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The Library of Lost Dreams: Special Expanded Edition: A Magical Adventure of Courage and Imagination

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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.

78 pages, Paperback

Published July 9, 2025

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About the author

Andrei Goanță

10 books27 followers
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!

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5 stars
78 (73%)
4 stars
25 (23%)
3 stars
1 (<1%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Sudeshna Banerjee.
1,345 reviews44 followers
November 18, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Anandarupa Chakrabarti.
Author 6 books13 followers
October 24, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Leanne  Tempest.
143 reviews10 followers
September 15, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Karlii Le.
80 reviews
April 3, 2026
4.5 stars according to my 10yo daughter.
Read this as an ARC with my daughter and we absolutely adored the message in thìs story. I think it’s so sweet and magical. It has a great message about believing in yourself, which I think all children need to always be reminded of as they grow older. My 10yo really liked the story line (esp the ending) but wasn’t a big fan of the pictures incorporated (AI) and therefore won’t be continuing the series.
Profile Image for Mscindyruth.
34 reviews
November 26, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Anshu.
66 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2025
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.
1 review1 follower
September 22, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Brit .
27 reviews
December 31, 2025
" 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!
Profile Image for Paramita Mukherjee.
537 reviews21 followers
October 24, 2025
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.
1 review
November 29, 2025
An Ode to Imagination and Hope!

"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.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
4,734 reviews132 followers
September 14, 2025
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.
407 reviews7 followers
October 23, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Heather C.  Rafnel.
41 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2025
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!
Profile Image for Katelyn.
107 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2025
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!
5 reviews1 follower
Read
September 2, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Farrahlea.
209 reviews6 followers
April 17, 2026
I absolutely loved this read. I read it with my daughter and she's 11 and she loved it and loved the graphics. I do have to say it does remind me of Harry Potter because Harry Potter was special in his own way just like Dahlia, and the monsters she fights to protect dreams aren't as scary as what Harry Potter has gone through. It has a magical and whimsical feel. It is a lovely read with kids and it has a very important message as well. So not only till you get a story. But you also get a lesson to never give up on your dreams.
Profile Image for Kinisawa.
23 reviews
April 20, 2026
Dreams of Dawn is a lovely children's book perfectly suitable for children ages 6-9.

In this well-paced story, we follow Dahlia, a young and brave girl who ventures into the depths of The Library of Lost Dreams, hidden in her hometown library, and finds her calling in rescuing children's stories from The Silence, which is slowly eating sad stories one by one.

By visiting stories which would be eaten by The Silence, Dahlia is able to help the children whom the stories belong to, in a non-forced manner, through kindness and helpfulness, showing our young readers the power of sad features.

The story's illustrations give the reader a connection to the main character and introduced stories, and are a lovely way of connecting the written with imagination, giving the younger readers the opportunity to merge the words and image.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Samantha  Garner.
11 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Stefanie Verhelst.
581 reviews32 followers
September 12, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Tisha.
148 reviews
October 29, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Andrew Levine.
Author 7 books83 followers
August 9, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Tracy.
97 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2025
What a lovely easy read for young readers that keeps you entertained. Perfect for the readers that enjoy a touch of magic and adventure!

The illustrations are beautiful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Andrei Goanță
Profile Image for Michelle Kssili.
439 reviews6 followers
December 21, 2025
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.
2 reviews
September 16, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Chai Book aur Charcha.
252 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2025
THE LIBERSRY OF LOST DREAMS
-Andrei Goanta


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.


Toodles💕
481 reviews7 followers
November 19, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Nazirin Akthar.
114 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Sonam L Moktan.
18 reviews
November 11, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Marichus Real.
3,830 reviews31 followers
February 17, 2026
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews