The Great Dream Robbery

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When twelve-year-old Maya Clayton’s sleep expert father invented a special device that allows you to slip into other people’s dreams he was excited at the prospect of discovering more about the human imagination. What he did not plan was for his villainous boss of Somnia Incorporated, Lilith Delamere, to trap him in a nightmare from which he cannot escape. This madcap adventure could have only been dreamt up by the crazy minds of Greg James and Chris Smith - part science-fiction, part mission impossible, part mystery that needs solving and a whole lot of fun' Read more Details In line with the National Curriculum, all of our ‘The Great Dream Robbery’ activities have been designed especially for use within children aged between 7 and 11 years old. You can also trust that they’re stimulating for your little learners, having been created in collaboration with our team of experienced primary school teachers. How are these ‘The Great Dream Robbery’ activities useful? Unlike most 12 year-olds, Maya Clayton is desperate to go to bed early. Falling asleep is the only chance she has to save her dad - the brilliant but slightly odd Professor Dexter. Whether you’re reading this popular children’s book with your class in school or your kids at home, you’re sure to find these resources useful. They’re perfect to deepen children’s understanding of the story and develop a variety of key literacy skills.

On Friday 17 September, the authors of the Kid Normal serieshosted an interactive workshop about the power of imagination with KS2 pupils as part of the National Literacy Trust’s Connecting Stories project, funded by Arts Council England. We know that author visits help play a vital role in helping children to create positive associations with reading, support their wider learning and inspiring them to dream big. Reading has a proven link to children’s wellbeing and there couldn’t be a more important time to support the health of our children and young people.

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But it's not just a dream - it's real and Maya and her new friends the Dream Bandits must rescue the Professor before it's too late! All they need is a bit of courage and a LOT of imagination. Maya loves to dream, both daydreaming (which gets her in trouble at school) and dreaming at night. When a boy from one of her dreams turns up in real life, she's really not sure what's going on. But he knows. His name is Teddy Flamewood and he and his sister are there to help Maya use her dreaming skills to put things right. But something went terribly wrong and Dad is in hospital, unable to wake up. His boss Lilith Delamere is paying all the expensive hospital bills, but Maya thinks there's something not quite right about the tall, dark haired lady who looks like she hasn't slept for months! Greg James said to the pupils "Make sure you’re having fun – that is the most important thing with any book!

Teddy and Bea were such terrific characters. Love how they are twins but their personalities couldn’t be any more different. Bea is rational, calm, smart. Teddy is like the Cheshire Cat. I had to get used to Teddy a bit but after a while I just really liked the guy. He was so funny and his plans were wild but also great. The authors added: "The National Literacy Trust is undeniably brilliant so it is a joy to be part of their Connecting Stories initiative. The children we’ve worked with through the National Literacy Trust are always funny, feisty and fizzing with ideas.” Featuring a hospital heist, a mattress salesman, hairdressing accessories from a skip, a unicorn singing show tunes, and lots of cows, this witty comedy thriller showcases the resourcefulness and courage of a trio of youngsters known as the Dream Bandits.One pupilgot the chance to ask the authors ‘what inspired you to become authors?’, while another pupil asked ‘what made you choose to write a book about dreams?’. I love that the machine was called CHEESE. OK, it also brought forth some hunger pangs because I love love cheese. The Professor invented a device that allows you to visit other people's dreams. But the devious Lilith Delamere has trapped him inside a nightmare and Maya and the mysterious Dream Bandits must find a way to rescue him before it's too late! Teddy and Bea's Mum has also been caught up in something strange at Somnia Industries, and they want to know what. Together they become The Dream Bandits and put together an ingenious and totally bonkers plan to save their parents.

I am a tad tired and still have a few other things to write so I am going to make a list review with all I loved. Normally this list would also contain a not so good part, but I just don’t have any complaints. XD More information about Swindon Stories can be found at https://literacytrust.org.uk/communities/swindon/ Its events aim to improve attitudes and behaviours towards reading for pleasure, and supporting wellbeing in diverse, disadvantaged communities, following itsresearch which shows children who enjoy reading are happier in their lives.I could probably talk more and more about this book but I will just say that everyone will need to read this one! It is fun. Hilarious. Imaginative. Dream-filled. The Great Dream Robbery is full of rich language and descriptive paragraphs entwined within the humour. There is an endearing cast of characters, as well as the truly villainous character of Lilith Delamere. In an attempt to stop Lilith’s dastardly plan, there is an extremely bizarre battle involving a unicorn called Donald, a seal and an army of line dancing robots. This book could definitely be enjoyed in the classroom - probably as a class reader. Or as in my case, in the library for book club – as it has left me with a plethora of activity ideas. The Professor invented a device that allows you to visit other people's dreams. But the devious Lilith Delamere has trapped him inside a nightmare and Maya and the mysterious Dream Bandits must find a way to rescue him before it's too late! Maya will face a dangerous journey and some difficult choices. But sometimes all you need is a dream . . . and a bit of courage.