Lexile Measure: 810 (What's this?)
Series: The Guardians (Book 4)
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (November 5, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1442430540
ISBN-13: 978-1442430549
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 7.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #119,816 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #44 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Alligators & Crocodiles #52 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Easter #522 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Sleep
Age Range: 7 - 11 years
Grade Level: 2 - 6
In many ways, this book gives us a lot of more exploration on some parts. We learn a lot more about Pitch Black and Mother Nature's tragic backstory, but it feels as if it comes at a price, which is that the story feels far too fast paced, while it at the same time is lacking some important points that seemed incredibly important in the other books (such as a locket that was rather vital in the second book and a bit in the third book). The theory behind this, might be the rush there has been, and possible a couple of editings that doesn't seem to quite fit. Another is that Mr. Joyce might be rushing to try and fit the universe of his books together with the universe of the Rise of the Guardians film, which shouldn't be necessary.Aside from that, some parts of this book still continue to rise more questions, which will hopefully be resolved in what seems to be the final book of the series. We will just have to wait and see.On a more positive note, the book did have some cute moments, as well as some really funny ones. Despite the negative points that I have already mentioned, I enjoyed the book and I hope others will too.
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 entire series is great, and stands well alongside the movie without either detracting from the other (as often happens with movie adaptations)! It's the perfect mix of action/adventure and whimsy for bedtime reading with the kids, and it entertaining enough for the adults involved too. Can't wait for the final book to drop!
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.
The Guardian series a fabulous set of books and lovely companion to the movie Rise of the Guardians. They are a beautiful way to help stir a child's imagination to go beyond what was already put in front of them by the movie. The Sandman is the fourth book in the Guardian series and a lovely continuation of an on-going storyline created Joyce in his previous books. I am looking forward to sharing these stories with my nieces, and waiting patiently for the fifth book. These books are imagination at their finest.
As I wrote before, I've read science fiction, history, and several good war novels. But every once in a while it's nice to be able to read a book for younger readers. The Guardian trilogy was superb and this book is just as good. I recommend these books to anyone who likes to read.
The Sandman and the War of Dreams (The Guardians) Sandman Mystery Theatre Book One (Sandman Mystery Theater (Graphic Novels)) Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel: Guardians of the Galaxy) (Little Golden Book) Guardians of the Galaxy: Guardians of Infinity Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3: Guardians Disassembled (Marvel Now) The Sandman, Vol. 6: Fables and Reflections The Sandman, Vol. 2: The Doll's House The Sandman, Vol. 3: Dream Country The Sandman: Overture Deluxe Edition The Sandman, Vol. 4: Season of Mists The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes (New Edition) The Sandman, Vol. 5: A Game of You Dreams: The Hidden Meaning And Interpretations Behind Your Dreams: Dream Interpretation - Learn About What Goes on Inside Your Head While You Sleep Reflections & Dreams: Reflections, Dance of Dreams Making War/Making Peace (vol 3 of Defeating Terrorism/Developing Dreams : Beyond 9/11 and the Iraq War) E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth's Core! (The Guardians) Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King (The Guardians) Guardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings from Our Dogs and Cats The Art of Halo 5: Guardians Marvel Super Heroes Coloring Book: Super hero, Hero, book, Wolverine, Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-men, Defenders, Illuminati, Fantastic Four, ... Human Torch, Comic, Captain America, Groot,