The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan

by Channing Tatum, Kim Barnes (Illustrations)

Leading actor, producer, director and New York Times- bestselling author Channing Tatum's Sparkella picture book series is a charming ode to self-esteem and the love between a father and daughter.

Sparkella is excited for her first sleepover with her new friend, Tam.

A glittery, glimmering outfit sure to impress? Check!

Everything they need for the awesomest tea party ever? Check!

A collection of games to delight and inspire? Check!

She can't wait for Tam to arrive in a few hours, but first she needs one more very important thing for their A castle fit for two royal highnesses. But no matter what she tries, Sparkella just can't seem to get the castle to work. The leopard stones for the wall are too hard to find! The cardboard breaks when she tries to climb to the second floor! The nails are boring and so NOT glitter-tastic.

Sparkella is frustrated, and worried her castle will never be finished in time. But with a little help from her dad, she soon learns the importance of patience, and figuring out creative new ways to do things when your original plans fall through.

Praise for The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan :

"A second scintillating celebration of personal style and dad-daughter DIY." ― Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Fiction, Art, Crafts

48 pages, Hardcover

Published May 31, 2022

About the author

Channing Tatum has established himself as a leading actor, producer and now director with his debut film, DOG, which he is co-directing with his production partner, Reid Carolin. Together they founded their production company, Free Association along with Peter Kiernan. Free Association has produced the 21 Jump Street and Magic Mike franchises. They also produce the worldwide stage experience, Magic  Mike Live which premiered in Las Vegas and expanded to London, Berlin and Australia. However, his favorite role to date is being father to his six-year-old daughter, Everly, who loves sparkly, rainbow-y things. He currently resides in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[IvyInThePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is The One and Only Sparkella Makes a Plan, written by Channing Tatum and illustrated by Kim Barnes (Kim’s Illustrations), second in the duo’s Sparkella series.

With two hours to go until Ella – better known as Sparkella – is having her new friend Tam over for a sleepover, it’s time to make sure all the activities, snacks, and tea party supplies are in place. And most importantly, a castle “fit for two royal highnesses” must be quickly constructed. Reaching out to Dad for help and showing him her ambitious blueprints, the two begin construction… but Sparkella is initially disappointed with the progress. Limited to construction materials like cardboard and tape, nothing about the castle looks or works like it did in her imagination. How can she make a princess-worthy palace in time?

Fluffy fun with a few helpful lessons. While the plot itself is a fairly light, slice-of-life story about problem-solving, Tatum’s text and Barnes’s artwork also neatly weave in a few very nice messages on creative thinking, managing emotions, and even father-daughter relationships. The latter theme is a particular favorite, as it shows Sparkella’s father gleefully engaging in and supporting his daughter’s “girly” activities, which is always awesome to see. Barnes’s artwork is a colorful delight that accessory-obsessed little ones will love, the length was great for a storytime, and JJ liked this one a lot. Overall, a fun read, especially for fans of the previous installment. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

sad face ...the 2nd book (kindle version) doesn't get enlarged when you stretch like you do the first book. i could cry. why does this happen??! you need to allow for enlargement of the illustrations and text. boo hoo!! it can be read but it is so tiny ...middle of the kindle screen. stinks. these illustrations are too cute. why the tininess??! had it been real size ...the chance to enlarge (no clue if that has a technical term or what? i would think that a huge population wishes to read from their kindles. that is important. this happens in both adult and kiddie poohs books ... sometimes it will allow you to enlarge illustrations and text ...get up there and see all the fine details ...zooming in is a must when it has to do with kindle books) ...5 stars ...but for me ...it deserves less. you need that feature. i never know whether it say it is Amazon issue or an author/publisher issue??! that needs and has to be fixed. i can imagine that some parents (kids) will wish to read it through they kindle FIRE??? i find it extremely weird that book 1 was enlarge-able but not book 2. i wonder about three??! fingers and toes are crossed.

i am wondering why we are not talking about the father's slippers ...he looks like the feet from the character in "Where The Wild Things Are" - Maurice Sendak. i want a pair. 2 cute!! did any 1 notice the turtle? he so cute!! these illustrations are to die for ...i wish the enlarging feature was available in this book ...book 2 like it was in book 1. going to read book 3 now.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparkella is hosting a sleepover and needs her dad to help her build a castle. She has some very specific ideas about this castle. However, the supplies she needs are not readily available, so cardboard will have to do. But it doesn't - and Sparkella is disappointed. But dad has some great ideas!

Sparkly and glittery illustrations that aren't actual sparkles and glitter. I'm so impressed. Sparkella is such a darling girl, inventive and imaginative. I know several little girls who will be loving this series. Sparkella and her dad are white.

cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Yaritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has everything I love, sparkle, fun glittery outfits, and designs. Sparkella reminds me so much of me. I love how fun and creative she is. She wanted to build a castle for her and her friend and it needed to be exactly how she imagine it would be. Her dad is so awesome for helping her with her plan and being fun and glittery too. I loved Sparkella's outfits throughout the book. Children will enjoy this sparkly fun book.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sparkella is back and planning for a play date with her friend Tam. She has huge plans for a two story castle but things don't go well at first. Then her dad offers some tips and helps her build a castle by adding her own sparkle.

[Spinster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book about a little girl who wants to build a magical fort for a play date but has no building skills so the fort (made of cardboard) looks like crap. Dad provides encouragement and she has fun with her friend.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done, Channing Tatum..

Well done, again.

[Rebecca Anne]

Sparkella wants to make a very special castle for her sleepover, but when the castle is not matching her vision, she must improvise with the help of her father.

[Kasandra Mullaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the message and the graphics!

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tatum and I love that he wrote these books for his daughter - starting his daughter. This cute picture book gives great, creative ideas on how to transform cardboard into magical palaces and kingdoms.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

28 September 2023

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was all right. Sparkella has really high expectations for a castle she wants to build for when her friend Tam comes over, and her dad helps her have more realistic expectations.

[Kizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit is gewoon een lief boekje…

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute