Book Three: Toothiana

I finished Toothiana: Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies a couple weeks ago but just hadn't gotten around to writing about it until now. This is the third book in The Guardians series by William Joyce. This time around he gives us the origins of the tooth fairy, Queen Toothiana. She joins forces Nicholas St. North and E. Aster Bunnymund in their fight against Pitch, the Nightmare King.

I can't help but compare these books to the Harry Potter series. Of course, if forced to choose, I would have to say that I prefer the Harry Potter books because J. K. Rowling created a totally new fantastic world of witches, wizards and muggles. However, it is probably much more difficult to create stories around the well-loved and storied characters of  Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. Joyce also introduces us to the Man in the Moon, Mother Nature and hints at the origins of Jack Frost and Mother Goose.

Right about the same time that Toothiana came out, The Sandman was also released. This a BEAUTIFUL picture book for a little younger audience. This is the story of Sanderson Mansnoozie and how he became "His Nocturnal Magnificence, Sanderson Mansnoozie, Sandman the First, Lord High Protector of Sleep and Dreams." His magical power is sending Dreamsand to sleeping children to give them lovely dreams to counteract the evil efforts of Pitch, the Nightmare King.

I am a very big fan of William Joyce and his books. He's a wonderful illustrator and storyteller. The movie Rise of the Guardians is due in theaters the day before Thanksgiving this year. I was relieved to find out that Mr. Joyce co-wrote the screenplay as well as co-produced this movie. When an author is involved with the making of a movie based on his book, I think the movie is more faithful to the story. I can't wait to see it!