Books With Bean ~ The Guardians of Childhood Book One

Title: The Guardians of Childhood Book One: Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King 

Author: William Joyce & Laura Geringer

Published: 2011

Genre: Children’s, Fantasy, Adventure 

Summary: Nicholas St. North is an outlaw, a daring swordsman, and very rough around the edges. As such you might not think that he is hero material but when Pitch the Nightmare King comes out of hiding to torment the children of Santoff Claussen Nicholas finds himself and his band of marauders drawn towards the town and to the protection of the children and their families that live there.  There he meets people who really care for him and who he finds himself liking back, much to his own surprise.    

What I liked about it: I don’t know what I didn’t like about it! William Joyce has been in the world of Children’s entertainment for quite a while. From his picture books that inspired movies like the hit Disney movie Meet the Robinsons to ones like this book here that inspired the hit Dreamwork's movies Rise of the Guardians. He even made a short film based off of his book The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. My first introduction to him however was though the TV show Rolie Polie Olie which was based off his books of the same name. What I like about all of his books (this one included) is that they are a lot deeper then most children’s books and deal with real issues while still being fun and full of adventure. The characters are very realistic and you feel deeply moved by all of their problems and joys. Lets just say if you liked the movie the books (as almost always happens) are even more amazing!

Language: None

Romance: One of the characters develops feelings for one of the others but it is more of a cuteness and simplicity of a first crush on a good friend then anything serious.

Violence: There is quite a bit of fighting against Pitch the Nightmare King and his Fearlings but it is never gruesome or bloody.

Magic: Magic is in a lot of places, both in Santoff Claussen and in the universe at large. While Pitch uses his magic for evil, the magic in the village of Santoff Claussen is used for good, for helping others and for having fun.  

Recommended Age: Mr. Joyce besides just being a good author is an amazing and unique illustrator and his illustrations can be a bit weird and a little scary for really young kids. His picture books are very good for any age, however, I woundn’t give the chapter books to any younger child who still gets easily scared or still gets nightmares easily.