Greg James said to the pupils "Make sure you’re having fun – that is the most important thing with any book!

The conclusion was wonderfully frightening even though I knew exactly what they had to do. But how do you think straight facing something so horrifying? Professor Dexter’s motto has always been "What if?", and has led him to the verge of a huge breakthrough in dream research at Somnia Inc. But six weeks ago, there was a terrible accident that left him trapped in a nightmare that he can’t wake up from. Whether you’re reading this popular children’s book with your class in school or your kids at home, you’re sure to find these resources useful. They’re perfect to deepen children’s understanding of the story and develop a variety of key literacy skills.

Diaries & Calendars

The Professor invented a device that allows you to visit other people’s dreams. But the devious Lilith Delamere trapped him inside a nightmare so Maya and the mysterious Dream Bandits must find a way to rescue him before it’s too late." THE GREAT DREAM ROBBERY is a brand-new adventure beyond your wildest dreams, from the bestselling authors of KID NORMAL. This madcap adventure could have only been dreamt up by the crazy minds of Greg James and Chris Smith - part science-fiction, part mission impossible, part mystery that needs solving and a whole lot of fun' Read more Details Anish Harrison, Hub Manager of Swindon Stories, said:“We’re thrilled that so many pupils in Swindon got the chance to meet their literary heroes Greg James and Chris Smith – and put their own questions to them!

The Great Dream Robbery is full of rich language and descriptive paragraphs entwined within the humour. There is an endearing cast of characters, as well as the truly villainous character of Lilith Delamere. In an attempt to stop Lilith’s dastardly plan, there is an extremely bizarre battle involving a unicorn called Donald, a seal and an army of line dancing robots. This book could definitely be enjoyed in the classroom - probably as a class reader. Or as in my case, in the library for book club – as it has left me with a plethora of activity ideas. The authors describe their new release: "Thestory centres around 12-year-old Maya who is desperate to fall asleep and save her father Professor Dexter who is in his own living nightmare. Teddy and Bea were such terrific characters. Love how they are twins but their personalities couldn’t be any more different. Bea is rational, calm, smart. Teddy is like the Cheshire Cat. I had to get used to Teddy a bit but after a while I just really liked the guy. He was so funny and his plans were wild but also great. Featuring a hospital heist, a mattress salesman, hairdressing accessories from a skip, a unicorn singing show tunes, and lots of cows, this witty comedy thriller showcases the resourcefulness and courage of a trio of youngsters known as the Dream Bandits. The Professor invented a device that allows you to visit other people's dreams. But the devious Lilith Delamere has trapped him inside a nightmare and Maya and the mysterious Dream Bandits must find a way to rescue him before it's too late!Pupils, from across the town, received copies of The Great Dream Robbery for their school library, after putting questions about their writing journey and dreams to the authors, during the interactive virtual visit. By the crazy creators of the hilarious and clever Kid Normal series, The Great Dream Robbery is even more imaginative - even using imagination to drive the plot. As always, the authors often stop to speak directly to the reader, whether to explain something, apologise for something or to just make us laugh. The villain was great, I couldn’t even really dislike her. In fact I mostly just felt sorry for her. I knew that underneath all that anger was a tired woman who just wanted to freaking sleep for once but thanks to nightmares and dad she wasn’t able to. So I was looking forward to seeing her change, see her understand. But before that we get some great parts in which she is a wonderful villain. Evil, mean, and shouty. Loved the plans the kids had and loved that they all did it in dinky old van with a mattress on top. Loved that the van was electric and had a laugh at how they had to divide the energy between driving or the lab in the book. Maya will face a dangerous journey and some difficult choices. But sometimes all you need is a dream . . . and a bit of courage.

Unlike most 12 year-olds, Maya Clayton is desperate to go to bed early. Falling asleep is the only chance she has to save her dad - the brilliant but slightly odd Professor Dexter. Maya loves to dream, both daydreaming (which gets her in trouble at school) and dreaming at night. When a boy from one of her dreams turns up in real life, she's really not sure what's going on. But he knows. His name is Teddy Flamewood and he and his sister are there to help Maya use her dreaming skills to put things right. On Friday 17 September, the authors of the Kid Normal serieshosted an interactive workshop about the power of imagination with KS2 pupils as part of the National Literacy Trust’s Connecting Stories project, funded by Arts Council England. When his daughter Maya visits him in the expensive, secure, private hospital his boss is paying for, all she can do is watch him sleep. Until a boy appears in her dreams suggesting that the "accident" was no such thing and that she alone has the power to rescue her dad. Its events aim to improve attitudes and behaviours towards reading for pleasure, and supporting wellbeing in diverse, disadvantaged communities, following itsresearch which shows children who enjoy reading are happier in their lives.

Hobbies

The Great Dream Robbery’ is a book written by BBC Radio 1 hosts and children’s authors, Greg James and Chris Smith. It tells the story of 12 year old Maya who, unlike most other children her age, actually wants to go to bed early. Why? Because falling asleep is her only chance to save her dad, Professor Dexter, from the deceitful villain Lilith Delamere, who has trapped the Professor inside of a nightmare. Maya joins forces with the Dream Bandits to rescue him before time runs out. One pupilgot the chance to ask the authors ‘what inspired you to become authors?’, while another pupil asked ‘what made you choose to write a book about dreams?’. This madcap adventure could have only been dreamt up by the crazy minds of Greg James and Chris Smith, the duo behind the brilliant Kid Normal series. There latest book, The Great Dream Robbery, is part science-fiction, part mission impossible, part mystery that needs solving and a whole lot of fun. I could probably talk more and more about this book but I will just say that everyone will need to read this one! It is fun. Hilarious. Imaginative. Dream-filled. The fourth wall being broken! I just love it when books do that and I was already looking forward to seeing it happen in this book. They also did it in their Kid Normal book, so I knew I would be in for a treat in this book.