9 Stories to Help Kids Face the First Night Away From Home | Milestones

Home may be the only place that a young child has ever had to close their eyes and drift off, safe in the knowledge that a caregiver is only a shout away. Taking away that automatic sense of security may be scary, but these nine stories can help children have sweet dreams in a new place.

Home may be the only place that a young child has ever had to close their eyes and drift off, safe in the knowledge that a caregiver is only a shout away. Taking away that automatic sense of security may be scary, but these nine stories can help children have sweet dreams in a new place.

 

Darcy's First Sleepover by Julie Fortenberry. illlus. by author. Holt. ISBN 9781250755902.
PreS-Gr 3–Darcy is having her first sleepover at her cousin Kayla's house, but when she gets there she misses her familiar routines. This book includes back matter for parents on how to prepare children for their first sleepover. 

The Ninja Club Sleepover by Laura Gehl. illus. by MacKenzie Haley. Page St. ISBN 9781624149405.
K-Gr 3–In this sweet story, three friends decide to plan a sleepover party. For Willa, it will be her first sleepover and she is nervous, especially because the party will take place on a night with a full moon. That’s not such a great thing when you are a closeted werewolf. It turns out that all three girls have their own secrets, and the trio realizes that they are all unique and brave. 

Sleepover Party! (Angelina Ballerina) by Katharine Holabird. illus. by Helen Craig. S. & S./Simon Spotlight. ISBN 9781534469549.
PreS-Gr 1–Angelina Ballerina and her friends play games and more when she hosts her first sleepover. They dress up in costumes, dance, and eat a yummy dinner. Then they roll out their sleeping bags to get ready for bed. 

Pillow Places by Joseph Kuefler. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. ISBN 9780062956736. 
K-Gr 2–Kuefler has some familiar, even thrilling ideas for children facing their first sleepover and feeling nervous about being away from home. In very few lines, which always include the word pillow, this picture book explores the special feeling of bonding with a friend and getting lost in imaginative play. 

 

RedReviewStar Thank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell. illus. by author. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316338011. 
PreS-Gr 1–Clement, a rabbit, is having his first sleepover. Jean (an elephant) and Alan Alexander (a bear) arrive appropriately dressed in pajamas, ready to take part in the fun. The friends spend their evening in innocent pursuits, such as happily performing the chicken dance, playing hide-and-seek, and jumping on the bed. 

Lola Sleeps Over by Anna McQuinn. illus. by Rosalind Beardshaw. Charlesbridge. ISBN 9781623543778.
PreS-K–In this book about a first sleepover, Lola spends the night with her cousin Hani for the first time. The girls have lots of fun, and the next morning they enjoy French toast before Lola's daddy picks her up. 

[Read: Also in our Milestones series, First Books About Divorce]

La primera pijamada de Uni by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. illus. by Brigette Barrager. Random. ISBN 9780593484081.
K-Gr 2–Uni the unicorn is excited to have its first sleepover with friends Goldie, Pinkie, and Silkie. Only when night arrives is Uni’s wonderful talent as a storyteller revealed, comforting its friends who are scared of the dark. The Spanish translation of Uni the Unicorn Uni's First Sleepover offers a charming story about finding our true talents. 

Sophie Sleeps Over by Marisabina Russo. illus. by author. Roaring Brook. ISBN 9781596439337.
K-Gr 2–Sophie, a cheerful bunny, is caught off guard when she attends her first birthday sleepover at her best friend's house and discovers that Olive has invited another friend as well. Even though Sophie initially feels like a third wheel and wants to go home, she regains her confidence when she gets to know Penelope. 

Daniel's First Sleepover adapt. by Angela C. Santomero. illus. by Jason Fruchter. (Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood). S. & S./Simon Spotlight. ISBN 9781481428934.
PreS-Gr 2–Daniel attends his first sleepover at his friend Prince Wednesday's castle. The two play pretend that they are at a pajama dance party. But Daniel gets scared after he goes to bed and he sees a shadow on the wall. 

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