First Pajama Party: Slumberrific Six

Children's Literature - Sara Lorimer

It is difficult to imagine who would like this book. Young children will not be interested; older children will feel condescended to. Based on the "Groovy Girls," a series of macrocephalic dolls, this is about a group of friends who go to school, play soccer, and have a slumber party. There is something almost pornographic about these types of books—not in a sexual way, but in how they cut straight to the good, predictable bits. The Asian-American doll—sorry, I mean girl—wears a silk kimono. The twins bring up which one is older constantly. Dad is loveable but clueless. Soccer is fun. Boys are cute. Girls like to wear makeup. You can fill in the rest yourself—just grab an issue of YM or Seventeen. Brand names show up frequently—Oreos, Reese's, Sweet Tarts, and, of course, the Groovy Girls themselves. Some of the slang is oddly out-of-date ("'rents'" "4-1-1" For that matter, "groovy.") A section at the back gives instructions on how to have a slumber party (including playing "party tunes" such as "Feelin' Groovy"—a favorite of preteen girls everywhere), and a packing list for those attending a party. (Why on earth would you bring a CD player and headphones?) Not recommended for anyone. "Slumberiffic Six."