Where do dreams go when they disappear? In "The Library of Lost Dreams," Dahlia is about to uncover a big secret! She finds a magical library with whispering books and a very special golden owl. But the dreams are fading away, and Dahlia is the only one who can help. Join her on a thrilling adventure filled with magic, mystery, and the courage to believe in the impossible.
Andrei Goanta writes books for children, inspired by his family and the small magical moments hidden in everyday life. He blends classic storytelling with digital art to create worlds that feel both timeless and alive, and he's learning something new with every book he makes. Right now, he's deep into the "Library of Lost Dreams" series. All three books are live and ready to read: "The Library of Lost Dreams: Special Expanded Edition: A Magical Adventure of Courage and Imagination," "The Library of lost dreams - Journey into the past: The Expanded Edition: A Magical Library Time Travel Adventure," and "The Library of lost dreams - Journey into the future: The Expanded Edition: A High-Stakes Adventure into the Future." Next year, he'll start working on the final book in the series, Book 4: "Parallel World," where Dahlia's journey reaches its biggest, most dangerous adventure yet. Want sneak peeks, updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of what's coming next? Follow along on his author journey!
A shimmering tribute to imagination, childhood wonder, and the stories that save us.
One of those rare middle-grade fantasies that feels at once timeless yet startlingly original is Andrei Goanta's The Library of Lost Dreams. It centers around Dahlia, a quiet, introspective girl who finds magic in places others don't; old toys, empty swings, forgotten nooks, and crannies in the world. Where adults call her "distracted" or "imaginative," the truth is far more extraordinary.
Everything changes when she opens a mysterious library door that shouldn't exist and steps into the Library of Lost Dreams, a breathtaking archive where children's dreams are kept as glowing books. The golden owl guardian is whimsical, wise, and a little world-weary, setting just the right tone for a place equal parts enchanting and tragic.
The central conflict is beautifully symbolic: a creeping force known as The Silence, which consumes dreams from the inside out. When a dream dies, a real-world child loses their sense of wonder. The metaphor is powerful-how often do we see creativity dim as children grow or as life gets overwhelming?
The good vs evil quest does not drive Dahlia on her journey but rather an introspective, gentle, deeply emotional one. She must find out the secret of The Silence, rooted in a truth of compassion rather than destruction. This message raises the book from magical adventure to something much deeper: healing can seldom be about fighting; it's about understanding.
The expanded edition enriches the worldbuilding even further, offering more scenes, more lore, and more heart.
This book is a shining, tender, and imaginative tale perfect for dreamers of all ages.
I recently read The Library of Lost Dreams: Special Expanded Edition, and I found it to be a charming and enchantingly written children’s fantasy that works beautifully on multiple levels. At its surface, it is a delightful adventure for young readers; beneath that, it carries meaningful themes of imagination, courage, empathy and the healing power of stories.
The story follows Dahlia, a book-loving girl with the rare ability to sense the “left-over magic” in the world. One day she discovers a hidden door in her local library, and instead of dusty archives she enters the magical realm of the Library of Lost Dreams, where every child’s forgotten or neglected dream exists as a glowing book under the watch of a wise golden owl. But a creeping darkness, known simply as The Silence, is feeding on those dreams—and thus Dahlia’s adventure truly begins.
The narrative is whimsical and poignant that blends a premise strong appeal: children who love books will be drawn in, and adults reading along will appreciate the metaphorical resonance. Dahlia's characterization has emotional layering that make the book stand out from the other fantasy world. The prose carries a gentle lyricism that gives it appeal for readers of all age groups.
The story necessarily remains light in character development and plot complexity. Dahlia is engaging but perhaps not as richly layered as protagonists in longer middle grade novels. For some readers seeking depth this may feel a little thin. The story takes time to develop and connect with the readers.
In my opinion, The Library of Lost Dreams is an unequivocally positive reading experience. It may not aim for the epic sweep of some middle-grade fantasy sagas, but that is precisely its charm: it invites you into a world that is compact, magical, and tender. The strongest aspect is its tone: hopeful without being saccharine, imaginative without being frenetic. I particularly liked Dahlia’s gentle heroism; she doesn’t dominate by power but by empathy.
This was an absolutely delightful book with stunning illustrations and a tale of hope that is very much needed in the world today.
Dahlia stumbles through a hidden door in the library. This alone is enough to hook any book lover!
The adventure that follows shows that fears can be overcome with kindness, empathy and encouragement.
This magical tale is told in a way that will appeal to the targeted age group (7-8 year olds) and adults alike. The writing itself flows beautifully with almost poetic descriptions and the underlying message to never give up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved reading this book with my 6 year old. She was really engaged with the story and wondering what would happen next. The amazing illustrations really added to the book and made it a very enjoyable experience. This book is perfect for young and middle grade readers (and those of us young at heart!).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Library of Lost Dreams by Andrei Goanta is a magical and heartwarming children’s book that celebrates imagination, courage, and the power of believing in oneself.
The story follows Dahlia, a curious child, who stumbles upon a forgotten library and a hidden treasure in her town’s library. This leads to the enchanting world called The Library of Lost Dreams, where each and every dream is preserved as a precious book.
But these dreams are in danger because a mysterious force called The Silence is seeking to devour them, and it falls upon Dahlia’s shoulders to save all these dreams. This book further shows how Dahlia, through courage, kindness, and motivation, once again illuminates The Library of Lost Dreams.
I liked how the author symbolized everything through the role of Dahlia. We, as human beings, forget our dreams because of lack of courage, self-doubt, and judgments. The author points out we all need a Dahlia in ourselves. A little nudge, a little push to pursue that flicked dream. A kind word or gesture from someone can take us to the ultimate “sights of happiness.”
The imagery of glistening books and a fading library creates a sense of wonder and courage. The moral lessons are woven into the story. This book encourages both children and adults to nurture their creativity and face their fears with courage. This book is a great pick for storytelling to your kids. It helps in keeping that spark alive.
A wonderful child-friendly book full of magic and wonder
Books like this take the reader on a fantastical journey that's interesting, fun and full of wonder. The main character, Dahlia, is transported into another world and time (already the makings of a great journey), where she must work with Astra (an owl) to save dreams so she can return home. She meets many characters along the way, and the story moves swiftly with short, easy-to-read chapters. (I especially found the broccoli monster humorous). For those who study storytelling and the hero’s journey, this story has all the hallmarks of a writer who understands the elements of moving the story along while introducing wonder and excitement. There are many important lessons learnt along the way, such as believing in yourself and not allowing other negative external voices to stop you from achieving what you want to in life. The book contains many beautiful illustrations to reinforce the reader's imagination, and they all complement the story very well. Overall, it's a fun, entertaining read that takes kids (and adults) on an imaginative journey that's refreshing, cute, and a perfect introduction to get kids interested in fantasy stories.
" The Silence wasn't born evil; it had been made that way by a broken heart"
The artwork was the first thing that caught my eye upon receiving the book! It made me appreciate reading on my tablet. There were several times I caught myself giggling at the main character, reminding myself that she is in 2nd grade. I started this book and finished it the same day. I thought it would be a great small read in between my big reads. I WAS NOT disappointed! I would recommend this for middle school aged reader. I will say as an adult I found myself reading it and it opened my eyes to the way kids take different things in their life. Not only how they take something but, how long it can be held onto well into adulthood, and affect someone.
The lesson in the book is a great one for anyone of any age to learn or read!
The quote from the book is one everyone can resonate with. The theme is relatable. The character is not only learning about herself, but she is learning about others and the world around her. Kindness makes the world go around, and just because someone else doesn't like it doesn't mean you can't do it for yourself! If it makes you happy, then do it! I love that about the entire story.
When it all comes out whether you're 0 to 100 you will enjoy this story from the start to the finish!
Dahlia's world is a whispered secret, a gentle breeze that stirs the imagination. This enchanting tale whispers truths about the power of kindness, the weight of forgotten stories, and the bravery of listening to the shadows. As Dahlia ventures into the Library of Lost Dreams, we're swept into a realm where dreams breathe, shimmer, and fade like fireflies in the night. The Silence, a creeping darkness, isn't a monster to be vanquished, but a sorrow to be understood. This story is a tender reminder that the greatest magic lies not in spells or swords, but in the courage to listen, to heal, and to love. A luminous read that will leave you believing in the magic of kindness, and the stories that linger, waiting to be told.
"The Library of Lost Dreams" (Biblioteca Viselor Pierdute) by Andrei Goanta is an absolutely magical book that fully deserves 5 stars! It's not just a children's story, but a valuable lesson in hope for anyone who has ever felt a dream was suspended in time.
The author's illustrations are singularly beautiful, transforming every page into a gateway to the enchanting realm of forgotten dreams. Dalia's adventures are an emotional call for us to rediscover our courage and kindness, showing us that the greatest act of magic is to understand someone else's story. A read that heals the soul and restores the joy of dreaming! Highly recommended.
Dahlia is a girl who likes books, and her favourite place in the world is the town library. One day, she finds an ancient book that looks enchanted, and she discovers a hidden library where all the children’s dreams are kept. However, The Silence is stealing these dreams, and she has to restore them. The book is easy to read and understand, imaginative and perfect for children to enjoy. This was an absolutely delightful read with beautiful illustrations. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Omgosh this book is absolutely beautiful! The story is so adorable. I could totally relate to this as I loved to read when I was a child and it's continued throughout adulthood. My daughter who is 3, loved this book as well. She loved the illustrations. This book is well written. I can't wait to read the others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Library of Lost Dreams is a sweet and magical story about a girl named Dahlia who finds a hidden library full of lost dreams. Each dream is like a small light, and a big golden owl protects them. I really enjoyed reading this amazing book. The story teaches that even small acts of goodness can make a big difference. The writing is easy to read and full of wonder, making it great for kids and anyone who loves stories about magic and hope. It’s not a scary or heavy book, but a warm and positive one that reminds us to believe in our dreams and never give up on what makes us happy. It’s perfect if you want a story about creativity, imagination, courage shown through kindness, and believing in dreams.
I truly enjoyed this tale of lost dreams. This story follows Dahlia as she navigates a dream world full of disappointments and crushed dreams. As she moves through it, she spreads love, wisdom, and encouragement that all dreamers, no matter their age, need to hear every now and then.
The beginning seems a bit jumbled as the author works on introducing the characters and the world, but once we move into the Library, everything becomes more clear.
In a real world full of angst and sadness, it's good for everyone to read and remember, the world is made of dreamers.
I enjoyed the story but the art work within it is absolutely beautiful!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
This was a nice quick read that keeps your entertained and drawn into the story! Perfect for young readers into magic and adventure! I really appreciated the visuals, and the descriptions throughout the book. The story was exciting and so creative. I flew through it. Would highly recommend to young readers!
This is a challenging and profound read that will make you question not just the stories you've lost, but also the ones you've left behind. It's a book for those ready to venture into the darkest corners of memory to discover that sometimes, the most important stories are the ones we've forgotten.
My children, aged 8 & 9, both loved this story. The illustrations are beautiful & it’s a lovely little tale, full of magic, wonder & a good uplifting message. My autistic son particularly loved the magical owl.
I really enjoyed reading this story about dreams and keeping them alive. It has a very important lesson to never give up and be true to yourself! It’s the perfect lullaby, with lovely graphics.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The library of lost dreams, is a magical children’s book. This book will take you back to the days when you might have loved bedtime stories.
Dahlia is lost in a forgotten library, where she ends up in a beautiful magical world, where each dream she ever saw, is preserved in a book.
Dahlia’s mission is to save all these dreams from a mysterious force. The story continues to evolve around how Dahlia saved all of those dreams through courage and kindness. It is an amazing book, with a beautiful imagination behind those words.
Amazing book to encourage children to face their fears with courage, keep their creativity and kindness alive.
A quick, imaginative read that whisks young readers into a library where every book is a doorway. Dahlia’s adventure—with a time-travel twist and a memory-stealing villain—hits all the right middle-grade fantasy beats. Perfect for kids who love magical quests and fast pacing.
The Library of Lost Dreams: A Magical Adventure of Courage and Imagination is a beautifully imaginative story centered around Dahlia, a little girl whose curiosity and bravery lead her into a world full of wonder. I loved how the library itself feels alive—mysterious, magical, and filled with forgotten dreams waiting to be rediscovered. Dahlia is a wonderful character to follow. Her journey shows that courage isn’t about being fearless but about believing in yourself and taking that first step into the unknown. The story celebrates imagination in a gentle yet powerful way, making it both magical and meaningful. This book is a heartwarming reminder of the power of dreams and the magic found in stories. It is a truly enchanting read for young readers and anyone who still believes in wonder.
The Library of Lost Dreams is a beautifully imaginative and atmospheric read. From the very first pages, the story pulls you into a world where books, memory, and imagination intertwine in haunting yet hopeful ways. It feels both like a fairy tale and a philosophical meditation on why we dream, why we lose, and why we keep searching.
The author’s prose is lyrical, almost dreamlike, and the imagery lingers long after you close the last page. What I loved most was how the narrative balances mystery with emotion it doesn’t just describe a library of forgotten stories, it makes you feel what it means to lose and rediscover them.
Though short in length (about 78 pages), it’s packed with atmosphere and meaning. If you enjoy books like The Night Circus or works by Neil Gaiman, you’ll likely appreciate the same sense of wonder and darkness here.
Overall, this is a hidden gem a book that reminds you why stories matter, even the ones we forget.
This one is a magical, heartwarming and inspiring children’s book that is about the imagination, dreams, courage to peruse them and the power of believing in yourself.
The story follows Dahlia a young and curious child with a special power to listen the silence. Who one day stumbles upon the secret and enchanting world tucked in the corner of her town library where she explores the new world ‘THE LIBERARY OF LOST DREAMS’ where every dream is kept saved in the form of a book. Now with these dreams being in the danger of disappearance or devoured by the SILENCE it is Dahlia’s responsibility to save them.
This book very beautifully explores the truth of life where self doubt, lack of motivation or courage, and judgments from people around us makes us forget our dreams. The author points out how just a little nudge, a few words of encouragement can mean the world to someone and would lead them to pursue their dream.
This is a great book with a beautiful moral for the kids and the story telling is easy enough for the understanding of young minds. Motivational enough for the kids to fight for their dreams even when in doubt. A lovely book I’d like to recommend to all the kids and to those adults who might want a little nudge too.
Thank you @kharidbechoboooks for the opportunity to read this amazing and inspiring book.
The Library of Lost Dreams by A. Goanta is an enchanting read which keeps the readers hooked till the end. Such a charming and delightful read which captures the beauty of imagination.
The Library of Lost Dreams is a Magical Adventure of Courage and Imagination. The story centers around Dahlia, who has always been a dreamer. Dahlia finds a hidden library full of lost dreams. This sweet and magical read is about lost dreams. A wise golden owl keeps watch over them and that place is beautiful.
The story is intriguing with a fast-paced plot. The author's writing style is vivid and flawless. The beautiful illustrations make this book more interesting to read. Such an engrossing and charming fantasy read. It is a beautiful read for young readers with the themes of courage and kindness.
Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
Dahlia, the curious protagonist of the book 'The Library of Lost Dreams' by Andrei Goanta discovers a hidden mysterious library filled with books which contain forgotten dreams. Every dream a kid has ever had lives there as a book made of light and a wise golden owl keeps a watch over them. The place is beautiful but impossibly real.
However, with this mesmerizing place, a tragedy along with a challenge unfolds before Dahlia. This place is ending and only Dahlia can save it. But how? What are the challenges ahead? Would she be able to save the vanishing dreams and childhood of these children? To know this, you are highly recommended to pick up this short and simple fantasy fiction. The story is simply intriguing. Dahlia's character is also well-sketched. Moreover, the graphics and edits in the book makes it more interesting for kids as well adults alike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Library of Lost Dreams by Andrei Goanta is a beautifully tender tale that gently nudges us to remember the quiet strength of dreams and the power of kindness. The story centers around Dahlia, a curious young girl who stumbles upon a hidden library filled with glowing books that hold forgotten dreams. But when a dark force known as The Silence threatens to wipe these dreams away forever, Dahlia discovers that the way to protect them isn’t through fighting, but through empathy, hope, and understanding.
Goanta’s writing feels like a soft, comforting whisper, wrapping you in warmth and wonder with every turn of the page. The story is rich with symbolism—the library serves as a metaphor for those neglected corners of our imagination, while Dahlia’s journey highlights the importance of nurturing creativity and compassion. The illustrations are just as enchanting, adding a visual magic that complements the emotional depth of the narrative.
Though it’s aimed at children, The Library of Lost Dreams resonates with readers of all ages, reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can breathe life back into a lost dream.
A little girl finds herself in a magical library where she can enter others' dreams and help them find hope and confidence that translates to real life. But there's a Shadow lurking, intent on preventing exactly this.
Given that its target audience is 8 and 9 year olds, this book is doing pretty well. It has a good ratio of text to illustrations, and the concepts are explored well enough to make a point without getting preachy. The characters are charming, and the illustrations add a lot to the magic. The text, though unexpectedly formatted in poetic shapes, is easy to read and has a touch of lyricism that helps the story feel more magical.
You can tell it's self-published. There isn't as much emotional resonance as I'd like to see in a book this length because the book relies a lot on wide description instead of personal details. That is, we get a lot of "She usually did this and felt like this, but now she feels this." The whole book isn't like this, but there's enough of this kind of language that it feels like the action never quite begins. The problems the protagonist faces are relatable for children but are also pretty easy to solve, which creates a sense of hope and confidence but also does little to add to the momentum of the story.
I kind of hate that we live in a world where everything in this art style strikes me as "probably AI." These pictures have enough consistency and specific detail that I'm sure the illustrator took a firm hand with it, but there are also a few easy mistakes (Why does the donkey have a horse tail?) that make me distrust the illustrations a bit. I'm no AI hater; I get that illustrations are time-consuming and expensive to produce, but I feel a lot better knowing that the illustrator has done their research and crafted something authentic.
Overall, I would recommend this book to young readers, specifically early elementary students who love magic, beautiful and trendy images, and are gaining confidence with chapter books but aren't quite ready to embark on something without copious illustrations. I wouldn't recommend it to adult readers; the story doesn't have enough complexity to keep the average adult mind engaged. But if you're looking for a book for children, you could do far worse.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
The Library of Lost Dreams: Special Expanded Edition: A Magical Adventure of Courage and Imagination By Andrei Goanta Publisher: Independently Published Published Date: September 3, 2025 ASIN : B0FH5D12CB Page Count: 51 (Expanded Edition) Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Did I Just Walk Into? Dahlia, a book-loving kid with a knack for sensing leftover magic, wanders into the library and accidentally stumbles through a secret door. Instead of dusty archives and a grumpy librarian, she finds a realm where every child’s dream is a glowing book guarded by a giant golden owl. Cute, right? Until The Silence shows up to chow down on those dreams like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet. Dahlia has to figure out how to save imagination itself, not by swinging a sword, but by doing something wild for a fantasy quest—listening.
Here’s What Slapped: The concept: a hidden library full of lost dreams? Yes please, sign me up for a library card.
Dahlia isn’t a sword-wielding chosen one, she’s a kind kid who proves listening is just as brave.
The Silence is more tragic than terrifying, which makes the story surprisingly thoughtful.
Illustrations that look like someone raided a rainbow and painted joy on the page.
Short chapters and fast pacing make it perfect for young readers dipping their toes into fantasy.
What Could’ve Been Better: You’ll want book two immediately, and it’s still in revision. Patience is not a middle-grade reader’s strong suit.
Perfect for Readers Who Love: Middle-grade fantasy with actual heart Libraries with secret doors (who doesn’t) Talking owls with questionable bite etiquette Stories where kindness is the superpower Quick, magical reads that leave you smiling
Book Series Order: The Library of Lost Dreams: Special Expanded Edition: A Magical Adventure of Courage and Imagination Book 1 of 3: The Library of Lost Dreams The Library of lost dreams - Journey into the past: The Expanded Edition: A Magical Library Time Travel Adventure Book 2 of 3: The Library of Lost Dreams The Library of Lost Dreams - Journey into the future Book 3 of 3: The Library of Lost Dreams
A hidden library filled with lost dreams? Absolutely!
Dahlia isn’t a sword-wielding chosen one; she’s a courageous kid who proves that listening is a powerful act in itself.
The Silence delivers a poignant and thought-provoking narrative, emphasizing its tragic qualities over mere terror.
The illustrations are vibrant and joy-filled, as if someone raided a rainbow and splashed it across the pages.
With concise chapters and a quick pace, this book is a must-read for young readers eager to dive into the fantasy genre. It's an excellent story for children, especially those who are just starting with chapter books. The illustrations are striking and impossible to ignore.
The most compelling aspect of this story is its impactful message for children. To quote the book, “I understand that every dream, no matter how small or forgotten, is important.” It powerfully conveys the importance of chasing dreams and never giving up. Often, it just takes one small voice to inspire another to pursue their dreams.
My great-granddaughter and I made this journey together. Watching her eyes light up with wonder as each discovery was uncovered was heart-warming. Since she's just learning sight words and beginning to read with an adult's help, it took the fear away from chapter books while encouraging her to dream, imagine, and feed her love of reading. We're eagerly looking forward to reading more of Dahlia’s adventures!
The Library of Lost Dreams: Special Expanded Edition by Andrei Goanta is a beautifully written tale that blends whimsy, mystery, and heartfelt emotion. The story follows Dahlia, a curious girl who senses the traces of magic hidden in everyday life. Her discovery of a secret library transforms an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure, pulling readers into a world where imagination breathes and stories come alive. Goanta’s vivid imagery and lyrical prose create a dreamlike atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and wondrous. The golden owl, the keeper of stories, serves as a wise and mystical guide, embodying the heart of the tale’s message. Themes of courage, kindness, and the quiet power of empathy flow throughout the book, culminating in Dahlia’s realization that true bravery lies not in fighting darkness, but in understanding it. The Silence, a shadow feeding on forgotten dreams, becomes a touching metaphor for sadness and loss, while Dahlia’s compassion offers healing and light. The dialogue—especially the humorous encounter with Mrs. Hiccup—adds warmth and charm, grounding the magic in gentle humanity. The discovery of the secret staircase and the hidden library feels cinematic, a perfect blend of suspense and wonder. Coupled with ornate design and golden illustrations, the book becomes not just a story, but an experience. The Library of Lost Dreams is a celebration of imagination, reminding readers that sometimes the greatest magic of all is kindness itself.