I Really, Really Don't Like Parties

Dora’s experience of parties has not been good. Too loud and too busy. When she receives Rashid’s party invitation Dora knows she really doesn’t want to go despite her Mum’s assurances that she will have FUN. Thinking up a myriad of excuses from sore throat to a gorilla stealing her party dress, Mum heeds none, still holding out that parties are fun. The next double spread shows Dora standing alone amidst a dozen very noisy children, but then she seeks refuge when Rashid’s birthday cake is produced, diving under the tablecloth where it is lovely and peaceful. Surprise! Another child is hiding there too, Tom, along with a plate full of party food. They immediately connect, and spend time discovering all the things about parties they both dislike. So the next time Dora gets a party invite, she reflects that she is not alone in disliking loud and busy parties, and that there are some just like her who prefer a different kind. Every page shows small children in all kinds of noisy, busy situations, with lots to discuss with readers whose experience of party-going maybe just beginning. The text fonts, size and spread on pages add much to the book’s appeal.