A NICE PARTY
by Elle van Lieshout & Erik van Os & illustrated by Paula Gerritsen
A friend offers a perfect gift in this brief import. When Gus confesses that he’s not looking forward to his upcoming birthday party, since he’ll have to endure the attentions of a gaggle of loud, overbearing relatives, his friend Boris suggests a quick fishing trip instead. While the aforementioned relatives gather to make merry, and barely notice that the guest of honor isn’t present, Gus and Boris sit peacefully at a stream’s edge, chowing down on a luscious-looking cake. Gerritsen casts big, rumpled-looking bears for all the parts here, and gives the tale a homey woodland setting decorated with balloons, banners, and party detritus. Young readers with a yen for peace and quiet will identify with gloomy Gus, wish for a friend like Boris, and be charmed by the goofy protagonists. Now, on to Frog and Toad. (Picture book. 5-7)