Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise

I was so glad to come across this little gem of a story Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise, about a young girl who is anxious about a planned sleepover with her friend in the garden.  Sleepovers - especially for the first time - are something that children might look forward to, but also worry about.  This story will help a child to express what is worrying them, as well as reassuring them about the fun they will have.

In the story, Destiny is looking forward to a sleepover with her friend, but worried that the sleepover will be in the garden, and in the dark.  That night, she finds a small monster in her room who is also worried about a sleepover, and she finds ways to reassure the monster and in the process, finds that she is also looking forward to her own sleepover with her friends.

This is a sweet story - with echoes of Toy Story that children might recognise - and the illustrations, which are Destiny's doodles, are engaging and full of humour, helping to keep young readers following the storyline.  The drawings also add another layer to the storytelling; Destiny draws out her worries and encouraging young children to do the same will help them to access what is worrying them.  By drawing their own 'worry monsters', it will help them identify what they are worried about as well as talk about what they have drawn.

The ending is warm and reassuring, as Destiny has overcome her fears.  This is the first in a series of books about Destiny and her doodles, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next.

96 pages / Reviewed by Elen Green

Suggested Reading Age 5+

Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise is a brilliant book focused around the fears of the first sleepover. This is something that most children will be able to relate to and sharing this story with them will encourage them to talk about those anxieties.

Worried about the sleepover, Destiny doodles some monsters but, when one of her creations comes to life as a small monster who is worried about a sleepover, they try out their own practice sleepover.  After sharing midnight snacks, dressing up and telling stories under the stars, Destiny realises there's nothing to be worried about after all and she is looking forward to having her first proper sleepover!

Destiny is beautifully drawn with a lovely feelgood storyline and equally relatable illustrations. There is a chance to learn how to draw Destiny at the end of the book and I so wanted to colour in the pictures throughout! This book is perfect to read for pleasure, to share with a class or as a bedtime read.

96 pages / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+