Chester Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover

Chester Raccoon spends an eventful “overday” with some of his forest friends, but when it comes time to sleep, the “Kissing Hand” tradition he shares with his mother isn’t quite enough to soothe him. The story itself is somewhat drawn out (there are three separate gags relating to Sassafras Skunk’s tendency to “stinky puff” at inopportune times), and Gibson’s artwork can feel posed and static. Chester ultimately leaves the sleepover early and is welcomed home by his mother, a resolution that should reassure timid readers who aren’t always as brave or independent as they would like to be. Ages 3–7. (May)