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When We Got Lost in Dreamland
The landmark new novel from Ross Welford, one of the fastest-growing and most critically acclaimed middle grade authors in the UK, this funny, moving and brilliant sixth book cements his position as the most exciting storyteller around for readers of 10+.When eleven-year-old Malky and his younger brother Seb become the owners of a “Dreaminator”, they are thrust into worlds beyond their wildest imagination. From tree-top flights and Spanish galleons, to thrilling battles and sporting greatness – it seems like nothing is out of reach when you can share a dream with someone else. But… impossible dreams come with incredible risks, and when Seb won’t wake up and is taken to hospital in a coma, Malky is forced to leave reality behind and undertake a final, terrifying journey to the stone-age to wake his brother…
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2021
34 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Ross Welford
24 books315 followersRoss Welford is a British author of fantastic children's fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 18, 2022
After the divorce of his parents, eleven-year-old Malcolm and his younger brother Sebastian and his mother move to another city, the elder has problems with joining a new school team, and, wanting to take a worthy place among classmates, the boy gets involved in an adventure, as a result of which he has a strange vintage dream device that allows him to control dreams.
What begins as an interesting and fun adventure. very soon it will turn into a deadly situation, and Malky will have to rescue Seb from the world of dreams. Along the way, comprehending at an accelerated pace many things that many adults cannot boast of knowing: to understand the danger of immersion in altered states of consciousness, to distinguish genuine friendship from imaginary, to have enough strength and firmness to abandon the fake and appreciate the real one.
English writer Ross Welford writes children's fiction. His debut novel Time Traveling with a Hamster ("Time Travel with a hamster") immediately won the sympathy of readers and the favor of critics. After that there were What not to do if you turn invisible ("What not to do if you become invisible"), The Dog who saved the World (the dog who saved the world"), The Kid who Came from Space ("The Child who came from outer space"). The 1,000 Year Old Boy ("A thousand-year-old boy") is the story of eleven-year-old Alfie, a combination of magic and dramatic circumstances frozen at this inconvenient age for a good thousand years.
Уменье спать и видеть сны
Я был сияющим ветром,
Я был полетом стрелы,
Я шел по следу оленя
Среди высоких деревьев.
После развода родителей, одиннадцатилетний Малькольм и его младший братишка Себастиан с мамой переезжают в другой город, у старшего проблемы с вхождением в новый школьный коллектив, и, желая занять достойное место среди одноклассников, мальчик ввязывается в авантюру, в результате которой у него появляется странный винтажный прибор сновидатор, позволяющий управлять сновидениями.
То, что начинается, как интересное и веселое приключение. очень скоро обернется смертельно опасной ситуацией, а Малки придется спасать Себа из мира снов. Попутно постигая в ускоренном темпе многие вещи, знанием которых и многие взрослые похвастать не могут: понимать опасность погружения в измененные состояния сознания, отличать подлинную дружбу от мнимой, иметь достаточно сил и твердости, чтобы отказаться от фальшивой и ценить настоящую.
Английский писатель Росс Уэлфорд пишет детскую фантастику. Его дебютный роман Time Travelling with a Hamster ("Путешествия во времени с хомяком") сразу завоевал симпатии читателей и благосклонность критиков. После были What not to do if you turn invisible ("Чего не следует делать, если вы стали невидимкой"), The Dog who saved the World (собака, которая спасла мир"), The Kid who Came from Space ("Ребенок, пришедший из космоса"). The 1,000 Year Old Boy ("Тысячелетний мальчик") - история одиннадцатилетнего Альфи, сочетанием магии и драматичных обстоятельств застывшего в этом неудобном возрасте на добрую тысячу лет.
"Когда мы потерялись в стране снов" обладает всеми достоинствами, которые делают книги Уэлфорда привлекательными для детей младшего и среднего школьного возраста: захватывающая история, близкий понятный герой-сверстник, множество опасных приключений, обучение без чрезмерной назидательности.
На русском языке книга практически одновременно вышла в трех форматах: бумажная, электронная и аудиокнига. И, как давний ценитель чтения Игоря Князева, горячо рекомендую ее в аудиоформате в его исполнении.
What begins as an interesting and fun adventure. very soon it will turn into a deadly situation, and Malky will have to rescue Seb from the world of dreams. Along the way, comprehending at an accelerated pace many things that many adults cannot boast of knowing: to understand the danger of immersion in altered states of consciousness, to distinguish genuine friendship from imaginary, to have enough strength and firmness to abandon the fake and appreciate the real one.
English writer Ross Welford writes children's fiction. His debut novel Time Traveling with a Hamster ("Time Travel with a hamster") immediately won the sympathy of readers and the favor of critics. After that there were What not to do if you turn invisible ("What not to do if you become invisible"), The Dog who saved the World (the dog who saved the world"), The Kid who Came from Space ("The Child who came from outer space"). The 1,000 Year Old Boy ("A thousand-year-old boy") is the story of eleven-year-old Alfie, a combination of magic and dramatic circumstances frozen at this inconvenient age for a good thousand years.
Уменье спать и видеть сны
Я был сияющим ветром,
Я был полетом стрелы,
Я шел по следу оленя
Среди высоких деревьев.
После развода родителей, одиннадцатилетний Малькольм и его младший братишка Себастиан с мамой переезжают в другой город, у старшего проблемы с вхождением в новый школьный коллектив, и, желая занять достойное место среди одноклассников, мальчик ввязывается в авантюру, в результате которой у него появляется странный винтажный прибор сновидатор, позволяющий управлять сновидениями.
То, что начинается, как интересное и веселое приключение. очень скоро обернется смертельно опасной ситуацией, а Малки придется спасать Себа из мира снов. Попутно постигая в ускоренном темпе многие вещи, знанием которых и многие взрослые похвастать не могут: понимать опасность погружения в измененные состояния сознания, отличать подлинную дружбу от мнимой, иметь достаточно сил и твердости, чтобы отказаться от фальшивой и ценить настоящую.
Английский писатель Росс Уэлфорд пишет детскую фантастику. Его дебютный роман Time Travelling with a Hamster ("Путешествия во времени с хомяком") сразу завоевал симпатии читателей и благосклонность критиков. После были What not to do if you turn invisible ("Чего не следует делать, если вы стали невидимкой"), The Dog who saved the World (собака, которая спасла мир"), The Kid who Came from Space ("Ребенок, пришедший из космоса"). The 1,000 Year Old Boy ("Тысячелетний мальчик") - история одиннадцатилетнего Альфи, сочетанием магии и драматичных обстоятельств застывшего в этом неудобном возрасте на добрую тысячу лет.
"Когда мы потерялись в стране снов" обладает всеми достоинствами, которые делают книги Уэлфорда привлекательными для детей младшего и среднего школьного возраста: захватывающая история, близкий понятный герой-сверстник, множество опасных приключений, обучение без чрезмерной назидательности.
На русском языке книга практически одновременно вышла в трех форматах: бумажная, электронная и аудиокнига. И, как давний ценитель чтения Игоря Князева, горячо рекомендую ее в аудиоформате в его исполнении.
April 27, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so interesting and exciting and very different to anything else I’ve ever read before. I would definitely recommend it.
July 26, 2021
*Disclaimer: I was kindly gifted a copy of this book by Jonathan Ball Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
"Inside your head is bigger than outside, Dream-boy. It is easy to get lost in there."
When We Got Lost in Dreamland by Ross Welford is a fun and imaginative read that follows two brothers, Malky and Seb, and their adventures in Dreamland. The saying I'll see you in my dreams gets a lot more real when Malky steals a box containing two Dreaminators; a machine that allows Malky and his younger brother to share dreams, also known as waking dreams.
This machine allows Malky and Seb to control their dreams and when they've had enough and want to wake up they simply say wake up or hold their breath for a few seconds and then exhale. But their adventures aren't long-lived when a dream goes wrong and Seb is held captive by a hostile tribe. Malky wakes from the terrible dream but soon realises Seb is still asleep and lost in Dreamland and Malky has no idea how to wake Seb.
Seb's condition takes a turn for the worst when abrasions start appearing on his skin and Malky feels responsible, he has to find a way to wake Seb. As luck would have it, Malky and his friend Susan Tenzin meets the creator of the Dreaminators as part of their school's community outreach and Malky hopes to get answers.
The chapters are short with a dual timeline. I found the narrative enjoyable and the reader experiences the personality of an 11-year-old boy, it's playful and quirky. Some part of the story takes place in Dreamland, while the majority takes place in reality where Malky tries to find a way to save Seb. The story has its share of brotherly banter but the other characters add to the experience of the story.
One of my favourite parts of the story is Chapter 23 when Malky shares his list of his and Seb's top shared waking dreams. The author entertains the reader by taking the world of dreams and the world of reality and connecting the two in a creative and unique way. In this story we experience the consequences of choices made in dreams and see how an 11-year-old-boy despite the odds, goes to the edge of his dreams and further to save his brother.
This story teaches children the responsibility of choices and accepting the consequences in a creative way.
Suitable for ages 9-12 years.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
"Inside your head is bigger than outside, Dream-boy. It is easy to get lost in there."
When We Got Lost in Dreamland by Ross Welford is a fun and imaginative read that follows two brothers, Malky and Seb, and their adventures in Dreamland. The saying I'll see you in my dreams gets a lot more real when Malky steals a box containing two Dreaminators; a machine that allows Malky and his younger brother to share dreams, also known as waking dreams.
This machine allows Malky and Seb to control their dreams and when they've had enough and want to wake up they simply say wake up or hold their breath for a few seconds and then exhale. But their adventures aren't long-lived when a dream goes wrong and Seb is held captive by a hostile tribe. Malky wakes from the terrible dream but soon realises Seb is still asleep and lost in Dreamland and Malky has no idea how to wake Seb.
Seb's condition takes a turn for the worst when abrasions start appearing on his skin and Malky feels responsible, he has to find a way to wake Seb. As luck would have it, Malky and his friend Susan Tenzin meets the creator of the Dreaminators as part of their school's community outreach and Malky hopes to get answers.
The chapters are short with a dual timeline. I found the narrative enjoyable and the reader experiences the personality of an 11-year-old boy, it's playful and quirky. Some part of the story takes place in Dreamland, while the majority takes place in reality where Malky tries to find a way to save Seb. The story has its share of brotherly banter but the other characters add to the experience of the story.
One of my favourite parts of the story is Chapter 23 when Malky shares his list of his and Seb's top shared waking dreams. The author entertains the reader by taking the world of dreams and the world of reality and connecting the two in a creative and unique way. In this story we experience the consequences of choices made in dreams and see how an 11-year-old-boy despite the odds, goes to the edge of his dreams and further to save his brother.
This story teaches children the responsibility of choices and accepting the consequences in a creative way.
Suitable for ages 9-12 years.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
January 16, 2022
4,5/5 maybe? Either way I loved it! Welford has done it again!
November 4, 2021
This was a book with an interesting concept. What if you could control your dreams and live them out, experience them like it is really happening? But what if you then get stuck in Dreamland and can't escape?
This was a solid adventure story, largely focusing on Malcolm's efforts to rescue his little brother. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other Ross Welford books I have read, but it was still pretty good. I would have liked to know more about McKinlay's theory about how the dreaminators work, and why they stopped allowing control. More about Yuri would also have been interesting.
Happy to have it on my shelves and to recommend it to my students.
I found the accents and overall tone of the audiobook version a bit grating, other than the Scottish accent used for Kenneth McKinlay.
This was a solid adventure story, largely focusing on Malcolm's efforts to rescue his little brother. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other Ross Welford books I have read, but it was still pretty good. I would have liked to know more about McKinlay's theory about how the dreaminators work, and why they stopped allowing control. More about Yuri would also have been interesting.
Happy to have it on my shelves and to recommend it to my students.
I found the accents and overall tone of the audiobook version a bit grating, other than the Scottish accent used for Kenneth McKinlay.
April 5, 2021
I am a massive fan of Ross Welford, 1,000 Year Old Boy is one of my favourite books of all time. This is another example of a fantastical concept being made believable. Most people can relate to dreaming and dreams feeling so real just after we wake up. Malky and his brother Seb have a stolen machine that lets them dictate what happens in their dreams, but Malky notices too late that his control over what happens when he is in them has started to fade. An encounter with some hostile cavemen goes wrong leaving Malky wide awake and his brother stuck in a dreamland coma. Nobody believes that the dream machine has anything to do with this, and with Seb’s condition deteriorating, Malky knows he must somehow find a way back into the dream before it is too late. This has the usual combination of family/friendship warmth and humour and a diverse set of supporting characters young and old. Perfect for age 8+.
May 1, 2021
It wasn't the best book I've read.
I got a little bored.
I got a little bored.
January 13, 2022
It is a good book and I like it. Good book for kids age 9 to 12.
October 8, 2024
Three things Ross Welford loves: 1. Alternate/parallel worlds, 2. Quite old pop culture references, 3. Newcastle. Me too Ross, me too.
June 20, 2021
I'm so disappointed - I thought I'd love this book as it had all the makings of something that's right up my street but it was just awful - for me the execution just failed to deliver any sort of a book I'd recommend to anyone.
January 30, 2021
This was a truly magical tale, and it would have captivated my imagination so much as a kid. The idea of controlling your dreams and being able to live them as if they are real, but also to ward off nightmares, is one I was fascinated with when I was little. I've always had quite vivid dreams, but there's a big difference between that and being able to actually decide what happens.
I liked Malky and felt a little sorry for him, as it was clear he was just a bit misguided and easily lead astray, rather than the bad kid everyone seemed to think he was. It was nice to see his relationship with his little brother improve across the book, as well with some of the other characters around him. He was clearly struggling to find his way in the world after his parents split, and it was wonderful to see him gradually learn to stand up for himself and his friends as the book progressed.
I really laughed out loud more than once whilst reading, there is so much humour on offer. The boys not understanding their mums 'friendship' with 'Fit Billy' from next door made me giggle every time it popped up. Susan's grandmother also was just wonderful, not mincing her words and putting Malky in his place whilst still being kind. There is also a particularly bizarre but entertaining sequence that involves Hitler and nerf guns.
Whilst the magical dream aspects could be quite lovely, I did really enjoy that there was a darker undertone to the book. There are actually some really difficult issues that are subtly addressed, the consequences of addiction, grief and the loneliness that many elderly people find themselves living through. These weren't ever thrust obviously in your face, but were just there enough to get a small mind thinking. Also the idea that sometimes reality can be even scarier than a nightmare, that mortuary scene made me shudder so much!!
Malky's adventure with the Dreaminator was definitely a lot of fun, and sometimes a little terrifying. I would definitely recommend this one for younger middle grade readers, and all those who've dreamed about being able to walk through their own dreams.
I liked Malky and felt a little sorry for him, as it was clear he was just a bit misguided and easily lead astray, rather than the bad kid everyone seemed to think he was. It was nice to see his relationship with his little brother improve across the book, as well with some of the other characters around him. He was clearly struggling to find his way in the world after his parents split, and it was wonderful to see him gradually learn to stand up for himself and his friends as the book progressed.
I really laughed out loud more than once whilst reading, there is so much humour on offer. The boys not understanding their mums 'friendship' with 'Fit Billy' from next door made me giggle every time it popped up. Susan's grandmother also was just wonderful, not mincing her words and putting Malky in his place whilst still being kind. There is also a particularly bizarre but entertaining sequence that involves Hitler and nerf guns.
Whilst the magical dream aspects could be quite lovely, I did really enjoy that there was a darker undertone to the book. There are actually some really difficult issues that are subtly addressed, the consequences of addiction, grief and the loneliness that many elderly people find themselves living through. These weren't ever thrust obviously in your face, but were just there enough to get a small mind thinking. Also the idea that sometimes reality can be even scarier than a nightmare, that mortuary scene made me shudder so much!!
Malky's adventure with the Dreaminator was definitely a lot of fun, and sometimes a little terrifying. I would definitely recommend this one for younger middle grade readers, and all those who've dreamed about being able to walk through their own dreams.
February 13, 2021
Another compelling family-and-friends story: about controlling your dreams.
4.5 stars
Welford comes up with winner after winner - ideas that children themselves will identify with as desires, wishes or questions. Time travel, invisibility, and now controlling dreams.
A pair of brothers give a lifelike sibling relationship to the story. Malky is the elder, talked into a minor crime by a school bully, and unexpectedly finding himself with a Dreaminator device. Seb is the younger of the two, and pretty keen to try out the 'dream control' object to enjoy the caveman dream of his favourite book.
Who wouldn't want to be able to control their dreams?! It's a fantastic idea. Sadly, because Malky lets Seb get his way, most of what we see is the same dream setting - I would have loved to see Welford experiment and explore the concept more to show us a greater range of settings and possibilities before continuing with the plot. Oh well.
The plot does become rather intense quite quickly. Seb cannot wake up from their shared dream - what can Malky do to bring his (annoying) little brother back into consciousness?
There are other issues woven in expertly - not only a bully, but a protagonist who isn't the typical 'hero' character - Malky is more a grey-area boy, who gives in to pressure, who doesn't come across as a good friend, who has his own demons he's afraid to face.
We meet a bit of a young '(manic) dream pixie' and her grandmother who conveniently befriend Malky and have insight into his dream situation, as well as an aged former 'someone' who has his own Dreaminator story.
A lot of threads do come together, and Welford does deliver on the dream front ultimately in some senses, though I did feel it followed a path I expected and didn't add what I felt was hinted at and potentially new and exciting.
It's touching, exciting, funny, and very enjoyable to watch Malky's adventures with a new friend in tow, and some in-jokes that readers are 'in on', but the characters aren't.
A cut above most books for the target market, full of imagination and heart.
For ages 9-12.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
4.5 stars
Welford comes up with winner after winner - ideas that children themselves will identify with as desires, wishes or questions. Time travel, invisibility, and now controlling dreams.
A pair of brothers give a lifelike sibling relationship to the story. Malky is the elder, talked into a minor crime by a school bully, and unexpectedly finding himself with a Dreaminator device. Seb is the younger of the two, and pretty keen to try out the 'dream control' object to enjoy the caveman dream of his favourite book.
Who wouldn't want to be able to control their dreams?! It's a fantastic idea. Sadly, because Malky lets Seb get his way, most of what we see is the same dream setting - I would have loved to see Welford experiment and explore the concept more to show us a greater range of settings and possibilities before continuing with the plot. Oh well.
The plot does become rather intense quite quickly. Seb cannot wake up from their shared dream - what can Malky do to bring his (annoying) little brother back into consciousness?
There are other issues woven in expertly - not only a bully, but a protagonist who isn't the typical 'hero' character - Malky is more a grey-area boy, who gives in to pressure, who doesn't come across as a good friend, who has his own demons he's afraid to face.
We meet a bit of a young '(manic) dream pixie' and her grandmother who conveniently befriend Malky and have insight into his dream situation, as well as an aged former 'someone' who has his own Dreaminator story.
A lot of threads do come together, and Welford does deliver on the dream front ultimately in some senses, though I did feel it followed a path I expected and didn't add what I felt was hinted at and potentially new and exciting.
It's touching, exciting, funny, and very enjoyable to watch Malky's adventures with a new friend in tow, and some in-jokes that readers are 'in on', but the characters aren't.
A cut above most books for the target market, full of imagination and heart.
For ages 9-12.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
May 31, 2024
If you could command your dreams, how would you respond? Would you have the opportunity to meet someone you could never meet in person? Would you go on insane adventures?
Dear Readers, Friends, Dorks, Schoolers and Book worms. I present to you an amazing book review for an amazing book. This is the second book I have read from Ross Welford and till now I feel he is an amazing, inspiring, and great author with books beyond anyones thinking. I would take a minute to appreciate his work of writing which is truly magnificent.
When We Got Lost in Dreamland by Ross Welford tells the story of Malky's (Malcom Bell) discovery of a technology which he claims to get from a "Sales shop" (Obviously a lie) that gives him and his younger brother, Seb (Sebastian Bell), the ability to share and control dreams, which leads to tragic outcomes.
The story starts by Malcom "finds" something which was completely not claimed by anyone... He also bumps into someone new. At first he thinks of her as a weird, neat girl but little did he know Susan Tenzin would turn out to be his only true friend. Malcom discovers and investigates about his findings with his younger brother which led to an accident. An accident which led to the disastrous idea of going through a dangerous journey through Dreamland to save and make things right. Now its up to you to find out and discover Malky's journey through Dreamland, How many new friends and fake are in his life.
Will anyone trust Malcom and help him out or is it just him trying to make things right in the only way possible, In Dreamland...
And the only possible way for you to find out is to read the book, SO GO ON, BUY IT ONLINE/OFFLINE, BROW IT OR STEAL IT, IDC, I WANT YOU TO READ IT CAUSE IT'S A 100000/10!
CYA YALL
Dear Readers, Friends, Dorks, Schoolers and Book worms. I present to you an amazing book review for an amazing book. This is the second book I have read from Ross Welford and till now I feel he is an amazing, inspiring, and great author with books beyond anyones thinking. I would take a minute to appreciate his work of writing which is truly magnificent.
When We Got Lost in Dreamland by Ross Welford tells the story of Malky's (Malcom Bell) discovery of a technology which he claims to get from a "Sales shop" (Obviously a lie) that gives him and his younger brother, Seb (Sebastian Bell), the ability to share and control dreams, which leads to tragic outcomes.
The story starts by Malcom "finds" something which was completely not claimed by anyone... He also bumps into someone new. At first he thinks of her as a weird, neat girl but little did he know Susan Tenzin would turn out to be his only true friend. Malcom discovers and investigates about his findings with his younger brother which led to an accident. An accident which led to the disastrous idea of going through a dangerous journey through Dreamland to save and make things right. Now its up to you to find out and discover Malky's journey through Dreamland, How many new friends and fake are in his life.
Will anyone trust Malcom and help him out or is it just him trying to make things right in the only way possible, In Dreamland...
And the only possible way for you to find out is to read the book, SO GO ON, BUY IT ONLINE/OFFLINE, BROW IT OR STEAL IT, IDC, I WANT YOU TO READ IT CAUSE IT'S A 100000/10!
CYA YALL
February 7, 2021
Plot: When 12-year-old Malky & his younger brother Seb become owners of a "Dreaminator", they are thrust into worlds beyond their wildest imaginations...
I've loved Welford's other novels so I knew I was in for a treat with his latest release. It's a remarkable tale of brotherhood, friendship & the power of dreams. Full of heart, funny & inventive it will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.
"It's your dream, Dream-boy. No one else is in charge. Just like life."
People: Malky is a little lost, struggling to find his way - it was a joy to watch him grow over the course of the book, to build a better relationship with his brother & some of the other characters around him. As well as learning to stand up for himself & the people he cares about in the right way.
Susan's Grandmother was a brilliant character and deserves a special mention here she was always kind but she made sure Malky didn't get too big for his boots.
Pace: This is a fast-paced novel, with an absorbing premise it won't take you long to get lost in dreamland, I certainly did.
Pick up if you enjoy: Sophie Anderson & Ben Miller
Disclaimer: A huge thanks to Harper Collins Children's Books & Kaleidoscopic Tours for sending me this title. All opinions are my own.
I've loved Welford's other novels so I knew I was in for a treat with his latest release. It's a remarkable tale of brotherhood, friendship & the power of dreams. Full of heart, funny & inventive it will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.
"It's your dream, Dream-boy. No one else is in charge. Just like life."
People: Malky is a little lost, struggling to find his way - it was a joy to watch him grow over the course of the book, to build a better relationship with his brother & some of the other characters around him. As well as learning to stand up for himself & the people he cares about in the right way.
Susan's Grandmother was a brilliant character and deserves a special mention here she was always kind but she made sure Malky didn't get too big for his boots.
Pace: This is a fast-paced novel, with an absorbing premise it won't take you long to get lost in dreamland, I certainly did.
Pick up if you enjoy: Sophie Anderson & Ben Miller
Disclaimer: A huge thanks to Harper Collins Children's Books & Kaleidoscopic Tours for sending me this title. All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2021
We dive straight in to the weird and wonderful world of dreams, with a gravy lake and minty custard river. Written in a jokey and bouncy style, we’re on a journey alongside Malky and his Dreaminator to save his younger brother Seb from Malky’s last nightmare.
From a strange old grandma to a no-nonsense caregiver, you can’t help but will everyone to believe Malky, whilst knowing he’s also just a cheeky little chap. The characters and friendships are strong, with slight personal development sprinkled in.
Events soon spiral and nothing seems to go Malky’s way. There’s a sweet and sparkly creativity to the dreams created but running alongside is a dark and serious current. Though the plot-twists are combated by the courage and good nature of a colourful array of characters.
A small anecdote I wanted to share; when I was younger I used to have 2 very real yet very silly recurring dreams. In one, I was being chased by a giant rolling tomato, Indiana Jones style. In another, I am taken away from hiding under a table by a pterodactyl.
Pick up this gorgeous book, both for yourself and any younger readers in your life.
Received GIFTED copy for review as part of the Kaleidoscopic Tours book tour.
From a strange old grandma to a no-nonsense caregiver, you can’t help but will everyone to believe Malky, whilst knowing he’s also just a cheeky little chap. The characters and friendships are strong, with slight personal development sprinkled in.
Events soon spiral and nothing seems to go Malky’s way. There’s a sweet and sparkly creativity to the dreams created but running alongside is a dark and serious current. Though the plot-twists are combated by the courage and good nature of a colourful array of characters.
A small anecdote I wanted to share; when I was younger I used to have 2 very real yet very silly recurring dreams. In one, I was being chased by a giant rolling tomato, Indiana Jones style. In another, I am taken away from hiding under a table by a pterodactyl.
Pick up this gorgeous book, both for yourself and any younger readers in your life.
Received GIFTED copy for review as part of the Kaleidoscopic Tours book tour.
November 8, 2021
Note: 3.5 stars
"It's a dream! Where logic, rationality, sense and good order take second place to strangeness and improbability."
On a dare, Malky steals something from a shed, only to find he has two Dreaminators. The Dreaminator allows you to have waking dreams, where you can control your dreams. Malky's little brother Seb wants to try the Dreaminators so they hang one above each of their beds.
Controlling their dreams is fun, at first. But then they start to lose control and their dreams go in directions they do not want to follow. And one day, Seb becomes lost in Dreamland and cannot wake up. It is up to Malky to rescue him.
The concept of this book is fascinating. I liked the use of the Dreaminator as a device to control dreams. The friendships and the relationship between the two brothers was convincing and well defined. It just seemed to drag a bit. I don't think there was enough content to justify this book being over 400 pages long.
"It's a dream! Where logic, rationality, sense and good order take second place to strangeness and improbability."
On a dare, Malky steals something from a shed, only to find he has two Dreaminators. The Dreaminator allows you to have waking dreams, where you can control your dreams. Malky's little brother Seb wants to try the Dreaminators so they hang one above each of their beds.
Controlling their dreams is fun, at first. But then they start to lose control and their dreams go in directions they do not want to follow. And one day, Seb becomes lost in Dreamland and cannot wake up. It is up to Malky to rescue him.
The concept of this book is fascinating. I liked the use of the Dreaminator as a device to control dreams. The friendships and the relationship between the two brothers was convincing and well defined. It just seemed to drag a bit. I don't think there was enough content to justify this book being over 400 pages long.
January 26, 2023
Wouldn't it be great to control your dream? You could go on a delightful or exciting journey every night. 12 year old Malky and his younger brother Seb, have come across a device that allows them to do just that. It helps Malky cope with the difficulties he has at school and the problems a split family creates. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a "sure thing" and Malky's dream-life takes a dangerous turn.
This is a book about learning to face your fears and to stand up for yourself, your friends and your family.
My only hesitations for this book in regards to the target audience (upper primary/lower secondary) is that it might be slightly confusing at the start for some readers with the whole dreamscape thing and that it is quite lengthy at just over 400 pages long (I'm not sure it had to be that long!). Also, there may be some references and terms that the Aussie youngster is unfamiliar with). Having said all that, it's still a terrific read!
This is a book about learning to face your fears and to stand up for yourself, your friends and your family.
My only hesitations for this book in regards to the target audience (upper primary/lower secondary) is that it might be slightly confusing at the start for some readers with the whole dreamscape thing and that it is quite lengthy at just over 400 pages long (I'm not sure it had to be that long!). Also, there may be some references and terms that the Aussie youngster is unfamiliar with). Having said all that, it's still a terrific read!
April 22, 2021
This is the 5th Ross Welford book that we've read and it's another fast moving, exciting crowd pleaser. As with all the RW books there is a fair amout of peril and drama - blood is spilt, there is gore, people die, there are people with addictions and ilnesses. But it's all done with a flourish and always manages to maintain humour.
I'd say that this is perhaps the most 'serious' and personal of his books so far. The 'fantasy' element is perhaps secondary to the personal drama of the characters and that does work. But don't worry it's not too weighty and the plot races on as it always does in his books.
Overall very enjoyable and and there is a great dynamic between the 2 brothers. I have 2 sons of similar ages and I hope it makes them be nicer to each other!
I'd say that this is perhaps the most 'serious' and personal of his books so far. The 'fantasy' element is perhaps secondary to the personal drama of the characters and that does work. But don't worry it's not too weighty and the plot races on as it always does in his books.
Overall very enjoyable and and there is a great dynamic between the 2 brothers. I have 2 sons of similar ages and I hope it makes them be nicer to each other!
May 29, 2023
Audiobook: This middle grade book tells the story short f brothers Seb and Malkie and their discovery of the ‘Dreaminators’. These gave them the power to control their dreams and remember them afterwards. It was an interesting premise, I mean what kid (heck what adult) wouldn’t want to be able to create any sort of adventure they want and live it. But it’s a reminder to the reader that if fantasy becomes too real your day to day reality can become colourless and lost.
The side plot about Tibet through the character Suzie felt very forced and a complex issue was far too simplified to make it fit the story. The timescales also just seemed off. I would be thinking a week or so had passed and it turned out to be a couple of days. Really interesting ideas but didn’t quite work.
The side plot about Tibet through the character Suzie felt very forced and a complex issue was far too simplified to make it fit the story. The timescales also just seemed off. I would be thinking a week or so had passed and it turned out to be a couple of days. Really interesting ideas but didn’t quite work.
August 19, 2023
Malcolm finds a "Dreamanator" and uses it to experience (and control) wild and wonderful dream adventures with his little brother, Sebastian. Until one night Seb doesn't wake up. Malcolm must use everything he learns from his new, eclectic collection of friends to help his brother before it's too late.
This is another wonderful book from Ross Welford, who never disappoints. His characters are complex and his plot lines are exciting and imaginative. He describes the complicated aspects of time-, space- and now dream- travel in a way that makes you really believe it's possible. Fantastic.
This is another wonderful book from Ross Welford, who never disappoints. His characters are complex and his plot lines are exciting and imaginative. He describes the complicated aspects of time-, space- and now dream- travel in a way that makes you really believe it's possible. Fantastic.
April 18, 2022
When Malky discovers (accidentally steals) a Dreaminator, he and his brother Seb travel to Dreamland while they are sleeping. They see cavemen, a crocodile named Cuthbert, and even their neighbour Billy.
But one night, Malky comes out of the dream, scared of Cuthbert, and Seb doesn't. Malky will have to take one more terrifying trip to Dreamland to save Seb before he dies in Dreamland.
But one night, Malky comes out of the dream, scared of Cuthbert, and Seb doesn't. Malky will have to take one more terrifying trip to Dreamland to save Seb before he dies in Dreamland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2022
I wish I could have given this a higher rating. I liked Susan and Mola! Mola is a scream! And I should realised when Malky started with "it's not my fault" which code for it's totally my fault. And lies upon lies upon lies.... which sadly meant I wasn't rooting for you kiddo. And wake up boys your mum and Billy are dating!
June 10, 2024
Another wonderful book aimed at children by Ross Welford. Beautifully written, this time dealing with a few slightly darker/more difficult issues. Still really enjoyable and cleverly done. A fantastic author.
February 15, 2021
Good book
Good storey, good ending. Crazy adventure and dreamland which kept our attention throughout. Recommended book for older primary school aged children as slightly scary!
Good storey, good ending. Crazy adventure and dreamland which kept our attention throughout. Recommended book for older primary school aged children as slightly scary!
April 5, 2021
Really great read!
November 21, 2021
Well written, thought provoking, holds the reins of the story firmly without "getting lost" in a theme with infinite possibilities.
April 9, 2022
Ну, где мне найти серое пятно?
May 13, 2022
Непогана книга, але мені вже сильно не по віку. Було цікаво, але нічим не вразило і не зачепило.
March 3, 2023
I really really enjoyed this book! Would definitely recommend.
It has super short chapters like I’m saying 5 pages max but there is 89 chapters so yeah but overall I really liked it! 😁
It has super short chapters like I’m saying 5 pages max but there is 89 chapters so yeah but overall I really liked it! 😁
April 11, 2023
Ross welford is easily one of my fav authors and this book did not damage his reputation to me . It was good paced and easy to read
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