Review: Lizzie’s Dream Journal by Charlie King

About the Book:

After the death of her father, Lizzie Barnes’ life takes an interesting turn when her mum brings home a journal.

Lizzie decides to use the journal to write short stories involving her beloved teddy bear Rodford and his arch-enemy Dr Ofdor, a villainous grizzly bear.
She soon notices it is no ordinary journal as people around her begin to have dreams based around her stories.

When Lizzie begins to experience the dreams for herself, she finds that as the creator, the rules of the journal can work against her.

Lizzie, with the help of Rodford and a rat named Ridgeley, must explore the different worlds while facing the dangers she created, including Dr Ofdor, to free herself from the workings of the journal.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56303501-lizzie-s-dream-journal?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=VcS8wyqtbb&rank=2

My Thoughts:

Lizzie’s Dream Journal is an absolutely delightful book. Written with younger readers in mind, it is no less enjoyable for adults. In fact, adults will much more quickly see the lovely messages author Charlie King has embedded in his story.

Lizzie’s life has been turned upside down. The father she idolized turned out to be someone quite different, and now he is dead. She is relentlessly teased and tormented by a group of older school girls, and one of those girls is the sister of her only friend. After teachers and the counselor become concerned for her emotional wellbeing, her mother buys her a journal so that Lizzie can work through some of her feelings.

Whether you refer to it as a journal or a diary, getting things on paper can help you work through things that are troubling you. However, when the journal and your fantastically adventurous dreams become inexplicably entwined, the magic starts.

Lizzie’s dream scenes are amazingly action packed. The dream situations are just threatening enough to add some adrenaline to the story, but there is nothing inappropriate for a young reader. The real-life scenes are sad and unfortunate. I love how Lizzie grew more confident and dynamic in her daily life as she continued writing in her journal and became a can-do hero in her dream adventures.

This book is a great read for children–whether they struggle with playground drama or a life trauma like Lizzie, or just need to be more aware of how their unkind actions impact others. Author Charlie King’s writing reaches children without being patronizing. A meaningful read the whole family can enjoy.