LET'S HAVE A SLEEPOVER!

Best animal friends are back in Feuti’s follow-up to Do You Like My Bike? (2019).

Harry the guinea pig is excited about going to Hedgehog’s house for a sleepover. He packs his pillow, toothbrush, and blanket but wisely decides to not bring along his goldfish or bowling ball. He’s not sure about Simon, his red teddy bear, asserting “I am too old for teddy bears.” Of course there’s no such thing as too old for teddy bears, and Simon ends up in his backpack. Harry’s anxiety gets the better of him in the next chapter, more than twice as long as the first, when he discovers that Hedgehog has set up a tent in the backyard. Harry makes up excuse after excuse, and empathetic Hedgehog realizes that maybe his friend would feel safer indoors, which is where the party moves to, and the story ends with a cheerful game of hide-and-seek. The innocence and sweetness of the first book in the series continues to be felt here, a gentle introduction to common fears children face. Bright and clear illustrations enhance the humor and care shared between the two, though slightly ineffective pacing and a bland closing chapter mar the flow. Children looking for early graphic novels as well as those ready to advance from Elephant & Piggie will enjoy this low-stakes drama.

A kind story about friendship in an appealing format.