Sleepover Party: Games and Giggles for a Fun Night
By Jamie Kyle McGillian
Sterling; $14.95
P6 pp.; ISBN-13: 978-1402729782

Review by Amy Brozio-Andrews

If your child is getting to the age where sleepovers are becoming popular and it's been ages since your own, Jamie Kyle McGillian's Sleepover Party: Games and Giggles for a Fun Night is a great party planning primer for girls and their parents. From planning to hosting, McGillian offers lots of ideas about who to invite, decorations, theme parties, snacks, activities, even how to deal with common concerns whether you're the hostess or a guest at the sleepover party.

McGillian's friendly tone and breezy writing style are infectious and sure to get girls excited about hosting a party. A quiz directs readers to themed party ideas, while later chapters include a broad selection of indoor and outdoor games, as well as arts and crafts projects and at-home spa activities. From water balloon volleyball and musical sleeping bags to a balloon bust relay and home manicures, there are lots of new games as well as old favorites (light as a feather, stiff as a board, anyone?). One whole chapter is devoted to recipes -- snacks and light dinner ideas, plus a couple of next-morning breakfast options; McGillian is mindful of healthful choices as well as child-friendly preparation. Recipes that require adult involvement are clearly labeled.

Parents will appreciate the author's frequent reminders to get mom and dad on board during the planning process, including the establishment of lights out time and a signal so that the hostess can readily involve her parents if necessary. Many of McGillian's suggestions include girls' getting their friends' help, too, enlisting guests to help set up, serve refreshments, and clean up, reminding readers that the surest way to have a second sleepover is to show Mom and Dad that you can clean up after this one.

Sleepover guests are advised on what to bring to the party, what to wear, and good guest behavior (e.g., don't leave your sleepover stuff at the door or take it upon yourself to go wandering around your hostess' house). A short section of girls' letters addresses common sleepover concerns, like arguing guests, irritating siblings, homesickness, and snoring, with understanding and practical advice.

The book's party-looking layout, with pastel circles and colorful font styles, and lots of candid snapshots of party guests, matches the text of the book perfectly. Instructions are clearly labeled. Party activities are plainly explained. Even party icebreakers are included, to smooth over that early-party awkwardness.

Jamie Kyle McGillian is the author of Sidewalk Chalk: Outdoor Fun and Games and The Busy Mom's Book of Preschool Activities, among others. While the book is clearly marketed to girls (as evidenced by the pastel colored graphics and girls-only party photos), intrepid parents will find the recipes and party activities readily transferable to non-sleepover parties for boys or girls. Sleepover Party is a comprehensive party planning guide for girls (and their parents) getting ready for their first sleepover, whether they're having the party or attending one as a guest, empowering young readers to take on the bulk of the party planning and hostessing themselves.