Sophie and Sammy's Library Sleepover

by Judith Caseley

After attending the library sleepover party, Sophie, who loves to read books, decides to throw a similar party for her brother, Sammy, who prefers throwing books to reading them.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

First published March 22, 1993

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Siblings Sophie and Sammy both loved books - Sophie loved to read them, and Sammy loved to rip and tear and write in them. When Sophie goes to a sleepover story-time at the local library, she enjoys everything about it, from seeing the librarian Mrs. Terry in her pajamas, to the scary and reassuring stories told. Convinced that Sammy would have enjoyed the experience as well, she sets up a 'library sleepover' at home, finally converting her brother to a better appreciation of the stories found in books...

An engaging story of two siblings and their relationship to books and to reading is paired with bright, colorful artwork in Sophie and Sammy's Library Sleepover. This is my thirteenth picture-book from author/illustrator Judith Caseley, who seems to specialize in these gentle, affirming stories of family (and elsewhere, school) life. Many of her books are based upon the experiences of her own children, and this appears to be one, based on the picture of her son and daughter on the rear dust-jacket flap, and the caption which mentions the two Caseley children having their own library sleepover. I enjoyed the story here, and appreciated the way in which thoughtful elder sister Sophie tries to include her younger brother in her favorite activity: reading. I also enjoyed the bright artwork, which has a somewhat folky feel to it. Recommended to young book lovers and young book throwers, and to anyone seeking children's stories about siblings and/or reading.

[Allison Stoltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie and Sammy’s Library Sleepover
My overall impression of this book is good one. I like the lettering and the wording and the pictures. The lettering is big enough to read while holding the book up in front of children. The illustrations are cute and easily identifiable to children.
I like the setting being in the home and in the library. I am not sure I agree with the mom in taking the books away from Sammy altogether. Maybe she could have started him with cardboard books not judging her but maybe she could have started Sammy reading a little earlier so he learned to appreciate books from a younger age like his sister.
I think it was awesome that Sophie wanted to help her brother learn to appreciate books and I think it is great that Sophie’s mom took her to a library sleepover to keep the love for books alive in Sophie.

[Jessie Polson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie and Sammy’s Library Sleepover is about siblings Sophie and Sammy. Sophie is Sammy’s older sister, and she loves books, however Sammy is a young boy who loves ripping up books. Sophie’s mother takes her to a library to be read to, and Sophie continues to say how she wishes her brother were there. When Sophie gets home, she tells her mother she wants to read to Sammy. Sammy loves it! He is allowed books again, and he then is able to read books just as Sophie does!

[Zoe Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about having a love for reading and being creative. This is also a good lesson for kids at the beginning of the book when they talk about respecting books like friends instead of destroying them which happens a lot in classrooms. This story involves children's minds being opened up to new heights and new worlds through books, which is great inspiration to inspire love for literature.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute book that makes me wish that my library had "sleepovers" when I was a kid. Recommend for reluctant young readers!

[Jessie Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved it! Thoroughly detailed story without being too wordy. The story is sweet and fun and the drawings are cute. Def recommend.

[Katelynn Callahan]

This story is about a little girl name Sophie and her little brother Sammy. At the beginning of the story Sammy doesnt take care of his books, but Sophie does so their mother tells Sammy he is too young and takes his books away. Sophie's mother later takes her on a special trip to the library where they have a "library sleepover". The children dont actually sleep at the library but the librarian creates a fun environment for the children to use their imaginations while she reads to them. After the library sleepover Sophie seems a little sad and her mother asks why. Sophie says that she wishes Sammy was there becasue he would have loved it. When Sophie goes home she creates her own library sleepover for Sammy so that she can show him how fun books can be.

This was a great book because it allows children to use their imagination while they read. It shows children that books can take them into a whole new world and it allows them to travel through their imaginations. Also in the story Sophie encourages her little brother Sammy by making reading fun for him. It shows children that if they use their imaginations reading can be very fun.

[Hannah Grabowsky]

Sophie and Sammy were both characters in the story by Judith Caseley that I fell in love with. It might have been because I have a love of kids, or it might be because of their cute, sweet and sometimes "naughty" antics of throwing books, but regardless, they were easy to connect to. I think that this book portrays an underline message that reading can be enjoyable, and that it is almost like a domino effect. Sophie loved reading, and after introducing Sammy to books that he would love, or an experience he would love (a mock library sleepover), he too falls in love with reading, and stops throwing the books, and learns to appreciate them. I think the relationship we watch evolve between Sophie and Sammy in terms of their love for books and reading is a very endearing one, and I truly enjoyed reading it.

[Stefanie Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story about a brother and sister. Sophie lives to read while Sammy likes the destroy his books. He did it so many times that his mom told him no more books. Then, Sophie got a surprise...a sleepover party at the public library! They dressed in pajamas and listens to scary and bedtime stories until late. Sophie had a great time but was sad her brother wasn't able to come. So the next night she had a home library sleepover. Sammy liked it so much they had one every night and he was kind to his books from then on.

I really enjoyed this story. I LOVE the idea of a pretend library sleepover with pajamas and candles included. Sophie is very sweet to think of her brother so often. It shows a really nice sister brother relationship. It also shows rewards and cobsequencses which could lead to a great discussion on fairness and equity. Recommend for grades K-1, possibly 2nd.

[Brooke Kato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, mostly because little kids are so against certain things especially reading. This book is super cute and I wish someone set up a library sleepover for me when I was little

[Michelle Farella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for PS ST but a fun read. Children's Librarians will love it!

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars