Review by Booklist Review
In Russo's debut title, Sloth is invited to her friend Paloma's house for her very first sleepover. She's excited because if there's one thing Sloth excels at, it's sleeping! After arriving at Paloma's house, however, Sloth has misgivings when she learns that there's not much snoozing at most sleepovers. The two pals have a great time playing games such as hide-and-seek, dress-up, and cards. Sloth begins to feel tired, but Paloma has so many more fun things planned, including fingernail painting and dancing. Just when Sloth is about to confess that she cannot stay awake any longer, Paloma surprises her. Clean and clear illustrations, created digitally and with watercolor, are bright and cheerful. Freckle-faced Paloma with her brown braids is an enthusiastic host and has clearly researched activities for a great slumber party. Youngsters invited for a sleepover may be reassured that a bit of dozing just might be included in the list of nighttime activities.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Who would've thought a sleepover would be a challenge for a sloth? When Sloth is invited to her first sleepover with Paloma, an energetic and overeager young girl, she isn't prepared to stay up all night long. After downing some pizza and ice cream and playing games, Sloth begins to grow dozy. As it turns out, Palomas don't stay up all night after all, and Sloth ultimately discovers her love of sleepovers. Russo's Sloth is irresistibly lovable, with a pineapple stuffie tucked under her arm and a large back flap on the seat of her soft blue pajamas. Paloma, who presents as White, is a young girl with a freckled face and an enthusiasm for fingernail polish. Together, they make an unlikely yet utterly charming pair. In expressing Sloth's fears over attending her first sleepover, Russo captures an oft-felt childhood anxiety, though children may not share Sloth's specific apprehension. The watercolor illustrations with digital linework switch between spot-art montages and full two-page spreads, some with close-ups of the characters' faces. Interesting details and the characters' facial expressions draw in the reader and help steer the mood in this fun, approachable, well-paced story. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Don't sleep on this sweet read. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
