NEVER, EVER, EVER ASK A PIRATE TO A PARTY

Looking to plan a shindig?

The pale-skinned, bespectacled, auburn-haired young narrator has some advice on who not to invite. The child, who’s hosting a party, demonstrates the riotous disasters that ensue when some unusual invitees show up. The titular pirate, brown-skinned and green-haired, brings along her parrot (who steals the gifts). Next, a dragon arrives. “Never, ever, ever ask a dragon to a party,” advises the narrator. “She’ll frighten the pirate and get caught in the streamers.” Plus, the dragon isn’t house trained. Soon, a unicorn arrives, turns up his nose at the steaming mess left by the dragon, and demands a bath. Then a group of aliens fly in and wolf down all the food. The narrator is forced to send the out-of-control guests packing. But without guests, there’s no one to play or share cake with, there aren’t presents—and it’s VERY quiet. Our guide offers some new advice: Open the door and re-invite the guests, who promise to behave this time. At last, a perfect party—until a very large, perhaps uninvited, attendee arrives. Now what? This rollicking U.K. import will have kids giggling and probably hoping for a few of these guests to show up at their own parties. There’s a hint of Laura Numeroff’s If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (1985), illustrated by Felicia Bond, here as well. The colorful illustrations are dynamic, celebratory fun.

Don’t pass on the chance to read this one to kids—say, at an upcoming party.