The Best Sleepover in the World

Last updated
The Best Sleepover in the World
The Best Sleepover in the World.jpg
Author Jacqueline Wilson
IllustratorRachael Dean
LanguageEnglish
Genre Children's novel
Publisher Puffin (first edition, hardback) [1]
Publication date
17 August 2023
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePrint (hardback, Ebook & paperback) and audiobook
Pages224 [2]
ISBN 978-024-156-722-7
Preceded by Sleepovers  

The Best Sleepover in the World is a children's novel written by Jacqueline Wilson and illustrated by Rachael Dean. It is a sequel to Wilson's 2001 novel Sleepovers and it was released on 17 August 2023, published by Puffin Books. In the story, Daisy is excluded from a sleepover that her friends are invited to by Chloe. Meanwhile, Daisy's sister, Lily, communicates to Daisy that she wants a sleepover of her own. Wilson wrote the sequel after realising how popular the 2001 novel was, which renewed her interest. Wilson included the language Makaton in her novel in order to illustrate how Lily now communicates. Wilson worked with Disability Rights UK to ensure that Lily's story was told well. To celebrate the novel's release, four libraries in Hampshire held their own "Best Sleepover in the World" events. The novel has received generally good reviews, with Wilson's writing and Dean's illustrations being praised.

Contents

Synopsis

Set a few months following the events of Sleepovers, [3] Daisy's enemy, Chloe, invites Daisy's friends (Amy, Bella and Emily) to her sleepover, but excludes Daisy. [4] Meanwhile, Daisy's non-verbal sister, Lily, is learning Makaton and signs to Daisy that she wants a sleepover, so their family and Daisy's friends try to make Lily's party is the best sleepover possible. [5]

Development

"I've always been touched that so many young women have told me that Sleepovers was their favourite out of all my stories, and that it was their comfort book as they got older. I've often wondered what happened to Daisy and her non-verbal sister, Lily. At long last I've written a sequel, The Best Sleepover in The World, so we can all find out – and see how Lily comes into her own."

–Wilson on why she wrote the novel (2023) [6]

In March 2023, it was announced that Puffin Books would publish Jacqueline Wilson's The Best Sleepover in the World, the sequel to her 2001 novel Sleepovers . [6] It was also announced that the novel would be for readers over the age of six and have black-and-white illustrations throughout by illustrator Rachael Dean. [6] It was revealed that continued interest in the 2001 novel, which had sold nearly 500,000 copies since 2001, prompted Wilson to "revisit" the story about Daisy, the protagonist, and her sister, Lily. [6] Wilson had considered Sleepovers one of her minor works, but she began noticing its popularity when she would ask fans which of her books were their favourites; Wilson believed this popularity was due to the themes of sleepovers, friendships and "friendships betrayed" that take place in the story. [7] Kelly Hurst, Puffin's editorial director who had acquired UK and Commonwealth rights for the title, revealed that he always recommended Sleepovers as the best of Wilson's book, saying, "it's wonderful to see how Jacqueline captures perfectly the real-life joys and woes of friends and sisters in this sequel". [6] Hurst revealed that the charity Disability Rights UK had worked with Wilson and Puffin in order to ensure that Lily's story was told with positive representation. [6]

Jacqueline Wilson wrote the sequel after realising how popular Sleepovers was. Jacqueline Wilson 20191205.jpg
Jacqueline Wilson wrote the sequel after realising how popular Sleepovers was.

Wilson dedicated the novel to Nikki Holt and Lucinda, a mother and daughter who post educational videos on YouTube about learning and teaching Makaton, a unique language with speech, signs and symbols that enables people with disabilities to communicate, which inspired Wilson to include it in the novel. [8] Wilson subscribed to their channel and has said that she adores the duo, calling them "lovely" and praising the duo for teaching her so much and cheering her up when she watches their videos. [8] [9] Nikki Holt received an email from someone from Wilsons' PR team telling her about the dedication, which she was impressed by, and she expressed happiness that there was Makaton in a mainstream book, calling it "just amazing". [9] Wilson used the pair's videos to research and learn a bit of Makaton. [8] Speaking of its role in the story, Wilson explained that Lily, despite being non-verbal, is able to communicate well due to having learnt Makaton, meaning that she is able to make jokes and help Daisy gain advantage over the girl who has been causing her suffering. [8]

Wilson tried to reflect the change of technology and attitudes in The Best Sleepover in the World by updating the setting to modern times despite the characters being the same ages in the prequel. [7] Whilst Lily is mostly passive in the 2001 novel, Lily in the sequel is described as "sassy", "spary", "communicative" and "the hero", is able to communicate using Makaton and has a "super-cool" disabled best friend, which was done to reflect the modern times. [7] Wilson also tried to showcase Lily's sense of humour, which Wilson believed did not come across in the prequel. [3] Talking about the changes, Wilson explained "There is a lot that is weird about modern times, but we should congratulate ourselves in that we're much more accepting of people who are gloriously different in all sorts of ways". [3] Wilson also showcased the updated setting by having Chloe boast about bringing a TikTok influencer to the party. [7]

Release and promotion

To celebrate the release of the book, four libraries in Hampshire held their own "Best Sleepover in the World", which were organised by Hampshire Libraries Service after they were approached by Puffin. [10] The events included more than 250 Brownies taking part in activities such as making dreamcatchers and friendship bracelets and learning phrases in Makaton. [10] Wilson was thrilled by these events and hoped that the participants would have a good time. [10] Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council's executive member for education, expressed delight that the events took place due to believing that they would help encourage a long-term love of reading and books. [11]

Reception

The sequel has been referred to as "long-awaited". [4] The Independent chose The Best Sleepover in the World as the tabloid's "Children's book of the week" in the article published on 30 August 2023. [12] The reviewer, Joanne Brennan, called the book an "absolute delight to read" and that it would "enthral" children. [12] She praised the book for teaching about inclusion and helping readers be aware of numerous forms of disabilities, as well the relationship between the sisters. [12] Brennan believed that the cover was eye-catching but was disappointed that the rest of the books did not feature colour illustrations. [13] The Belfast Telegraph labelled the book "The one about inclusion" and named it one of the best books from 2023. [14] Pam Norfolk's review in Lancashire Evening Post called the sequel heartwarming and noted that it explored "those all-too-familiar worries about bullying, disabilities, siblings and friendships" that had been depicted in Sleepovers. [4] Norfolk wrote that Dean's "beautifully emotive" illustrations brought the "sensitively written and inspirational story to life" and noted that readers would enjoy following the characters through "another rollercoaster chapter of family and friendship dramas". [4] She also praised Wilson for "understanding and acknowledging the fears that so often beset children" and for her subtle messages of guidance and help, calling it "Wilson on her very best – and most entertaining – storytelling form". [4] Gwendolyn Smith from i believed that the book did a "particularly good job of capturing the psychodrama of being an eight or nine-year-old girl". [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amy Tan</span> American novelist (born 1952)

Amy Ruth Tan is an American author best known for her novel The Joy Luck Club (1989), which was adapted into a 1993 film. She is also known for other novels, short story collections, children's books, and a memoir.

<i>Matilda</i> (novel) 1988 childrens novel by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a 1988 children's novel by British author Roald Dahl. It was published by Jonathan Cape. The story features Matilda Wormwood, a precocious child with an uncaring mother and father, and her time in a school run by the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meg Tilly</span> American-Canadian actress and writer (born 1960)

Meg Tilly is an American-Canadian actress and writer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Fletcher</span> English author, composer, musician and singer (born 1985)

Thomas Michael Fletcher is an English musician, composer, author and vlogger. He is one of the lead vocalists and rhythm guitarist of English pop rock band McFly, in addition to being the group's founder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacqueline Wilson</span> English novelist (born 1945)

Dame Jacqueline Wilson is an English novelist known for her popular children's literature. Her novels have been notable for tackling realistic topics such as adoption and divorce without alienating her large readership. Since her debut novel in 1969, Wilson has written more than 100 books.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meg Cabot</span> American novelist

Meggin Patricia Cabot is an American novelist. She has written and published over 50 novels of young adult and adult fiction and is best known for her young adult series The Princess Diaries, which was later adapted by Walt Disney Pictures into two feature films. Cabot has been the recipient of numerous book awards, including the New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age, the American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, the Tennessee Volunteer State TASL Book Award, the Book Sense Pick, the Evergreen Young Adult Book Award, the IRA/CBC Young Adult Choice, and many others. She has also had number-one New York Times bestsellers, and more than 25 million copies of her books are in print across the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tracy Beaker</span> Fictional character from the Tracy Beaker franchise

Tracy Beaker is a fictional character and the lead role of the Tracy Beaker franchise. After first appearing as the main character in Jacqueline Wilson's 1991 book The Story of Tracy Beaker, she appeared in the children's television drama of the same name, portrayed by Dani Harmer, and its sequel series Tracy Beaker Returns, as well as numerous spin-offs, Jacqueline Wilson books, a play and a video game. Harmer reprised her role as Tracy in the 2021 television series My Mum Tracy Beaker followed by The Beaker Girls.

Dame Susan Elizabeth Hill, Lady Wells is an English author of fiction and non-fiction works. Her novels include The Woman in Black, which has been adapted for stage and screen, The Mist in the Mirror, and I'm the King of the Castle, for which she received the Somerset Maugham Award in 1971. She also won the Whitbread Novel Award in 1972 for The Bird of Night, which was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

<i>Princess Daisy</i> (novel) 1980 novel by Judith Krantz

Princess Daisy is a 1980 novel by American author Judith Krantz.

Ursula Moray Williams was an English children's author of nearly 70 books for children. Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse, written while expecting her first child, remained in print throughout her life from its publication in 1939.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacqueline Woodson</span> American writer (born 1963)

Jacqueline Woodson is an American writer of books for children and adolescents. She is best known for Miracle's Boys, and her Newbery Honor-winning titles Brown Girl Dreaming, After Tupac and D Foster, Feathers, and Show Way. After serving as the Young People's Poet Laureate from 2015 to 2017, she was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, by the Library of Congress, for 2018 to 2019. Her novel Another Brooklyn was shortlisted for the 2016 National Book Award for Fiction. She won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2018. She was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2020.

<i>Clean Break</i> (novel) 2005 novel by Jacqueline Wilson

Clean Break is a best-selling children's novel by Jacqueline Wilson, first published in the United Kingdom in 2005. It deals with the consequences of a father abandoning his family.

<i>Sleepovers</i> (book) 2001 novel by Jacqueline Wilson

Sleepovers is a 2001 children's novel by the English writer Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt.

<i>Wonder</i> (Palacio novel) R. J. Palacio novel

Wonder is a contemporary children's novel written by R. J. Palacio and published on 14 February 2012. Wonder is in part inspired by an incident where the author's son started to cry after noticing a girl with a severe facial deformity. Inspiration was also pulled from Natalie Merchant's song of the same name. Several spin-offs have been published, including 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Book of Precepts, We're All Wonders, Auggie and Me, and White Bird. A film adaptation was released in 2017, and a spin-off sequel film followed in 2024.

<i>The Testaments</i> 2019 novel by Margaret Atwood

The Testaments is a 2019 novel by Margaret Atwood. It is the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale (1985). The novel is set 15 years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale. It is narrated by Aunt Lydia, a character from the previous novel; Agnes, a young woman living in Gilead; and Daisy, a young woman living in Canada.

<i>I Hadnt Meant to Tell You This</i> 1994 young adult book by Jacqueline Woodson

I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This is a book targeted towards young adults published in 1994 by Jacqueline Woodson. The story takes place in Chauncey, Ohio, and it focuses on the growing friendship between a black girl native to this town named Marie and a white girl her age by the name of Lena. Along the way they face challenges and secrets that test their friendship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacqueline Wilson bibliography</span>

The following is a complete list of books published by Dame Jacqueline Wilson, an English novelist who writes for children's literature. Four of her books appear in the BBC's The Big Read poll of the 100 most popular books in the UK, and for her lifetime contribution as a children's writer, Wilson was a UK nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2014. Wilson is the author of many book series; her Tracy Beaker series, inaugurated in 1991 with The Story of Tracy Beaker, includes three sequels and has been adapted into six CBBC television series: The Story of Tracy Beaker, Tracy Beaker Returns, The Dumping Ground, The Tracy Beaker Survival Files, My Mum Tracy Beaker and The Beaker Girls. As of 2023, Wilson has written over 100 novels.

<i>It Ends with Us</i> 2016 romance novel by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us is a romance novel by Colleen Hoover, published by Atria Books on August 2, 2016. Based on the relationship between her mother and father, Hoover described it as "the hardest book I've ever written". It explores themes of domestic violence and emotional abuse.

<i>Girls in Tears</i> Book by Jacqueline Wilson

Girls in Tears is a 2002 young adult novel, written by Dame Jacqueline Wilson and illustrated by Nick Sharratt. It is the fourth installment in Wilson's Girls series and a direct sequel to Girls Out Late (1999). The plot revolves around Ellie and her two friends, Magda and Nadine, with all three of them going through personal emotional struggles. The novel received positive reviews and won the 2003 National Book Awards Children's Book of the Year. In 2024, it was announced that a sequel, Think Again, would be released later that year.

References

  1. ↑ "The Best Sleepover in the World". Penguin Books . Random House. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  2. ↑ "The Best Sleepover in the World". Foyles . Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Smith, Gwendolyn (18 August 2023). "Jacqueline Wilson: 'David Walliams's books are not what I would have wanted as a child'". iNews . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Norfolk, Pam (18 August 2023). "Amazing science, a reluctant demon and pirate ghosts by various authors – childen's [sic] book reviews". Lancashire Evening Post . Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  5. ↑ "The New Books For Children To Get Stuck Into This Summer". Sheerluxe. August 2023. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Brown, Lauren (13 March 2023). "Jacqueline Wilson's sequel to her classic novel Sleepovers announced by Puffin". The Bookseller . Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Hattenstone, Simon (7 August 2023). "'I wanted to be No 1. But a certain JK Rowling came along': Jacqueline Wilson on rivalry, censorship – and love". TheGuardian.com . Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Inglis, Louis (16 October 2023). "Jacqueline Wilson dedicates book to YouTube Makaton pair". BBC News . Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  9. 1 2 Thomas, Joshua (4 October 2023). "Nikki Holt and Lucinda inspire book dedication from Jacqueline Wilson". The Weston & Somerset Mercury . Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 Lazzeri, Antonella (29 November 2023). "Hythe brownies bedded down for 'The Best Sleepover in the World' in honour of children's author Jacqueline Wilson". Lymington Times and New Milton Advertiser . Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  11. ↑ Slominski, Stephen (30 October 2023). "Brownies enjoy a magical sleepover in Chandler's Ford library". Eastleigh News. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  12. 1 2 3 Wade, Prudence (30 August 2023). "5 new books to read this week". The Independent . Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  13. ↑ Shaw, Neil (30 August 2023). "New books include latest in Dragon Tattoo series and a Jacqueline Wilson". Wales Online . Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  14. ↑ "Great reads to put in Santa's stocking for the smallest of bookworms". Belfast Telegraph . 9 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.