Engelbert Sneem and His Dream Vacuum Machine

The graphics and text in Engelbert Sneem work in tandem to create an uncommonly thrilling story, something memorable and extraordinary. On the title page the reader is entranced by the image of a silhouetted Engelbert Sneem in a flying carriage pulled by two dragons. Within ten pages is a double page dose of darkness and gloom, a lonely castle jutting up from a pile of dark rocks into the black clouds, lightning punctuating the sky, waves crashing against the rocks, and the same Engelbert Sneem pulled by harnessed dragons nearing home. The intense, gripping mood created is comparable to Disney's best. Told in rhyme, the story's natural smooth rhythm lends itself to oral reading. A masterful reader will have his/her listeners sitting rapturously on edge with this oversized book.

I would rank this as one of the best childrens books I've seen (and I've seen quite a few really bad ones). We not only own this book but it has become a standard gift for the birthday parties my children attend. It is a clever story (both plot and rhyming) and is well illustrated. It is right up there with the Grinch who Stole Christmas. Don't pass this one up. Cheers, Tom Phillips

We borrowed this book from the library and we like it so much we're going to buy it for our permanent collection. My four and a half year old son really enjoys the vibrant pictures and the lovely rhythm of the words is as soothing as a Dr. Seuss book. I also like that the villain, Mr. Sneem, decides that he "must change my ways" and becomes a hero in the end. Highly, highly recommended! Note: this book was originally published in the UK, so some words will be new to a young American reader.

Clever story about a reformed dream-stealer with wonderfully vibrant illustrations. Some pages had too much text, but then others were nice and concise so it balanced out.