The Popples' Pajama Party

by Gail George, Pat Sustendal (Illustrator)

The funny little fur balls known as Popples that live in Monica's house help her entertain her visiting cousins.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 1986

Reviews

[Theresa F.]

Cute story, but I felt that the ending, while sweet, could have been written a bit better.
Spoilers Below!
The subject of the younger, visiting cousin's teddy bear is brought up multiple times in the text. The reader learns over the course of the book that the younger of two visiting cousins left the stuffed bear she normally sleeps with at home, because she didn't want her older cousin to think she was a baby. When the younger cousin's older brother suggests that they all tell ghost stories before bed, his sister ends up becoming scared and silently wishes that she had her teddy bear with her. The book ends with one of the Popples named Puffball staying with the younger cousin while she falls asleep. However, because the little girl cousin never actually mentions her fear to either her family or to the Popples in the text, this ending comes across a bit clunky, in my opinion.
On the plus side, the book gives just enough background information about the Popples that readers who are now unfamiliar with these iconic, 1980s characters can still follow along.
Overall, an endearing if simplistic story. The charming illustrations are mostly rendered in a more subdued color palette, which causes the brighter colors used for the Popples characters to 'pop off the page'.
Did I like it? It was fine for what it was.
Would I reread it? Probably not.
Would I recommend it? Possibly.

[Russell Hall]

The fun loving Popples do all they can to prepare for the grand Pajama Party for the children and their cousins, but they are not sure about everything. What kind of music do pajamas like to dance to anyway? Hopefully they find out before the party flops.

[Lucky Popo]

I loved reading this to my kids. I love the word "Popples" - it's such a fun word.

[Velvetea]

I remember my mother and I reading this~ I was especially interested in the old-fashioned pie crust the mother and daughter in the story were making (strips of dough criss-crossed over the top). I would later adopt this technique to make a clay pie for art class in the same manner later :). Children's books are inspiring!

[Erin]

One of my favorite library books in elementary school!

[Stefanie]

One of the cutest books I ever read as a child! I always wanted to own a popple when I was younger.