Nightmare Escape

In this first book in the Dream Jumper series, Ben's nightmares are taking a toll on his life. When his mother takes him to a sleep doctor, he slips into a sleep-coma, where he discovers a dream world and learns that only he, as a "dream jumper," can help others escape the monsters preying upon resting minds. The story reads like Nightmare on Elm Street for kids, combined with a classic adventure motif that includes the geeky and verbose sidekick, romantic interest, and insightful sage (who happens to be a bunny) to guide the hero. Actor Grunberg, in his print debut, and Imagine This cartoonist Turnbloom turn out a brisk adventure with just enough grotesquerie (syringe-wielding nightmare doctors, vampiric pursuers in suits) to intrigue but not outright terrify readers; the panels and wording are spacious, allowing readers to focus on the key aspects of any given panel. Guy Major keenly works the colors so that even during the plot's direst moments, one still gets a sense of light. This tactic aligns with the story's theme and keeps the mood from descending too far into the darkness. Ages 8%E2%80%9312. (June)