Destiny Ink : Sleepover Surprise by Adeola Sokunbi

Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise by Adeola Sokunbi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Destiny is ready for her first ever sleepover but also quite freaked out about the prospect. Not only is she worried about sleeping outside (easier for the monsters to get her), but she’s worried about how dark it’s going to get, what it’s going to be like sleeping in a tent, creepy shadows, and whether or not she’ll be able to put her scarf on her hair without help. She tries to draw her feelings out but nothing seems to work. But then, all of a sudden, a strange visitor arrives in her bedroom – it’s a monster who’s here for a sleepover…

This is charming, charming, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to any tiny person who is experiencing similar anxieties. It’s highly illustrated throughout and dynamically so; there’s a lovely moment where Destiny draws her favourite ice-lollies and asks the reader what their favourite is. It’s just nice and smart stuff and it brings the book together as a whole so nicely. One of the other moments that does this really well is the opening which offers a visual introduction to the characters, tells the reader a little bit about the plot, and asks them to “turn over and find out what happens!” Simple stuff but clever, clever! I’m always here for books that understand their message and know their intent intent and work to deliver that with every inch of what they have to work with and this is that, through and through.

(I was also very enamoured with the “Inktastic!” refrain. It’s Destiny’s personal catchphrase / mantra / affirmation and it’s just all very sweetly done and presented with such respect).

One final thing to mention in this is the involvement of Storymix – The Inclusive Children’s Fiction Studio. They’ve been on my radar thanks to their work on the Lizzie and Belle series (Drama and Danger) and Destiny Ink will prompt me to go and seek out more of their books.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

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