Als der Sandmann fast verschlafen hätte

by Daniela Drescher

"Impressively beautiful" - Midwest Book Review on In the Land of Elves

"Luminous illustrations in pencil and vibrant watercolors" - Kirkus Reviews on An Illustrated Treasury of Grimm's Fairy Tales

Every evening, when the sun sets and everyone else is going to bed, Jacob the Sandman wakes up and starts work.

Then one night Jacob sleeps too deeply and wakes up late! He rushes to Dream Sand Hill but there, atop the pile of dream sand, is a scary Night Monster, snoring his terrible snore.

Jacob the Sandman must collect the magic dream sand so that the children of the world can dream happy dreams. Fortunately, the Night Monster turns out to be not so scary after all.


This beautiful bedtime tale is perfect for encouraging sweet dreams and banishing nightmares. The luminous illustrations by much-loved artist Daniela Drescher will make this a new night-time favourite.

Genres: Picture Books

Hardcover

Published March 8, 2017

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in German, this story is perfect for chasing away those monsters or fears that might keep youngsters from going to sleep or sleeping soundly. After Jacob the Sandman sleeps longer than usual, he and his helper, Milo, are running late in gathering the dream sand needed to insure that youngsters dream happy dreams. When they arrive at Dream Sand Hill, they find a monster sleeping atop the sand they need to gather. As it turns out, the Night Monster isn't scary at all; he's just lonely and looking for a cozy place to sleep, which is what brings him to those children's bedrooms at night, not to scare them. Because the Sandman is already running late, he agrees to let Night Monster come along on his mission, and they all fly through the air in a hot air balloon, scattering magic sand to aid in good dreams. Youngsters will love the way the story ends, and be impressed with the lovely colors and details in the book's almost magical illustrations.

[Readersaurus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published in German, Sandman is an original and thoughtful explanation of the origins of dreams. It is also a lovely story of open-mindedness and friendship that relates its message to the reader with a light touch.

Jacob the Sandman and his friend Milo the Mouse need to collect magic dream sand from under the moon – without it, sleeping children won’t be able to dream their happiest dreams. One night, Jacob oversleeps. When Jacob and Milo arrive at Dream Sand Hill, they find the Night Monster snoring on top. Is this a disaster for Jacob and for children all over the world? Or, is it an opportunity?

Drescher’s dreamy illustrations are sweet and sleepy, depicting a world of magical creatures that invites you to visit it in your sleep. There’s a bonus lullaby on the last page.

To whom would you recommend this book? Families in search of a new favorite bedtime story, fans of elvish creatures, and families with children who may be facing some night-time fears.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the review copy.*

I am about to go to sleep and I just read this book and it has left me with the happiest, most peaceful feeling. The story was a delight and the illustrations so gorgeous I want some of them as pictures for my bedroom.

Jacob and Milo are such sweet characters and I love the message behind the Night Monster.

This is the perfect book to read little ones at bedtime, especially if they are scared of the monsters under their beds.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Translated from German, this is a sweet bedtime story about how Sandman met the Night Monster.
Calm and reassuring for those with bedtime jitters, it is sure to bear repeated readings. Descher's dreamy illustrations are stunning. "The Sandman's Song" (music and lyrics) in back are a bonus.

Recommended for grades PreS-K.

[Anne Lutomia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that demystifies night monsters.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet bedtime story. I had not thought about the Sandman in decades--and this story added some magic to that legend. Sweet dreams!

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

my 3 year old just loved this book and I'm not sure why. it is cute but it's pretty long and there are a lot of words on each page. it's pretty easy to think of this as fantasy.

[Erin Wix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book to my 1 and 3 year olds at bed time, we all loved it. A cute story about bed time dreams!

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.