Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Birthday parties aren't just annual indulgences in narcissism; they also offer teachable moments on the art of being a gracious hostess. Harper (Cupcake) wears her etiquette doyenne hat lightly as her sprightly heroine guides readers through a successful (practice) soiree, with her toys serving as guests. All the examples hit the "funny-because-it's-true" nail on the head ("This is not a good way to welcome a party guest. Oh good, you brought a present. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!' "), while conveying useful tips to boot. "A good birthday hostess chooses something everyone can do together," writes Harper, while the creatively attired Lana ("On your birthday, no one should be the boss of your fashion except you!") dances with a stuffed monkey and whale. And party planners should note that "eggs on a stick" and "peanut butter and lettuce" are on the do-not-serve list, as far as food goes. The precocious pedagogy, combined with frisky, naif drawings and a candy-colored palette, give these pages a deliciously intimate feel, as if readers have been given the privilege of reading a peer's journal. Ages 3-up. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-A perky kitten shows prospective celebrators how to prepare for their "most specialist day ever." In order to avoid sitting in a time-out because of bad manners, Lana Kittie recommends having lots of pretend birthdays first. With her toy robot, whale, and doll acting as guests, she offers advice on party invitations, wardrobe, how to properly welcome a guest, fun activities, good food, blowing out candles, and saying good-bye. The most important thing is to practice opening a present so that guests feel happy about their gifts. Good: "Wow! Underpants! I love underpants. I wear them every day!" Bad: "Yuck! Underpants. That's the worst present ever! I already have a million of those." The cheerful cartoon illustrations feature colorful borders and backgrounds. The print looks like a child's scrawl and matches the childlike artwork. This playful book presents a dull theme in a unique way that will appeal to kids. Great fun with a good message.-Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Oh good, you brought a present. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" is not, Lana Kittie notes, the proper way to greet guests. For the "most specialest day ever," good birthday party etiquette is required, and Lana shares ten tips as she models appropriate and inappropriate behavior for hosts and invitees. Humorous illustrations feature eye-catching patterns and punches of color (lots of it pink). (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Fashion Kitty's little sister Lana is a party planner extraordinaire! Well, at least she knows how to have the most marvelous birthday party. She gives pointers on invitations: "Use lots of fun colors," and don't invite bears (they'll eat all the cake). She offers instruction on fashion, greeting guests and birthday fun and games. She suggests yummy birthday treats instead of Brussel sprouts, olive tacos, spinach soup or jam and liver tarts. She counsels gracious gift acceptance: "I love underpants. Thank you! I wear them every day!" (If you don't practice, it may come out like this: "Yuck! Underpants. Is that all? That's the worst present ever! I already have a million of those.") From the birthday song to blowing out candles to goody bags for guests, Lana knows her party particulars cold. Harper brings the heavy-line, comics-style illustrations of her Fashion Kitty series, with their bright colors and patterned fabric collages, to the younger set along with tongue-in-cheekyet very helpful!advice on birthday etiquette. Manners can be both festive and funny, as Lana Kittie proves here. (Picture book. 3-5)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
