Title: Mabel and the Queen of Dreams
Written By: Henry, Joshua and Harrison Herz
Illustrated By: Lisa Woods
Published By: Schiffer Publishing, 2016
Genre: Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 2-6
Themes/Topics: Bedtime / Dreams / Fairy Tales
Opening:
Mabel was an expert at not going to sleep.
"I'm thirsty."
"I am not tired."
"I have to pee."
"I'm too tangled to sleep."
"Will you tell me a story?" That always worked.
Brief Synopsis: From the publisher: Little Mabel is an expert at not going to sleep. She knows all the best bed-time avoiding excuses....Luckily, Mom's quiver of bedtime tales includes the story of the Fae Queen, who paints children's dreams and can visit only when their eyes are closed. The story is inspired by Mercutio's soliloquy in Romeo and 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 worm in a 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 coax their kids to sleep.
Why I Like This Book: Many, many reasons, including everything mentioned above, especially the Romeo and Juliet reference! I truly liked that a timeless, universal problem has been portrayed in an new and interesting way and nodded toward classic literature. Notably, the thread was seamlessly woven into a modern bedtime story. I truly appreciated the effective set-up, structure and resolution of this lyrical picture book. The illustrations were well-matched and engaging. Well done!
