PINKY CRASHES THE PARTY!

A wish for a particular birthday party guest comes true.

Penny is turning 6 and asks for a flamingo-themed party this year. She also requests a special guest: a flamingo named Pinky, who lives in the city zoo. Her mom says they should stick to her classmates—but when Penny looks into the backyard, she sees Pinky splashing around in the inflatable swimming pool! Penny tells him to stay out of sight; Pinky says, “Squawk.” Penny and her dad go to buy supplies, such as a piñata and cake, while Pinky tags along. Then they pick up Penny’s friends for a round of miniature golf before heading to the house for cake and “Pin the Feather on the Flamingo” (not Pinky!). As Mom and Dad hand out party favors, Mom finally twigs to Pinky’s presence. This book doubles as a game of sorts, as readers try to find the wayward flamingo at the party-supply store, on the golf course, and amid the partygoers. Illustrations are bright and fun in a simple cartoon style. The creativity in the themed decorations and visual plot embellishments means the majority of the story details occur within the pictures while the minimal text supplies only the barest skeleton. The mild silliness in this sequel to Portis and Richmond’s Pinky Got Out! (2019) will appeal to young animal lovers like Penny. Penny has brown hair and beige skin, and her parents are an interracial couple; her friends are diverse.

Playful illustrations make this book worthwhile.