Unlike Ben, Marie always falls asleep without any worries. She has sweet dreams that inspire her fun and games the follow­ing day. Jealous of Marie’s imagination – “It’s not real!” scoffs Ben – he stops joining in with his little sister’s bedtime ritual and damages their trust in each other.

The short, evocative sentences were written by Edward van de Vendel, who deftly captures the teasing yet ultimately affectionate relationship between this brother and sister. Marije Tolman’s illustra­tions tell so much of the story, too. Her clever combination of linocuts, drawing and painting creates a dream landscape. Her expressive use of colour lends every illustration its own atmosphere.

It’s beautiful to see how Marie’s dream world, alternately spring green, bright red and deep blue, contrasts with Ben’s universe of black and grey – until Marie takes Ben along with her and his life fills with bright and sunny yellow.