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Sleepover Takeover
For Otis, this was a sleepover to remember - if only he could!
When dorky, unpopular 11-yr-old Otis wakes up in the morning at a sleepover birthday party, he's in for a shock. At the marquee where the sleepover took place, it's a scene of carnage and mayhem: there's a donkey drinking at the chocolate fountain, a huge inflatable helium sausage looms above, doves everywhere, one of the kids has a tattoo, and there's a suitcase of bratwurst on the floor! But what's weirdest of all, neither Otis nor the other kids can remember what happened!
The party was in the back garden of popular kid Rocco Rococo's huge house, and Otis was only there because his mum forced an invitation. Otis realizes that makes him Prime Suspect for causing the mess, and he needs to clear his name.
Meanwhile, Rocco just needs to keep his parents from finding out!
So while everyone else makes a befuddled exit, Otis and Rocco reluctantly team up to hide the evidence. They decide to retrace their steps in the hope of solving the mystery...
When dorky, unpopular 11-yr-old Otis wakes up in the morning at a sleepover birthday party, he's in for a shock. At the marquee where the sleepover took place, it's a scene of carnage and mayhem: there's a donkey drinking at the chocolate fountain, a huge inflatable helium sausage looms above, doves everywhere, one of the kids has a tattoo, and there's a suitcase of bratwurst on the floor! But what's weirdest of all, neither Otis nor the other kids can remember what happened!
The party was in the back garden of popular kid Rocco Rococo's huge house, and Otis was only there because his mum forced an invitation. Otis realizes that makes him Prime Suspect for causing the mess, and he needs to clear his name.
Meanwhile, Rocco just needs to keep his parents from finding out!
So while everyone else makes a befuddled exit, Otis and Rocco reluctantly team up to hide the evidence. They decide to retrace their steps in the hope of solving the mystery...
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2022
5 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Simon James Green
22 books774 followersSimon James Green grew up in a small town in Lincolnshire that definitely wasn’t the inspiration for Little Fobbing – so no-one from there can be mad with him, OK? He enjoyed a classic British education of assorted humiliations and barbaric PE lessons before reading Law at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he further embarrassed himself by accidentally joining the rowing team despite having no upper body strength and not being able swim. When it turned out that being a lawyer was nothing like how it looks in Suits or The Good Wife, and buoyed by the success of his late night comedy show that involved an inflatable sheep, he travelled to London to pursue a glamorous career in show business. Within weeks he was working in a call centre, had been mugged, and had racked up thousands of pounds worth of debt. Finding strength and inspiration in the lyrics of "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba, he eventually ended up working on a range of West End shows and UK tours, co-wrote a feature-length rom-com for the BBC and directed Hollyoaks for C4 / Lime Pictures. After trying really, really hard, he also managed to write Noah Can’t Even. If you are interested in stalking him, he still lives in London, where he spends a lot of time telling people that Noah Can’t Even is only partly autobiographical, and his mum has definitely never done a Beyoncé tribute act.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 10, 2022
Hilariously funny and heartwarming.
July 7, 2023
This middle grade book is perfect! It has everything you need to keep you hooked. I was genuinely surprised by the twists and turns. Simon's talent shines through as he creates a captivating story that's completely different from his young adult novels. The diverse cast of characters adds depth and inclusivity, representing different backgrounds. While it took me a bit longer to get into it, I absolutely loved reading this book. My inner child was jumping up and down with excitement! 4.5 stars out of 5.
July 5, 2022
This is kind of like The Hangover for kids. But without alcohol or an actual hangover.
After a birthday party with way too much sugar, Otis wakes up to find himself lying on the floor in a wedding dress, before a donkey promptly licks his face. And he has zero recollections of any of it. The problem is, no one else who was at the party remembers anything either.
A lot of craziness goes down in this book, but I don’t think anyone expected otherwise. Every random event and detail all tied in eventually, which was pretty spectacular really. It’s so well thought out, and with all the other stuff going on you don't notice some of the clues, like where the missing winkie ends up. Honestly, literally everything had a purpose.
There were some slightly older jokes in there Still very PG though.
I loved that Otis just wore a wedding dress the whole time, and instead of being made fun of he was complimented and congratulated on being himself. It was very wholesome in that way, and refreshing to see children being show this and just embracing it. There was a strong be yourself message throughout, without ramming it down your throat. Don't be misled though: there's also a huge amount of humour based on bodily fluids. This author knows what kids like.
After a birthday party with way too much sugar, Otis wakes up to find himself lying on the floor in a wedding dress, before a donkey promptly licks his face. And he has zero recollections of any of it. The problem is, no one else who was at the party remembers anything either.
A lot of craziness goes down in this book, but I don’t think anyone expected otherwise. Every random event and detail all tied in eventually, which was pretty spectacular really. It’s so well thought out, and with all the other stuff going on you don't notice some of the clues, like where the missing winkie ends up. Honestly, literally everything had a purpose.
There were some slightly older jokes in there Still very PG though.
I loved that Otis just wore a wedding dress the whole time, and instead of being made fun of he was complimented and congratulated on being himself. It was very wholesome in that way, and refreshing to see children being show this and just embracing it. There was a strong be yourself message throughout, without ramming it down your throat. Don't be misled though: there's also a huge amount of humour based on bodily fluids. This author knows what kids like.
April 1, 2022
A laugh-out-loud book about a sleepover going completely wrong and the day after!
I thought I would just list all the things I loved about this book, and it is a lot so here we go~
😍 I just ADORED the sleepover and throughout that part I just wished I could step into the story and eat at the food trucks, jump in the ball pit, have a great time at the chocolate fountain (but not too much of a great time… looks at Otis), dance and jiggle. It was just a dream sleepover.
😍 Otis was such a fun character. He knows he is dorky and at times he isn’t too happy, but I loved that he stayed for Rocco and that he was the only one who actually stayed and tried to make things right. Of course, later they get help, but at first it is Otis. I also love that Otis eventually dares to speak up when things seem to go not so right.
😍 The reverse scavenger-hunt, aka the bring stuff back and figure out what in Lord’s name has happened last night. I had such a laugh at all the items they found (or were wearing in case of Otis). From a cherub without his winkle (yes, really) to a sausage balloon. The items are eclectic and I just had so much fun walking along with the characters, see them find more friends and then solve the mystery. What did happen that night???
😍 I had such a laugh at all the things that happened during the reverse scavenger-hunt. Because of course it doesn’t go all right. Of course things are going off. Like a donkey running straight to the market to feast on some more cakes. Or when a wee really needs to be weed and then you have to go.
😍 Sausagefest. OMG, a sausage fest? I would love to go, and I am sure my husband would also want to as he just loves sausage. I loved how everything at the fest was sausage. Not just the food, but also band names, contests, and attraction. It made me laugh.
😍 I was so excited for Other Chloe to become a Fun Chloe. One who is done with the Chloes. I was just rooting for this girl! I was first a bit worried that she may just turn out to be still very much one of the Chloes, but as the book continues we see her grow and have so so much fun!
😍 Tiana was such a lovely character. She felt a bit like the big sister that the party needed. \
😍 That the characters were doing weird things when certain words/things happened. I already knew before the characters knew what was going on, so I was eagerly waiting to see when our characters would figure it out. And then comes the next one, why are they like this? I had such a laugh each time Otis wanted to PEE or Chloe sniffing Otis in total adoration which was just a hoot.
😍 Rocco was a big surprise to me. I am normally not that much into rich spoiled boys, but as the story continues we see that Rocco… is totally different from that image. Sure, he has his moments that he just doesn’t get simple things (like, hello who doesn’t know what a wheelbarrow is) or that he acts a bit huffy, but for most I absolutely loved his character growth. He really goes from meh to WOW. He really becomes a wonderful friend and I really found myself rooting for him. I am glad that eventually he learns to be a bit more honest about things. I just hope he doesn’t revert back when he goes to the bigger school.
😍 The cover also definitely needs a mention because I just love it!
😍 The ending was just fabulous! Really exciting and made me roll with laughing. I was rooting for our characters. I did think it was a shame that none of the adults took them and what happened when certain things were said/done seriously and no one helped. Well, in the end someone helped, someone unexpected!
😍 I loved the marriage part. Well, we can at least say that Otis tried. XD Good luck with the rest Otis.
😍 The illustrations were just a perfect match for the book! They made things even more silly and fun!
😍 Also could we get more books with these characters? Especially given that last part?? Please? I need more!!
And just one thing I wasn’t too happy with:
😐 Jagger. And then especially the news he brings on a FRICKING party. I mean, Jagger, boy, I get you were afraid to tell Otis this, but maybe you should have picked a better place and time. Not just all of the sudden and without warning. I am just not a fan of things like this, it happens in more books and it just feels dumb. If these are best friends then be honest. From the start.
But as you can see A LOT of good and boy I had tons and tons of fun reading this and following our Dork Force (their words) on a day they won’t forget! I would highly recommend this one to all~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I thought I would just list all the things I loved about this book, and it is a lot so here we go~
😍 I just ADORED the sleepover and throughout that part I just wished I could step into the story and eat at the food trucks, jump in the ball pit, have a great time at the chocolate fountain (but not too much of a great time… looks at Otis), dance and jiggle. It was just a dream sleepover.
😍 Otis was such a fun character. He knows he is dorky and at times he isn’t too happy, but I loved that he stayed for Rocco and that he was the only one who actually stayed and tried to make things right. Of course, later they get help, but at first it is Otis. I also love that Otis eventually dares to speak up when things seem to go not so right.
😍 The reverse scavenger-hunt, aka the bring stuff back and figure out what in Lord’s name has happened last night. I had such a laugh at all the items they found (or were wearing in case of Otis). From a cherub without his winkle (yes, really) to a sausage balloon. The items are eclectic and I just had so much fun walking along with the characters, see them find more friends and then solve the mystery. What did happen that night???
😍 I had such a laugh at all the things that happened during the reverse scavenger-hunt. Because of course it doesn’t go all right. Of course things are going off. Like a donkey running straight to the market to feast on some more cakes. Or when a wee really needs to be weed and then you have to go.
😍 Sausagefest. OMG, a sausage fest? I would love to go, and I am sure my husband would also want to as he just loves sausage. I loved how everything at the fest was sausage. Not just the food, but also band names, contests, and attraction. It made me laugh.
😍 I was so excited for Other Chloe to become a Fun Chloe. One who is done with the Chloes. I was just rooting for this girl! I was first a bit worried that she may just turn out to be still very much one of the Chloes, but as the book continues we see her grow and have so so much fun!
😍 Tiana was such a lovely character. She felt a bit like the big sister that the party needed. \
😍 That the characters were doing weird things when certain words/things happened. I already knew before the characters knew what was going on, so I was eagerly waiting to see when our characters would figure it out. And then comes the next one, why are they like this? I had such a laugh each time Otis wanted to PEE or Chloe sniffing Otis in total adoration which was just a hoot.
😍 Rocco was a big surprise to me. I am normally not that much into rich spoiled boys, but as the story continues we see that Rocco… is totally different from that image. Sure, he has his moments that he just doesn’t get simple things (like, hello who doesn’t know what a wheelbarrow is) or that he acts a bit huffy, but for most I absolutely loved his character growth. He really goes from meh to WOW. He really becomes a wonderful friend and I really found myself rooting for him. I am glad that eventually he learns to be a bit more honest about things. I just hope he doesn’t revert back when he goes to the bigger school.
😍 The cover also definitely needs a mention because I just love it!
😍 The ending was just fabulous! Really exciting and made me roll with laughing. I was rooting for our characters. I did think it was a shame that none of the adults took them and what happened when certain things were said/done seriously and no one helped. Well, in the end someone helped, someone unexpected!
😍 I loved the marriage part. Well, we can at least say that Otis tried. XD Good luck with the rest Otis.
😍 The illustrations were just a perfect match for the book! They made things even more silly and fun!
😍 Also could we get more books with these characters? Especially given that last part?? Please? I need more!!
And just one thing I wasn’t too happy with:
😐 Jagger. And then especially the news he brings on a FRICKING party. I mean, Jagger, boy, I get you were afraid to tell Otis this, but maybe you should have picked a better place and time. Not just all of the sudden and without warning. I am just not a fan of things like this, it happens in more books and it just feels dumb. If these are best friends then be honest. From the start.
But as you can see A LOT of good and boy I had tons and tons of fun reading this and following our Dork Force (their words) on a day they won’t forget! I would highly recommend this one to all~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 15, 2022
This book was precious and I laughed a lot! A sort of The Hangover but with 11yo kids; a mess and a night nobody remembers. This would make a perfect kids movie, I can totally see it.
Otis was hilarious and so were all the other characters. The wedding dress, the donkey, the sugar high, the cherub!! It was all perfectly thought and it made this book fun and unputdownable.
I have read every single book by SJG and I've never been disappointing. That's the case here, too. I cheered for these kids, I laughed with them and a little at them as well, and I just laughed and laughed, and gasped while laughing at that ending.
The illustrations made everything better; visualising the whole wild night and even wilders day after made the story complete!
I'd recommend this book to people of all ages!!
Otis was hilarious and so were all the other characters. The wedding dress, the donkey, the sugar high, the cherub!! It was all perfectly thought and it made this book fun and unputdownable.
I have read every single book by SJG and I've never been disappointing. That's the case here, too. I cheered for these kids, I laughed with them and a little at them as well, and I just laughed and laughed, and gasped while laughing at that ending.
The illustrations made everything better; visualising the whole wild night and even wilders day after made the story complete!
I'd recommend this book to people of all ages!!
August 24, 2022
The Hangover for kids, very funny scenario of two dorky 11 year old kids getting an unlikely invite to the biggest party of the year, then waking up in the morning wearing a wedding dress with an unpleasant brown stain on the bum, a donkey wandering around in the chocolate fountain and the posh host with the word loser tattooed across his forehead. So much humour in this, starting with the references to the cream his mum insists he take with him to the sleepover for his itchy unmentionables, and the banter about how good he looks in the wedding dress. Actually includes some great heartfelt transition conversations, embracing your inner dork and questioning toxic friendship decisions. for Wimpy Kid readers and more, age 9+
June 1, 2022
🦚Honestly I loved this it made me laugh it made me cry, it made me embarrassed. Otis wakes up after a sleepover at Rocco Rococo's house and it is utter chaos. There is a donkey drinking out of a chocolate fountain,huge inflatable sausage hanging above them, doves everywhere, the birthday boy has a tattoo on his head and Otis is wearing a wedding dress. Nobody has any idea what happened and they go on a quest to return all the items and discover what has happened. If you like the hangover films I would say this is a childrens version of that.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that needs a bit of a lift.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that needs a bit of a lift.
August 17, 2024
Whether it's middle grade, children's, or young adult, Green's books deliver a world filled with quirky characters. This one does not disappoint. Humor, worry, sadness, joy - dished out in just the right amounts. I suspect Green might be an alien family inhabiting a man's body from how well he writes to all age groups.
January 22, 2022
Oh hello!! New Simon James Green alert!!
Of course I was going to love this book, it features dorky characters, a mystery and so much mischief.
I had a great time, so glad I could read this is one sitting!!
Of course I was going to love this book, it features dorky characters, a mystery and so much mischief.
I had a great time, so glad I could read this is one sitting!!
January 7, 2022
Enjoyable romp with cute nerdy kids.
I finished this over the course of two days. Good fun!
I finished this over the course of two days. Good fun!
March 10, 2022
great stuff.
Read this because of the actions of the Arch Diocese of Southwark.
This is a great book. A real romp with lots to say about friendship.
Read this because of the actions of the Arch Diocese of Southwark.
This is a great book. A real romp with lots to say about friendship.
April 13, 2022
A mashup of all the best from Ealing Comedies, Whitehall Farces and Carry-on movies, compressed and turned into a brilliant book for children (and 60 somethings like me).
May 11, 2022
So so much fun!
December 12, 2022
This is what would happen if The Hangover was a kids move...but in a book.
Lots of silly fun and shenanigans, I had a great time reading this book.
Lots of silly fun and shenanigans, I had a great time reading this book.
May 8, 2023
Delightful!
I laughed from beginning to end! Intrepid eleven year olds being eleven, being crazy fun. Read and enjoy! Recommended for eleven year olds and up!
I laughed from beginning to end! Intrepid eleven year olds being eleven, being crazy fun. Read and enjoy! Recommended for eleven year olds and up!
January 29, 2022
I don’t think it’s any secret around here that I am an absolute diehard fangirl of Simon James Green and his books, so unsurprisingly, this will be another gushing review about how hilarious he is and how much of a joy it is to spend time in one of his stories for a while (in this case, when I was resting in bed after my neighbours had a huge party and I got no sleep… and this book managed the impossible feat of making me less grumpy!!). This book is also, funnily enough, about an absolutely gigantic party, albeit one I found FAR more amusing and entertaining. It follows Otis Bumble, who is very confused when he’s invited to the sleepover the king of his class Rocco Roccoco’s 11th birthday sleepover, and even more bemused when he wakes up the following morning with no recollection of what happened and surrounded by some VERY strange things- for example, a donkey and a peeing cherub missing a very important piece of its anatomy, and of course he’s also wearing a wedding dress. To say much more about the plot would give a lot away, but needless to say, absolute chaos ensues and I don’t think a single page went by where I didn’t snort with laughter at least once. I just loved all the characters so much, especially Otis, who very much fits the mould of Simon’s protagonists being a bit hapless and daft, but also a really lovely person and ridiculously funny! And I loved the little group of friends that forms and the way the plot unfolds almost like a mystery book, with a super satisfying solution. I basically just live my life waiting for more of Simon’s writing so I can greedily devour one of his books in a day, and I’m already dying for his next YA to be out in May or June.
May 8, 2023
Crazy chaotic reverse treasure hunt. Otis is invited to the birthday party of the richest kid Rocco in school. After the extravagant bash, they all wake up with an unusual collection of items, no memory of how they acquired the items and a house to clean up before the parents arrive home. Fun and funny, I loved that Otis ran all over town in a wedding dress. A look which quite frankly he rocked. Together with the assistance of newfound friends, Otis and Rocco follow the clues to figure out just what the heck happened.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews