Moon and The Sandman. These two books are in addition to The Guardians series which is made up of Nicholas St. North and the Nightmare King, E. Aster Bunnymund and the Battle of the Warrior Eggs at the Earth's Core, Toothiana: Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies. This past holiday season Rise of the Guardians the movie was released, and is based on William's book. Well in honor of the movie coming out on DVD this TUESDAY (I can't wait), I had to feature one of my favorite characters, whom also plays a huge role in the movie, THE SANDMAN!

Definitely go pick this book up today and then rush out on Tuesday to pick up your copy of Rise of the Guardians! This is one movie we've been anxiously waiting to pick up since we saw it on Christmas day.

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~