The Book of the Sandman and the Alphabet of Sleep

Quick Book Notes #2

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Dear friends,

I have a treasure for you today. A treasure, I say!

Do you know the Dutch illustrator (and author) Rien Poortvliet? I first learned about him when some Dutch friends gave me this beautiful book when I was about twelve years old:

Image source.

This book is extremely special. It begins with the finding of an old, worn manuscript stuffed into some thatching. Shhh — quiet! — for this fragile book contains secrets that the enemies of sleep would love to discover.

Read on and you will learn of the story of two travelers who, walking high in to the mountains, learn the story of the sandman and the Alphabet of Sleep. The fanciful tale is followed by the Alphabet itself, with each letter fully illustrated and accompanied by a poem and an explanation. (One or two of the letters makes obscure references to somewhat adult topics in the European way, but not in a way that I feel I cannot hand the book over to my children without worry.)

The book straddles the juvenile and adult categories. It is sort of a picture book, sort of a coffee table book, and is one that children and adults both will treasure. I suggest seeking out a new or used copy via Etsy (linked though the image above) or someplace like AbeBooks (not an affiliate link).

Have you read any of Poortvliet’s books? We also love his book on Dogs — such a delight to peruse, and a wonderful gift for anyone who loves animals!

Want to read more Quick Book Notes? Read the introductory post to the series here:

Warmly,

Dixie