Wilberforce Goes to a Party

It is the irony of the mismatch between the deadpan text and the chaotic scenes of Wilberforce's preparations for, and attendance at, his girl cousin's party which make this book such fun. I suspect adults and older children may appreciate this aspect of the humour best, but the ghastly party dresses, unsuitable presents, house wrecking games and antics of the young guests, and the demolition of the party fare will ring true with every child party goer. Margaret Gordon's illustrations are exuberance itself; the faces and bodies alike of her many bear characters are alive with vigour and animation.