The Dream Stealer

We're just starting to get really into chapter books at our house, and this has become a favorite. It's a nice transition from the shorter tales (Grimm) and picture books (Wanda Gag, Jan Brett) to the longer format. I bought this because we are big fans of everything to do with Baba Yaga & Vasilissa the Brave, and it's true enough to those sources, and also full of nice imagery and satisfying turns of phrase. I was not previously aware that the author also wrote "Wicked" but now that I know it's not at all surprising: you can really imagine this being done up beautifully on a stage, and it plays out nicely on the stage of the imagination too. (There's even a pretty little song that ties the whole thing together) Anyway, it really works for us. I recommend it wholeheartedly for curling up with the little ones by the fire, or reading to the kids from the bed-side rocker as the snow comes down.

Good little short, great for young readers and not too dark. It reminds me of Grimm's a little bit due to the humanistic qualities of the characters. Recommended for young readers and adults that have 'little time' to enjoy reading.

Gregory Maguire is one of my all-time favourite writers. The Dream Stealer is more intended for the young-adult/pre-teen audience, but I enjoyed it well quite the same.

Who could say anything bad about this book? It's beautifully written, and scary as all get-out. I read it over a year ago, and it still haunts me. It is a pleasure to read aloud to children in grades 5-8. What an imaginative use of folklore! I am not familiar with all of the author's work, but I sure thought this stood on its own and I'm glad it is in print. Good for fans of Joan Aiken, and for Mordicai Gerstein's new book, The Old Country.

This wonderful novel written by Gregory Miguire is sure to enchant. The basic idea is for Pasha and Lisette, two village kids, to destroy the Blood Prince as it reeks havoc in nearby villages and on trains. This story is magical, but some people may not enjoy all of the dialogue. I really like the characters because you get to know the story behind them. I also think it is good that the author made it a girl and boy team. Pasha is a very brave boy ,yet he knows he can't do too much thanks to his short tempered grandfather. Lisette always thinks about her mother even though she has to be the one in her house who cooks,cleans, and takes care of her baby brother while her father does his best to earn money for his family. I really enjoyed the story. I know if you read it you'll like it too.