Bad Dreams Book

The Times Educational Supplement labelled Anne Fine as "a children's writer of rare gifts". Indeed she is. Anyone who has ever revelled in Goggle Eyes, Madame Doubtfire, Charm School, or indeed any of her other novels, will have been left in little doubt that she has an eye for strong characterisation, situation and storytelling.Bad Dreams is no exception to the Fine rule--in fact she just gets better and better. This novel tells of young Mel, the class bookworm who has thus far successfully managed to distance herself from other children by burying her head and losing herself in words and imagination. She certainly prefers books to people and when new girl Imogen arrives on the scene her first instincts are proved absolutely correct. Imogen is definitely weird.As Mel becomes more and more curious about Imogen and her "weirdness", the two form a bond and it is this bond that forms the premise of the book. As usual Fine's characters are beautifully observed, and as the subtleties of a blossoming--not to mention reluctant--friendship sharply but unobtrusively develops, the two girls reveal themselves to each other at a tender pace. But the gripping centre-piece of the story is the search for peace in a world that is turned upside down by the supernatural. Decidedly spooky in places, and not without its fair share of giggles, Bad Dreams delicately combines a fast-paced adventure with the tender touch of an author with a thorough awareness that she is dealing with some very tricky issues: the importance of being true to yourself and the difficulties we face when making decisions that will affect another person's life.Bad Dreams is an absolute must for Anne Fine devotees and its fine blend of reality and fantasy will captivate new readers, whatever their age. Age 10 and over. --Susan HarrisonRead More