The Dream of Jack Love is an entertaining adventure story following the eponymous protagonist that covered a range of interesting themes that would be great for readers aged 7+. This book has a larger typeset which will make it easier for younger readers to enjoy. I liked the list of characters at the start of the book, with a brief description of their characteristics. I feel this was a nice way to introduce the range of interesting characters we were about to meet in this story as well as providing a place for readers to go back and refresh their memory about who is who. This is an interesting book that reminded me a little bit of Alice in Wonderland in structure, the reality that establishes the characters, a fantasy style adventure, then a return to reality with lessons learned and skills that can be brought back “through the looking glass” as it were. I liked the attention to detail in the creation of Jack’s character and I think it’s great that this book has a representation of the autistic spectrum, that readers in this target audience could relate to, while still being educational and enjoyable for all. I think this is a highly enjoyable read for children in the 7-11 age bracket.
Jack has big ideas about his future.He’s going to be a great artist, instead of living in suburban Woodford, painting toy soldiers every night to make ends meet with his Nan. And, he is going to play for the greatest football club in East London, rather than Ashton FC, where he is midfield dynamo and free kick specialist! Jack’s life changes when Mr Burns, the new art teacher at St. Barnaby’s School, enters him into the Prince's young artist competition in West London. He then finds himself in a sinister alternative jungle where he encounters the smoking Captain Capstan non Filtre, to find his lost parents. Jack makes an incredible discovery at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square which maps out his way forward, generating hope as he learns never to let anything stand in his way.
