Wide Awake in Dreamland

Book excerpt: Nine-year-old Eddie has such a wonderful imagination that late one night he catches a Sandman who escorts him to Dreamland. Once there, he learns Mortimer has cast an evil spell on the Sandman's sand with one diabolical aim: to steal Eddie's imagination. Eddie's only hope to break the spell and get back home safely is to find the last good wizard in Dreamland. During that journey, he encounters many perils in his desperate race against time. All of this happens because Eddie is not asleep as he should be. Eddie is Wide Awake in Dreamland. Conjuring memories of such classics as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, John Duel's Wide Awake in Dreamland celebrates its 20th anniversary as a treasured favorite in the library of children's literature. From the whimsy of the clueless but well-meaning Sandmen to the terrifying Trogs, Wide Awake in Dreamland packs its page-turning story full of adventure. Booklist said "this rollicking fantasy has it all" and those words are as true today as they were when the book was first published in 1992. March 1, 1992 Booklist review: This rollicking fantasy has it all: an exciting plot, a likable hero, an evil warlock, a powerful wizard who's "just a girl," tiny sandmen who sound suspiciously like leprechauns, hordes of awful creatures, and a kindly giant who isn't tall. Nine-year-old Eddie has a terrific imagination. That's why he's able to catch Sandy, the sandman. Though initially shocked that Eddie can see him, Sandy recovers quickly and invites Eddie to Dreamland, assuring him that nothing can harm him as long as he's really asleep. Eddie accepts the invitation, but when the pair reach Dreamland, they learn that Mortimer, the evil warlock, has tainted the sleep sand so he can steal Eddie's imagination. The only one who can help Eddie now is the wizard Beni, and the expedition to find Beni results in one adventure after another. Middle-school fantasy lovers won't be able to put this book down, and older readers will also enjoy the puns and silly situations-even though Eddie is only nine. A wonderful read-aloud. -Chris Sherman "bright, original...swift and involving." -Children's Bookwatch "a spell binder... This is a fairy tale for children of all ages." -Abilene Reporter-News