Probuditi!

A young boy named Calvin and his friend Rodney become fascinated by hypnosis after watching a magic show featuring the mysterious Lomax the Magnificent. The boys decide to try the hypnosis technique, using a spiral disc, on Calvin's sister Trudy. While their mother is away, Calvin and his friend attempt their hypnosis experiment on Trudy, leading to an afternoon of unexpected complications. The story unfolds as the boys face the consequences of their actions and race against time before their mother's return. This illustrated tale explores themes of sibling relationships, the nature of truth versus deception, and the sometimes surprising wisdom of children. The book carries Van Allsburg's signature artistic style, including his trademark hidden detail - his recurring dog character Fritz appearing as a teapot.

Readers found this to be a lighter Van Allsburg story compared to his other works, with a playful premise about hypnosis and sibling dynamics. Parents note it prompts discussions about responsibility and consequences with their children. Readers liked: - The twist ending - Classic Van Allsburg black and white illustrations - Theme of comeuppance - Siblings can relate to the story Readers disliked: - Some found it less memorable than Jumanji or Polar Express - Plot feels predictable to adult readers - Message about hypnosis could worry sensitive children - Several note it's better for older kids (8+) due to themes Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,083 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (41 ratings) "A clever story about getting what you deserve," wrote one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review noted: "The artwork carries more impact than the story itself."

The Witches by Roald Dahl A boy encounters real witches who turn children into mice, combining magic, suspense, and the complex relationship between children and dangerous supernatural powers.

The House With a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs An orphaned boy moves to his uncle's house filled with dark magic and must stop a clock that threatens to destroy the world.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien A mouse mother discovers intelligent rats with extraordinary abilities, leading to revelations about secret experiments and hidden powers.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Sixteen people become part of an elaborate game involving deception, puzzles, and unexpected consequences.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster A bored boy enters a magical world where he encounters strange characters and must use logic and wit to navigate through peculiar situations.

🌟 Chris Van Allsburg was originally a sculptor before becoming a children's book author and illustrator, graduating from the University of Michigan's School of Art. 🎨 The word "Probuditi" means "awakened" in Bulgarian, cleverly tying into the book's themes of hypnosis and consciousness. 🏆 Van Allsburg has won two Caldecott Medals for his books "Jumanji" (1982) and "The Polar Express" (1985), both of which were later adapted into successful films. ✨ Stage hypnosis, which features prominently in the book, gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century through performers like Ormond McGill, known as "The Dean of American Hypnotists." 📚 Like many of Van Allsburg's works, "Probuditi!" features his trademark "Fritz," a bull terrier that appears somewhere in the illustrations of nearly all his books as a tribute to his brother-in-law's dog.