Xander's Panda Party

Xander's Panda Party
Written by Linda Sue Park
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Recommended for ages 4 and up

DELIGHTFUL.

This is my new favorite children's book. And that is not an easy accomplishment.

In Xander's Panda Party, by Linda Sue Park, Xander wants to throw a panda party. For pandas. But he's the only panda at the zoo. So he plans a bear party. But when he gives Koala her invitation, she points out that she is not a bear, but she would still like to come to the party. So Xander plans a mammal party. But Rhinoceros refuses to attend without his bird. So Xander plans a bird and mammal party. But Crocodile points out that reptiles and birds are distantly related...I think you can see where this is going. In the end, everyone parties!

This is the rare children's book that has nearly perfect rhyme and rhythm. The first sentence (and you have to let it roll off your own tongue; it won't work just in your head) is, "Xander planned a panda party." Go on, try it. You can whisper it if you have to. I won't tell anyone. And the story only gets better from there.

And the ILLUSTRATIONS. Don't even get me started. I want to hang them on my wall. Well, maybe a nursery wall. And they complement the story so well. I just can't say enough good things about this cute little book.

Xander's Panda Party is available on Amazon.com. To purchase, click on any of the Amazon affiliate links in this post.