Chester Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover

May 1, 2017
Chester Raccoon spends an eventful “overday” with some of his forest friends, but when it comes time to sleep, the “Kissing Hand” tradition he shares with his mother isn’t quite enough to soothe him. The story itself is somewhat drawn out (there are three separate gags relating to Sassafras Skunk’s tendency to “stinky puff” at inopportune times), and Gibson’s artwork can feel posed and static. Chester ultimately leaves the sleepover early and is welcomed home by his mother, a resolution that should reassure timid readers who aren’t always as brave or independent as they would like to be. Ages 3–7.

March 15, 2017
Chester Raccoon faces a new childhood anxiety in the latest addition to the Kissing Hand series.A sleepover at Pepper Opossum's tree has Chester Raccoon excited. But it is not called an -overnight,- because these animals are nocturnal. Instead, Chester is going on an -overday.- (Sometimes wordplay can be more confusing than clever.) When Chester and his mother reach the Opossums' tree, she places the requisite kiss in the palm of his hand, curls his fingers around it, and leaves him feeling safe and loved. The entire day is spent romping and playing as only woodland friends can--hanging by tails in trees, throwing darts made from porcupine quills and acorns, and splashing in the creek. The tale, punctuated by purple-colored -stinky puffs- from Sassafras Skunk, meanders realistically, until the creatures are tuckered out. When they all start yawning, everyone burrows in Pepper Opossum's den to sleep. Everyone but Chester. Apparently, his mother's Kissing Hand makes him feel safe, but it is not powerful enough to keep him from being homesick. Mrs. Opossum is kindly understanding, and a neighboring rabbit hops him back to his own hollow. An out-of-place poem muddles the end; it's not a rhyme that will help kids address their own worries but, instead, simply a recap of the story. Oddly incongruent to the Kissing Hand (1993) premise--fans of the original will likely be perplexed, though it does present a familiar childhood dilemma without shaming. (Picture book. 4-7)

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March 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 1-The creators of Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon and its sequels have collaborated on a title that offers reassurance to young ones eager to attend their first sleepover. Initially, the plot setup is confusing because Mother Raccoon calls the adventure an "overday" rather than a "sleepover," as in the title. Youngsters familiar with the kissing hand from the original book will see Chester's mother repeat her parting gesture as she leaves her son with Mrs. Opossum for his first whole day away from home. While Chester has a perfectly enjoyable time with Pepper Opossum and all his other friends, when they pause from all the activities to take a nap, Chester can't sleep, no matter how hard he tries. Wise Mother Opossum then asks him if he'd like to go home to his own hollow. Adults and children will recognize the excellent examples of politeness and good manners. One minor quibble is the unusual side story about Sassafras Skunk, who makes "stinky puffs," illustrated with a hazy purple cloud, when she is nervous or giggly or sleepy. This departure from the plot detracts from the main focus of the narrative. VERDICT While listeners will relate to the idea of a youngster going on his first sleepover, this selection may not be as popular as Penn's original book. An additional purchase.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2018
Chester Raccoon enjoys his first sleepover, playing games and sharing snacks with his animal friends, but he becomes homesick at bedtime. While the story tenderly addresses children's potential sleepover anxiety, its ending feels rushed after an overlong setup (including a tiresome running gag featuring a skunk's "stinky puffs"). Serviceable illustrations highlight the action, though the nocturnal animals' daytime sleepover setting may confuse readers.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)