Douglas has a wonderful gift of storytelling, and will stand out wonderfully in the market! I have read many children's books, and this one has been by far one of the best children's books I've seen in ages!
Matchbox Dreams is amazingly well written. I love the concept behind a special plush toy being able to gateway to a magical Dreamland where Children can go on awesome adventures with their little plush friends who come magically alive. The toys make a marvelous addition. Even without them there is enough material to make dreams materialize from your words.
It's easy to fall in love with the main characters. They are easily relatable from a child's point of view. The book is also very appealing as an adult/parent/caregiver, to become part of a shareable nighttime ritual to induce a relaxed, creative sleep within the youngsters they care for. I can also see older children reading this willingly.
I personally love that it was set to begin in the 1900's, in a time before children were bombarded by instant entertainment, although we do have the surprise twist in the (no spoilers). I felt connected to Titus, Constance, Evie, Remy, and Harper on a personal level. I honestly can't wait, now that I've previewed the collection of stories, to share these with my own beloved children in hopes of encouraging their own adventures in Dreamland.
The reason it took me so long to read is I like to get engrossed with books. I want to be part of the adventures. Once I gained a proper balance to read, and join the scene, I found this to be quite the treasure! Most children can get into the story easily enough, especially at bedtime readings, so illustrations won't be necessary. They could be a potential bonus, but wouldn't feel required.
Overall this is an amazingly charming book by a wonderfully charming author! Very understanding to some unplanned life events, and I can't wait to share the adventures they have created with my own offspring! Can see the possibilities of cartoons and movies as well.
About the Reviewer:
My name's Jenifer, and I am a mother of 5 seeking to get away from the daily grind of a set 40+ hours a week schedule by reviewing books. I am artistic, crafty, and creative. I am an avid reader and enjoy writing, I have many skills and experience with a lot of different areas.
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I cannot stress how important Matchbox Dreams and books like it are to the target market.
There are three things that directly apply to the reason I truly enjoyed Matchbox Dreams:
1. I am a writer of flash fiction and enjoy the art of the short story as a writer and a reader.
2. I am a parent and I am also a grandparent. Today's children in the 3-7 years old range are overstimulated by tech and being robbed of the inspiration to create. Matchbox Dreams puts parents/grandparents at the controls all the way to and through Dreamland. The series has an infinite number of roads to take with applicable merchandise streams.
3. As an adult, I enjoy the vivid details. It's no secret that too many parents employ the plugin babysitter screens and have lost the key to raising well-rounded kids. Communication is everything. Even if it is as simple as reading. Even better if the adult enjoys the story as much as the kids! You can have a hero without a frightening villain and the story line supports that. The positive life lessons abound within the text and are very well placed.
I love that Evie started talking in her dreams first. It seems like a very early introduction to lucid dreaming and I find it delightful.
I believe the potential for Matchbox Dreams is as limitless as the Dreamworld. I like the way the introduction of next characters for book two at the end of book 1. Joel happens to be our son's name.
The way action is written into every story is commendable. There are some word choices throughout the book that will inspire children to ask for meaning and lead to increased vocabulary earlier in development.
I will follow you on Amazon to keep track of where this goes and what happens to Joel for the reason mentioned above. You have a great foundation to build upon.
Reviewer: TK Kinney
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