The Sandman - Hardcover

Fletcher, Ralph

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 080507726X ISBN 13: 9780805077261

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2008

Synopsis

Where did that little piece of sand in the corner of your eye come from? That's easy―the Sandman.

It all started a long time ago when a tiny man named Tor discovered that a dragon's scale held magical powers. Ground dragon scales make magic sand that Tor sprinkles in the eyes of children to help them fall asleep. But how does he get the scales to make the special sand? He has to venture into the lair of a dragon, and that's no easy feat!

This imaginative telling of the legend of the Sandman combined with fantastical, illuminating pictures will be enjoyed by the whole family.

About this title

About the Author

RALPH FLETCHER is the author of many books for young readers, from picture books to novels. He has also published books on how to write, and leads workshops on the subject. He lives with his family in Lee, New Hampshire.

RICHARD COWDREY has been a commercial illustrator for more than twenty years, and is the illustrator of the children's books Frosty the Snowman and Bad Dog, Marley! He drew inspiration for The Sandman from a tattered copy of the Brothers Hildebrandt's illustrated version of The Hobbit, which he came across many years ago. He lives in Gambier, Ohio.

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 2—This fabulous story explains the origins of the Sandman. Tor is a tiny fellow who finds a dragon's scale. Taking it home to his workshop, he studies it and then starts to sharpen it. The dust that gathers makes him fall asleep. Once awake, it's a small leap for him to imagine how helpful this dust will be to all who suffer from sleeplessness, especially children. Fletcher's smoothly written story flows in a thoroughly plausible way and is beautifully served by Cowdrey's vibrant acrylic paintings. Especially intriguing are the wonderful little details, like Tor's mouse-drawn carriage made out of buttons. The old-fashioned look is refreshingly straightforward, free of irony and adult-oriented nostalgia. All in all, this is a compelling story with pictures that add drama, charm, and atmosphere.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This picture book ponders the untold backstory of the famed sleep bringer, the Sandman. Tor, an inches-tall man who gets around in a mouse-drawn chariot, cannot sleep, no matter what he tries. Then he happens upon a dragon scale during a jaunt in the woods. He discovers that the powder made by grinding down the scale induces sleep and travels far and wide to sprinkle his amazing sand in the eyes of sleepless children. Fletcher’s spin on the classic character responsible for suddenly leaden lids is helped along by Cowdry’s quaint, deeply hued artwork. Especially appealing is the clever detailing of Tor’s miniature world—a postage stamp hung as art, warm baths taken in a ladle—as well as the Sandman’s gentle, grandfatherly face as he spreads his magic dust night after night. While there is a nice touch of adventure when Tor must restock his supply from a fire-breathing dragon, the beast is not frightening enough to sour the dreams sure to follow this charming and comforting bedtime tale. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Ian Chipman

Edition details

• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 080507726X
• ISBN 13: 9780805077261
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Cowdrey Richard
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32