Review by Ian Keogh

Ned regularly makes up fantasy stories to entertain his grandchildren at bedtime, but questions arise and somehow the story never reaches its end as the children provide their own variations. Sir Hortensius and his faithful bear companion Brownie seem destined to perpetuate an everlasting quest.

It’s a clever reflection of Ned’s own single life from writer M.D. Ventura, somehow lacking purpose, yet brightened by the summer visits of his grandchildren. He’d sure like to finish Sir Hortensius’ quest, though, and one night the opportunity arises as he’s sucked into the magical world he created. The aches and other discomforts associated with age are absent, and it’s not long before Brownie turns up and others Ned also knows. He treats the his new circumstances as an extended cheery dream to begin with, but it soon turns out there’s something wrong with the land, and he encounters things he’s never mentioned in his stories.

Having a grandfather as the hero in what’s essentially a children’s fairy tale isn’t entirely original, with Up possibly an inspiration, but it’s a lovely idea, and artist M. Ferraris ensures every inch of charm is supplied. His thoughtful illustrations deliver an utterly enchanting world no matter whether Ned’s running into talking pears or a talking plane. The only exceptions are a few interestingly provided ink-splattered pages around halfway, intended as a disturbing flashback highlighting parts of his life Ned has obscured.

Adults reading this to their children will be every bit as captivated, although they’ll figure out where Ventura is heading with Ned, what the threat is and what true redemption is required. The underlying emotional complexity may be beyond the understanding of younger children, but they’ll recognise fear and darkness as something to be overcome. Besides, the surface aspects are so delightfully defined that it’s impossible not to fall under the spell weaved by The Land of Unfinished Dreams.