I was not a child or picture book age when The Kissing Hand came out. I did not get to experience until I was an adult in my first children’s library. And like all the other librarian’s i was immediately in love. Until just now, I had no idea there was more than one book. But this new book was still a lovely read. Chester has been invited for an overday (a sleepover for nocturnal animals). He plays and has fun, and has his kissing hand to help him though. Alas it is not enough, and Chester asks to go home to his family. It’s an adorable book to add to the series. I do have one complaint, the title. Throughout the book it is called an overday. It is only called a sleepover once by the narrator. I think the title should be changed to the almost perfect overday since the very first page explains it’s a sleepover.

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I loved the cover of this book. I loved the premise of it. It seems on face value alone to be useful as a way of helping children manage their own worries around 'sleepovers' or having to spend time away from the familiar home life they might be used to.

Sadly, the narrative never really kicks in. This book lacks pace and doesn't hold a young readers interest quite enough to be used as a whole class reading book.

I hate to write so negatively about a book and fortunately there is a silver lining in this book. The poem it closes on is a lovely, short piece which sums up the plot nicely. In fact, the poem could easily be stretched out to make a whole book for reading at nursery level. That, I feel, is the book this should have been.

I have always liked the Chester books. This was not one of my favorites but still a good bedtime story. The poem in the back was my favorite part. Most likely will buy this for my elementary library.

Adorbs from start to finish! I loved the story of the critter friends and their sleepover and the one that has an occasional 'stinky puff' situation. Great illustrations seal the deal on this one.