A Case of the Jitters: (2 Dream Team)

Meet the Dream Team! Turning nightmares into incredible adventures! Erika's friend Kris is HILARIOUS. She thinks he should perform in their school's talent show, but he's far too nervous. And when Erika gets a call from the Dream Team to help on a mission, she meets another girl who is struggling with confidence. Chanda's dream is being attacked by the jitters and nothing seems to be going right. Try as they might, the team can't get control of her dream - until Erika realizes that there is a connection between Chanda and Kris. Can she help Chanda to find some confidence before the jitters take over completely? A Case of the Jitters is the second book in Tom Percival's fun and engaging Dream Team series, exploring anxiety in children through action and adventure.

About the Author :
Tom Percival writes and illustrates all sorts of children's books. He has produced cover illustrations for the Skulduggery Pleasant series, written and illustrated the Little Legends series, as well as five picture books for Bloomsbury, including the Carnegie-nominated Ruby's Worry, Perfectly Norman and Ravi's Roar. He lives in Gloucestershire with his girlfriend and their two children. Tom has been drawing since he's been able to hold a pencil, and making up stories for as long as he can remember, in fact, probably longer, especially as his memory is not what it once was. Basically, he's been making things up his whole life and he's not about to stop any time soon.

Review :
An action-packed new illustrated fiction series for independent readers that explores anxiety – and how to conquer it –through rip-roaring adventure stories! I'd happily have this on my bookshelf at school but I would also happily recommend this for any parent to read with or give to their child to read A fun and engaging way to reassure youngsters and help them cope with their anxieties. . . . Ideal for sharing at home to help children through periods of anxiety, or for reading in schools as guidance with behavioural problems and anger management, this exciting new series could turn youthful nightmares into the sweetest dreams. For readers of middle-grade (whatever your age), Attack of the Heebie Jeebies is a fantastic new series. You’ll find yourself dreaming about the dreamscape with its backwards-flowing waterfalls and all the endless possibilities Dream Crystals can provide One of the best things about the book is the pictures even though they are only yellow, black and white, it makes it striking and more like a dream. At first it was the pictures that made me interested in the book, but when I started reading the story I found the writing was just as good. I would recommend this book one hundred percent! These books are filled with truly interesting and unique characters and creatures. I really like how it tackles anxiety, depression and overcoming fears for children in a way that doesn't hit you over the head. It really is a perfect book for reading aloud to children. It also has a powerful message about refusing to give up no matter what the odds are and believing in yourself throughout your life. The illustrations are powerful, fun and completely immersive. The Dream Team series is an essential escape for children and parents alike I just love the humour in these books that balances it out nicely. There is properly witty banter between the characters, pitched perfectly for the younger reader but also funny to an older child (and any grownups reading with them), and the characters are great fun. His dreamscapes are really inventive but I also like that Erika’s real-world relationships are developed. I think these books would be great to read with a child to see what conversations they spark around feelings and worries, but they are also just great fun reads…and make sure you read the acknowledgements, heehee! TEACHERS/SCHOOL LIBRARIANS: They would be wonderful to read with a class, and here are some lesson plans (with links to audio of the first two chapters) to whet your appetite! The writing was cleverly done, introducing fantastic language for the reader as well as building images in their mind which match the illustrations already being shown. This is the perfect book (as well as the one before it!) to introduce readers to longer chapter books. This is a really super series for readers fairly new to chapter books. Plenty of story to get their teeth into and lots of completely gorgeous pencil illustrations throughout. This highly-illustrated adventure would be perfect for readers aged seven and up. I love how it cleverly combines action, fearsome beasts and an exploration of your emotions and how to master them. Books like this are so important because they allow children to explore uncomfortable feelings within the safe environment of a story, and can open up important discussions with the adults around them. I think lots of readers will be able to identify with Chanda’s feelings of worthlessness and not being good enough. It was brilliant to be able to see Chanda slowly become more confident – at first she found it so difficult to think of something nice to say about herself but this gradually began to change as she found her inner awesomeness! Action-packed and inspiring – I’m glad I managed to read this one before #BookBoyJr snaffled it away for his private collection! This thoughtful and entertaining series tackles the anxieties and difficulties lots of children experience growing up and presents them as exciting and thrilling missions that can be overcome with self belief and a sprinkling of help from others. Tom transports the child and their problems to a magical dream world where they battle with the demons that they face in every day life allowing the children to be in control of their feelings. By doing this it makes it much more accessible for younger readers allowing them to understanding that sometimes they and other children might have feelings that they are unable to stop escaping or that they find it difficult to talk about. Tom has assembled a brilliant cast of characters who all have a slight flaw despite their magical powers making them instantly identifiable to children. Wonderfully produced in a two tone palette with lively and energetic illustrations they will definitely encourage readers to pick them up and read. This second book in the series continues to gently ease children's worries in Tom's trademark warm and embracing style.