The Girl Who Could Not Dream

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired elementary librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This rollicking fantasy about dreams, dreamcatchers, nightmares, and monsters is full of adventure and lighthearted humor. Sophie can not dream. Her parents run a bookstore that also secretly collects and sells dreams and nightmares. When Sophie is six she sneaks a tube from her parent's shop and drinks a dream that produces a monster. Her parents agree to let her keep it as a pet. Sophie and her monster have a delightful relationship. Troubles begin when the family's secret gets into the wrong hands. Friendship, loss, loneliness, and magic blend together in this well written imaginative story. Nightmares play a large role in the plot, but are not too scary for young readers. The author has created well developed characters. Some of the characters are just downright cute while others are terribly fiendish. I highly recommend this book which offers a refreshing approach to the world of dreams and nightmares.

Overall Book Score: excellent