The Dreamatics

Starred review from August 7, 2023
A mythical theater troupe known as the Dreamatics performs dreams for a sleeping child each night until tragedy strikes in the real world, in this evocative and inventive fantasy by Cuevas (The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole). Dormir is a stagehand at the majestic Lunarian Grand Theatre, home to the Dreamatics. Dormir adores the job, which sometimes involves making sure the weather closet stays closed so that winter doesn’t creep onto the stage unbidden. He especially loves helping the group perform the dreams of nearly 11-year-old Luna. But when Luna experiences sudden hardship in the waking world, her dreamscape—and the troupe’s performance—undergoes a drastic change from fanciful visions to frightening nightmares. If Dormir hopes to set the theater back to rights and help Luna dream in peace once again, he must figure out how to reverse things. Irresistibly rendered worldbuilding and delightfully limned, seldom-described characters buoy serious interrogations on trauma, its effects on mental health, and the process of healing. By utilizing lush yet conversational prose, Cuevas addresses each difficult topic and lesson with sincerity and care, allowing ample space for introspective rumination alongside joy-filled antics. Ages 8–12.

Starred review from July 15, 2023
A story about the power of teamwork, dedication, and how dreams come to be. Ten-year-old Luna Grande lives with her fathers, Dad and Papa, and Murph, the dog she adores. Each night she has vivid dreams that are brought to life by the Dreamatics, a theater troupe at the Lunarian Grand. There are incredible actors, the Unseen Playwright, the Forty Winks Orchestra, costume designer Tuck, and more--all working together to perform Luna's dreams. They are a happy ensemble who delight in what they do and who love Luna and her family. But one day, when tragedy strikes in Luna's waking world, her dreams are replaced by nightmares, and the Dreamatics are supplanted by Coco and the Bad Dreams. However, humble stagehand Dormir is determined to save the theater and give Luna her dreams back. This witty, magical, and touching tale will inspire giggles of delight, appreciation of the inner workings of a theater troupe, and wonder at the behind-the-scenes process of dream-making. At its core, this is a story of dedication, loyalty, love, and friendship that takes readers on a roller coaster of emotions and leaves them feeling warm and fuzzy: "Life is not a dress rehearsal....The curtains are up and you are on, so get out there and give it your best shot." Papa is cued Latine; Dad and Luna are racially ambiguous. A dreamy, imaginative, and vibrant story full of heart and wordplay. (cast list) (Fiction. 8-12)

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December 2, 2023

Gr 3-7-Inside Out meets the chaos and challenges of stage theater in this highly imaginative world where dreams are productions. Behind the scenes stands the team to make it happen-the director, light crew, sound crew, and many more who make the "dreams" come to life. Luna's dreams are produced by the Dreamatic cast and crew in The Lunarian Grand, a magical theater with a twist of its own. Like anything in life or theater, something can easily throw the whole production out of balance. When Luna and her family suffer a devastating turn of events in the waking world, a new director comes in the form of "Bad Dreams." To keep things in order and make them right it's up to Dormir, the loyal stagehand, and the Dreamtics team to help Luna and keep The Lunarian alive. This whimsical and magical theater story is one where love, determination, and loyalty are woven throughout. Fans of happy tales and lively characters will fall in love with this inventive concept. VERDICT With a fresh take on the familiar concept of dreams, this theatrical book will be a showstopper for young readers.-BreAnn Weeks

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 22, 2023
Grades 4-7 *Starred Review* Where do weird and wonderful dreams come from while we sleep? In the case of 10-year-old Luna Grande, an entire internal theater acts as a staging ground for her dreams every evening, and it takes an extraordinary crew to get it right night after night as she slumbers. The nocturnal theater troupe, known as the Dreamatics, has all of the necessary players in place: versatile actors, a put-upon director, spectacular set designers, and creative costumers. The entire company watches Luna's waking hours spent with her doting dads and beloved dog via the daily newsreels that play in a special screening room, and a lowly stage assistant, Dormir, is particularly enraptured by Luna's life. When tragedy befalls the human household, the magical theater is taken over by a terrible troupe who only produce nightmares, and an already struggling Luna falls into deep depression. Dormir is determined to fight the intruders, reunite the Dreamatics, and give Luna the comforting dreams that she desperately needs to heal. The sensational story is endlessly inventive and incredibly compassionate, and the exquisite descriptions make ephemeral emotions and experiences feel tangible. Every chapter brings a new delightful discovery, and whimsy, puns, trauma, and loss live comfortably side by side within the pages. Tough topics are tackled with gentleness and humor, and readers will be loathe to leave the cozy confines of the otherworldly theater. A dream to read, in every sense.

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