Darcy's First Sleepover

by Julie Fortenberry

A gently reassuring picture book about the milestone of a first sleepover, for fans of The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and Wemberly Worries by Kevin Henkes.

Every night at home, Darcy brushes her teeth with strawberry toothpaste; she snuggles in bed with Little Cat; and she falls asleep to the sound of her dad washing the dishes. But tonight, Darcy is having her very first sleepover! Even though it’s at her cousin Kayla’s house, it still feels a little daunting. Kayla has peppermint toothpaste, a baby bear named Charlotte, and howling winds outside her window. Darcy misses her dad and her own cozy bedroom. Should she ask her aunt to take her home?

This rewarding tale celebrates the excitement of new experiences and the power of quiet growth. Backmatter also included shedding light on steps parents can take when helping kids prepare for their first sleepover!

Christy Ottaviano Books

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Julie has an MFA from Hunter College. Her abstract paintings have been in the Whitney Museum of American Art. But for the last 17 years she's been painting for preschoolers and kindergarteners. She illustrated Eve Bunting’s Pirate Boy, and a series of books by Rabbi Jamie Korngold, three of which are Sydney Taylor Notable Books.

She both illustrated and authored The Artist and the King, Lily's Cat Mask, and Pearl Goes to Preschool. Her latest book, Darcy's First Sleepover, is available for pre-order now!

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every night, Darcy follows the same routine. she uses strawberry toothpaste, and she snuggles her little cat stuffed animal while her dad reads the Little Cat book. but one day when she visits her closing Kayla, they have a spontaneous sleepover. A book about the challenges of a first sleepover.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Fortenberry, I am so impressed with your story about Darcy. You've solved a mystery for me.

Goodreaders, fairly early on in this story, Darcy's Dad is reading her a picture book about "Little Cat."

She knew the story had a happy ending. But she always got nervous when the waves almost knocked Little Cat right out of her boat.

When the storm clouds drifted away and Little Cat was safe, Darcy could relax.

SO BRILLIANT

This could be one way to understand why children like to hear the same story read over and over again. Unlike adults, they're involved in the story, living it in the lively present. Every single time!

So they're not sure how it's going to come out. Awesome.

SUMMING UP, I'D SAY, WONDERFUL-AND-INSIGHTFUL WRITING ALL THE WAY THROUGH

And that "Author's Note" to parents adds pitch-perfect advice about how to help children with their first sleepover.

Thank you, Julie Fortenberry, for those words of wisdom and child-sized adventure, and also those magnificent illustrations.

[Rebecca Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A girls first sleepover at her cousins house. Things are different, but she's able to find the similarities as well. *I think this is the first picture book where the character uses a cell phone instead of a landline to make a phone call. Somehow that was so sad to me!*

[Y.Poston]

a delightful exploration of sleeping over!

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy sleeps through her first sleepover thanks to Little Cat.

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy’s first sleepover
Julie fortenberry
Great book to read about sleepovers
Stuffed animals

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensitive, empathetic and perfect pacing

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a gentle and realistic story meant to reassure kids who are experiencing a sleepover or any other change in routine.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I read this just because my name is in the title.
It would be a good book if you have a child scared about their first upcoming sleepover. Otherwise, it is a bit boring.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of a first sleepover covers familiar ground, but is adorable and timely nonetheless. Illustrations are cute and the message is warm and cuddly without being maudlin or condescending.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl is invited to sleepover at her cousin's house. She's nervous but soon learns there are new experiences to be had when we try new things.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rings true to life! Kids will understand how Darcy feels on her first night away from home.