Pajama Party

From Publishers Weekly In a bouncy, first-person narrative, eight-year-old Casey tells of her older sister's "bad and boring" pajama party, at which she and her guests did nothing but eat junk food, listen to loud music and spray perfume. Disgusted, Casey sells her two best friends on the idea of a "three-girl" pajama party. The evening is quite jolly, though observant youngsters will realize that the agenda (which includes consuming large quantities of chocolate chip cookies and dancing to records) bears a strong resemblance to the teenagers' soiree. Though Casey is nonplussed when one of her friends becomes homesick and the affair turns into a "two-girl" party, all ends happily. With its short chapters, substantial print size and vibrant pictures, Hest's ( The Midnight Eaters ; The Purple Coat ) and Trivas's ( Emma's Christmas ; the Fourth Floor Twins series) rewarding collaboration is a prime choice for reluctant readers. Ages 7-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Grade 2-4-- A slight but pleasant beginning chapter book. When a big sister turns 13 and is the hostess of a pajama party to which her little sister is not invited, what is little sister's next move? Why, to plan a sleepover of her own, naturally. Eight-year-old Casey, who narrates, draws up elaborate plans, rules, and instructions for this premiere late-night adventure with her friends, Jenny and Kate. Unfortunately, the three-girl fiesta is less than successful. Kate, away from home overnight for the first time, is overcome by homesickness and must be rescued by her mother. Next morning, the party pooper reappears with breakfast treats from the deli, and all ends amiably. Illustrated with cheerful watercolors by an artist who truly understands children, this story should be popular with young readers. --Joan McGrath, Education Centre Library, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.