Otis and Jagger aren't part of the cool gang at school so don't get invited to any of the class parties; that is until uber-cool Rocco invites them to his 11th birthday party which, if previous years are anything to go by, promises to be an incredibly lavish affair. Although suspicious as to why they have been given the last minute invite, Otis heads to Rocco's house with Jagger where they find a marquee filled with all the food they could imagine, not to mention a sword swallower, a hypnotist ... it was every child's dream and so Otis made the most of it, taking a particular liking to the chocolate fountain! Following the sleepover, however, Otis wakes to find himself in a wedding dress and chaos all round him, but he has no recollection of what happened. Then he discovers that nobody else can remember what happened either! Discovering the truth will involve a mad-capped day around town, but will Otis and Rocco ever discover the truth and where on Earth is Jagger?
The Life of Riley was a brilliant laugh when I read it, and kept my entire school entertained during lockdown earlier this year as it was the first book I read to them during our whole-school live story-time. Because of this, I was hugely excited when Sleepover Takeover came through the door; I was just in need of something to make me laugh and this did just that ... in huge amounts!
From the very beginning, the plot is fast-paced and funny (both for children as well as adults), and the bits in school with Mr Banerjee, the headteacher, really made me laugh out loud! It's the attention to details and the little touches and quips that make this such a funny book; the small comments as well as all the antics combine together to ensure that every reader will be laughing and cheered by this book!
It's obvious from the start that Otis and Jagger aren't part of the 'in-crowd' at school, and I like that they seem comfortable with that: they enjoy their friendship and make their own plans (although Jagger is a notorious trickster - I'm glad none of my students have pens that work like his!). I particularly like Jagger and his sense of style, and the way he helps Otis to choose his outfit for the party.
Amongst the laughs and the mayhem, Sleepover Takeover has some strong messages to impart to its readers; mainly about not being afraid to be yourself and that good friends will let you be yourself.
Sleepover Takeover is a rip-roaringly funny book that will brighten those dull, post-Christmas days when it's released on the 6th January; however, children be warned: it's probably best not to let your parents read this if you're about to have a sleepover!!
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