What a Party! - Hardcover

Hans Christian Andersen winner Ana Maria Machado is one of the world's most distinguished writers for children with more than 100 books published in her native Brazil and in more than 17 other countries. She lives in Rio de Janeiro. After studying graphic design and working as a designer, Hélène Moreau turned to children’s book illustration. She has illustrated many picture books, including, also with Ana Maria Machado, Reve noir d’un lapin blanc. She lives in Paris.

When his mother says “invite anyone you’d like” for birthday cake, a boy’s party becomes a 24-hour fiesta of friends, food, music, and dancing. In this deliciously imaginative chain tale, the boy recounts sending a simple invitation to his friend Jack: “Bring along whoever you want and whatever you like to eat.” So Jack comes with Larry, a soccer ball, and two kinds of coconut cookies. Jack tells Beto and Antonieta, who arrive with their parrot, pineapple, mangoes, and passion fruit. Antonieta’s best friend, Fatima, brings her brother Djamal, their dog, and tajine with olives and pickled lemons. The international buffet grows along with the guest list: pizza, springerle, flan, sushi. As the partygoers are introduced, close-ups of their smiling faces look outward from the page as if inviting readers to come along. Indeed, the last three spreads, done in warm, glowing acrylic-and-pastel paintings, depict the backyard jamboree from a below-eye-level perspective, allowing readers to feel like they are there. Warning: they may not want to leave this delightfully diverse celebration. Preschool-Grade 2. --Jeanne McDermott