K-Gr 2-In this splendid entry in the easy-reader series, Iris eagerly plans a sleepover at her friend Walter's house, where they will put on a puppet show, ride Walter's horse in their pajamas, and camp out on the front porch. At school some friends share her enthusiasm about sleepovers, but Benny casts a shadow with his story of leaving his cousin's house in the middle of the night because, "I missed my pillow." Undaunted, Iris packs and says her good-byes and has a wonderful time at Walter's house. But then her homesickness becomes unbearable when her friend falls asleep before she does. She wakes him, and Walter and his father drive her home to the loving arms of her family. As in earlier titles, Iris's exuberance is reflected in Guest's text as well as in Davenier's pen-and-ink and watercolor-wash illustrations that nearly lift the child off the page. Readers will delight in the youngsters' friendship, and bask in the reassuring love and support they receive from their families.-Laura Scott, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

for reading aloud. With the same scenarios of loving family and warm friendship that characterize all the easy readers about Iris and Walter, the fourth in the series captures the fun of sleeping over at a friend's house--and the homesickness that may occur. All week Iris waits impatiently for her Saturday sleepover at Walter's house. At school another classmate warns her that he doesn't like sleepovers (I like to sleep in my own room, in my own bed) and, sure enough, on Saturday night after all the fun, Iris can't get to sleep, and Walter's parents have to take her home to her own bed in her own room with her baby sister close by. In the tradition of Arnold Lobel's classic easy readers about Frog and Toad, the realism here is gentle. Without being sentimental, the simple words and casual, exuberant ink-and-watercolor pictures tell a story of disappointment that doesn't mean crisis, and of home always waiting to welcome you back.

In book four in this series, Iris looks forward to sleeping over at her best friend Walter's house. When the time comes, she has fun at first, but she eventually gets homesick and asks to go home early. Walter and the adults are very understanding, and Guest reassures readers that Iris does spend the night on another occasion. Spirited pen-and-ink illustrations showcase Iris's lively personality.

Best friends Iris and Walter eagerly look forward to their first sleepover. Iris has grand plans for the big night. When she shares her exciting news with her schoolmates, Iris blithely disregards cautionary tales of woe, determined that her first sleepover will not be marred by homesickness. Yet, when all the fun is done and it is time to settle down to sleep, Iris discovers that she misses the familiar comforts of home. An urgent whisper in Walter's ear soon has Iris back within the warm embrace of her family. Guest has perfectly captured that unique moment in child development when a little one is precariously balanced on that fragile cusp between parent-dependent young childhood and the more emancipated older child. Everyone's easy acceptance of Iris's change of heart offers her all the support she needs; she goes to sleep in her own bed, confident that when the time comes, she will be ready to try another sleepover. Separated into four chapters, this is a manageable tale for beginning readers ready to move beyond simplistic chapter books. Davenier's bright pen-and-ink illustrations capture the ebullience of Iris as she prances about in a frenzy of anticipation for the big event. Artful, haphazardly colored-in, and loosely drawn images convey an energy and vibrancy to the pictures. Readers will welcome this latest installment in the true-to-life stories of these charming friends. (Easy reader. 5-7)