Sleepovers. The word alone brings back memories of pillow fights, movies and popcorn, the classic game of truth or dare, and of course, the lack of sleep. However, I remember how hesitant I was the first time I went over to a friend's house for a sleepover. What would I do without getting tucked in by my parents or having my nightlight on? Similar questions surface in Bernard Weber's book, Ira Sleeps Over.
For the first time, Ira plans to sleep over at his friend's house. Throughout the day, Ira's sister teases and taunts him about taking his teddy bear to the sleepover. Finally after much contemplation, he decides not to bring "Tah Tah," his bear. Like any sleepover, the boys play every imaginable game until bedtime. When nighttime arrives, Reggie pulls out his own teddy bear, and Ira realizes that he and his friend are not so different after all. After going home (which is next door) to grab Tah Tah, Ira easily falls asleep at his first sleepover.
Ira Sleeps Over shows the common challenges many children face. All too often we care what other people think about us and how they will judge us. As the opening flap of the book states, "One of the most welcome of all experiences is finding out that other people share what you thought were your own particular problems." Ira experiences this firsthand and realizes that he is not alone. All children share similar predicaments.
Although this book was written in 1972, its themes are still relevant today. Everyone feels self-conscious at one time or another. The humorous back-and-forth wavering by Ira portrays the typical boy who wants to act all strong and tough when really he is just a little kid inside.
For the first time, Ira plans to sleep over at his friend's house. Throughout the day, Ira's sister teases and taunts him about taking his teddy bear to the sleepover. Finally after much contemplation, he decides not to bring "Tah Tah," his bear. Like any sleepover, the boys play every imaginable game until bedtime. When nighttime arrives, Reggie pulls out his own teddy bear, and Ira realizes that he and his friend are not so different after all. After going home (which is next door) to grab Tah Tah, Ira easily falls asleep at his first sleepover.
Ira Sleeps Over shows the common challenges many children face. All too often we care what other people think about us and how they will judge us. As the opening flap of the book states, "One of the most welcome of all experiences is finding out that other people share what you thought were your own particular problems." Ira experiences this firsthand and realizes that he is not alone. All children share similar predicaments.
Although this book was written in 1972, its themes are still relevant today. Everyone feels self-conscious at one time or another. The humorous back-and-forth wavering by Ira portrays the typical boy who wants to act all strong and tough when really he is just a little kid inside.
No comments:
Post a Comment