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Chester Raccoon and
the Almost Perfect Sleepover is
a delightful tale of a planned sleepover with Chester’s
friends at Pepper Opossum’s tree. Chester has fun practicing
hanging by his tail with Pepper, Stanley Squirrel, Amber Porcupine,
Cassie Raccoon and Sassafras Skunk, the latter of whom releases
a few “stinky puffs,” sure to make parents and
children reading the book laugh. The story also touches on
the importance of sharing and good sportsmanship, though I
laughed when I pictured how a few children might react when
they see what these friends eat for dinner.
This story is adorable and funny, but as with all Audrey Penn’s
stories, the value of this story is to let children know that
it’s okay if, after sharing time with friends, you are
afraid to spend the night in a place other than your own bed.
It’s okay to be a little scared and want to go home.
Home is, after all, where the heart is, and this is a story
to touch every child’s – and mother’s –
heart.
It’s easy to see why Audrey Penn’s first release
in the series won so many awards, for this 10th release is
beautifully written and the illustrations are outstanding.
The highly talented Barbara L. Gibson, who is an award-winning
illustrator and has worked in freelance for over twenty-five
years, has provided delightful renderings that add visual
enchantment to an excellent release all children are bound
to love.
Reviews
of other titles in this series
A
Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon
A
Kiss Goodbye
Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully
Chester
Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories
A
Color Game for Chester Raccoon
Reviewer’s
Notes: Audrey Penn’s first release in this series,
The Kissing Hand, was a #1 New York Times Bestseller.
It won the National Education Association’s Teachers
Top 100 Books for Children Award, the Top 100 Picture Books
in a School Library Journal poll, and the 2002 Helen Keating
Ott Award from the Church and Synagogue Library Association,
among others. Ms. Penn is also the author of the middle grade
series: Mystery at Blackbeard's Cove.
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