The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie (The Guardians of Childhood)

Although the cover definitely looked as it had been loved, it didn’t lend itself to look as new as hoped. Love the story and the artwork.

These stories are akin to the old fairy tales with a story the children found appealing & gorgeous illustrations. I bought them to be read to young children of 3 & 5. I think they might still be of interest to children who are able to read independently.

This second Guardians of Childhood picture book (following The Man in the Moon) has the feel of a classic myth or fairy tale, one that has been told again and again. As with his other Guardians of Childhood picture books and novels, Joyce fuses fantasy, mythology, folklore and science fiction to create a truly interesting tale that feels fresh and original, while simultaneously feeling classic and timeless.The picture books in this series (as opposed to the novels) necessarily tell simpler, more straightforward tales, giving the background of their main characters. As a comic book fan, they remind me of the origin issues of classic superheroes, telling you who they are and how they came to be, while creating anticipation for future adventures. I look forward to the Sandman's appearances in the other books in the series, as well as the upcoming Rise of the Guardians movie.Joyce's art, as usual, is deceptively clean and clear on the surface, while closer examination reveals a great deal of detail. The design of the book and art echo the classic tone of the story, with strong art nouveau influences (if I'm getting my art terminology right). I keep using the term "classic," by which I mean it feels timeless. It doesn't feel old-fashioned, nor is it self-consciously trying to be contemporary, in a way that will feel incredibly dated after just a few years.That this series ties in to an upcoming movie shouldn't put readers off; as I understand it, Joyce came up with the concept of the Guardians of Childhood decades ago, and the movie is adapted from his concept. Interestingly, work on the movie (which Joyce co-wrote and co-directed) influenced this book, as Joyce gives credit for some of the designs to artists working on the movie. Regardless of its origins, the whole Guardians of Childhood project is one that I'm really enjoying, and look forward to future installments in whatever medium they show up in.

Of the three in this series, The Sandman is definitely my son's favorite. Relative to a lot of other books out there, I really enjoy reading these books to my 4yo... and since I'm the one reading them, that's kinda important. My son is good with them--the art is fantastic--although the writing is merely decent.

For Mother's Day, I got a gift card to buy books and this was one that I bought with it!!! William Joyce's Guardians of Childhood picture book series is one of my all-time favorites and we just discovered them last year!! The illustrations are spectacular and the storylines absolutely creative. We were introduced to this series by the beautiful animated film inspired by it, called The Rise of the Guardians, which I also highly recommend. This one is about the Sandman and how he came to be. It has one page with the villain that is a little intense for little ones so please do preview it before reading with your little! William Joyce has also written a chapter book series on these characters, so make sure to specify which ones you want if you order or request this from the library. 5/5🌟

I got this book for my son for Easter. He has just turned 6, and was quite taken with the story, as was I. The book is very good quality, the illustrations are exquisite! The text weaves a beautiful story involving the Sandman (Sandy) and the Man in the Moon (MiM). My son, who had recently seen the movie "Rise of the Guardians" thought this book really added to the Sandman character from the movie. After reading the story (which is scary in parts but quite comforting overall) for bedtime one night, my son snuggled in with a sigh and said: "I hope the Sandman visits me with his beautiful dreams!" It was magical, and the book is a definite keeper and has earned a permanent place on our bookshelf.Highly recommended!

After seeing Rise of the Guardians I was very interested to learn that these books existed.The story here is the origin of Sandy and I'm really struck by the fact that it appeals to the kidand the adult in me (my daughter really likes it too, lol!). The prose aspect of the story isdecent and gets the author's point accross well enough, but for me the illustrations arewhat bring the whole thing home! Either way, its a book worth checking out if you enjoy top-notchillustration, liked the ROTG movie, or are looking for a great new book to share with yourchild/children.

I first read this book at my local library and loved it. I decided to buy a copy to share with my nieces and nephews, because this is a story worth owning and sharing. William Joyce has written a wonderfully fanciful tale of the Sandman, aka Sanderson Mansnoozie, and how he works with the Man in the Moon to ensure all children sleep well and have wonderful dreams. Children will want to look at this book over and over again to enjoy its richly detailed illustrations. This would make an excellent gift, as well as Joyce's other book of the same size and style, The Man in the Moon.

Although this is a visually pleasing story, it has to be read after 'The Man in The Moon' in order for it to make sense. And there is a distinct feeling that the ending not really the end, which it isn't, of course, because this book is number two of a series.Not for small children or reading aloud. This is a book to savour the exquisite illustrations (pay attention!) while consulting the story for the added explanation.

"The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie" is a charming and wonderful edition to William Joyce's "The Guardians of Childhood" series and will be a delight for both children and adults to read.The most charming factor in truth is it familiarity. How many of us are taught about the sandman without even giving it much thought? This tale gives us a fantastical and imaginative way of looking at the classical character, from a loving perspective. I personally found this book more than met my expectations, and believe that children will delight in hearing this tale of the Sandman, and that adults will enjoy reading it, if they allow themselves to get caught up in the adventure.I would recommend that you first obtain "The Man in the Moon" by William joyce before purchase, as it is somewhat of a prequel, and epilogue to the entire "The Guardians of Childhood" series and will give a much deeper meaning tot his tale if read first.I have given this book 5/5 stars as I found it was absolute perfection, in every aspect.

The illustrations of Sandy are consistent with the film Rise of the Guardians. Like the Man in the Moon it was read in one sitting, some difficult words but helps with the development of her interest in words.Has been returned to several times, it did move her into the next book [there are three more but normal books with some pictures - I went for the boxed set] which she is persevering with so much that I have had to "catch-up" a chapter here and there.

Such a wonderful story, I read it with my four year old regularly and we always spend so much time looking at the pictures as well as listening to the words and discussing what's happening. Its a good mixture of real world (but not too much!) and fantasy. Pure escapism wanting your child to imagine there could be parts of the world and universe like this. Truly a book to be savoured. A wonderful gift to give for christmas or birthdays - would recommend from 4 up to read together.

Extraordinary book! Absolutely fantastic!!! Great story and so much beautiful, beautiful pictures.