Mabel and the Queen of Dreams by Henry, Joshua, and Harrison Herz

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today. we're featuring one of the latest titles from an author team you may recognize and with GOOD REASON!  First off, I've featured their work here before, and secondly, each one has been rather memorable.  The title we've selected today is in the same genre as their previous releases, Picture Books, and still tinged with the fantastical flare we've come to love.  It's a great way to introduce little ones to the Fantasy genre without over-inundating them, as well as a perfect means to jump start their dreams.  Ready or not, here comes today's book of choice...

Mabel and the Queen of Dreams
by
Henry, Joshua, and Harrison Herz
Illustrated by
Lisa Woods
9780764351372 

Schiffer Publishing

About the book...
Little Mabel is an expert at not going to sleep. She knows all the best bedtime-avoiding excuses. "I'm thirsty." "I need to use the bathroom." "Will you tell me a story?" Luckily, Mom's quiver of bedtime tales includes the story of the Fae Queen, who paints children's dreams and can only visit when their eyes are closed. Inspired by Mercutio's soliloquy in Romeo & Juliet, in which he details how the tiny fairy queen influences people's dreams as she passes by in her flying chariot, the soothing story evokes images of an ant in a worn gray coat and a hazelnut-shell chariot with a roof of grasshopper wings. Told in lyrical language that adults will also appreciate, the story helps parents get their kids to sleep.



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This is the perfect addition to any child's bedtime story rotation.  It features the title character, little Miss Mabel, in all her glory...in other words, doing everything she can to avoid going to bed as she's been told to do.  Sound like anyone you know?  Yeah...there's one in every bunch.  ^-^  In Mabel's case though, there is an "easy" fix.  Once dear sweet Mom mentions that the fae won't visit her until she's fallen asleep, this little imp's attention has been snagged and the rest is history.  Isn't it amazing what a little imagination and creative energy can achieve?  I think any tired and haggard parent would agree toot suite. 

The story is simple yet beautiful as it tells how the fae's chosen path of travel in her little beetle made chariot determines the dreamers dreams.  Across the knees?  Dancing and running in celebration.  Across the fingers?  Dreams of holding your father's hand.  Hovering over the nose?  Better hide your pillow because you'll be smelling the tantalizing aroma of fresh baked cookies and you wouldn't want to mistake one for the other.  These pathways and more are open for the Fae Queen's travels but the magic isn't simply in the fantasy or what if, but the illustrations as well. 

Seeing sweet Mabel's face as she takes all the wonder in, watching her grow more and more sleepy as the tale continues on, even those final moments before true slumber where she's wearing the sweetest smile, all bring to mind those moments from childhood that we all truly cherish.  The fantastical critter cast is well represented as we feast our eyes on an aviator hat wearing dragonfly, a vehicle building beetle, and a chariot driving ant...not to mention the Queen herself in all her splendor.   One of my favorite scenes is when the chariot is being built.  I liked the details included in the text and as well as that revealed in the illustrations.  It's truly a magical read fit for the tall to the small.

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About the authors...

Henry Herz authored the picture books Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes, When You Give an Imp a Penny, Little Red Cuttlefish, and Dinosaur Pirates. Lisa Woods is an illustrator in Orange County, California

Like their father, both boys are big fans of fantasy, science fiction, and San Diego Comic-Con. They have an entrepreneurial bent too. They’ve started three web-based businesses selling LEGO party favors, custom cast bases for Warhammer, and painted concrete yard sculptures.

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  PINTEREST

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Special thanks to author Henry Herz and the Schiffer Publishing team for the digital copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!