The Party

Krystyna Higgins is the former book review editor for the Catholic New
Times.

In her latest book, Barbara Reid draws on memories of her own childhood
to bring to life a big and boisterous family party in celebration of
Gran’s birthday. She takes us through the children’s initial
reluctance and shyness upon arrival, and their objections to the bout of
mandatory relative-kissing, to their rapid reacquaintance with the other
children in the family group. They soon become involved in elaborate
imaginative games, but are persuaded to stop when the picnic is served.

This is surely the most delectable concoction of delicacies ever
fashioned out of Plasticine (Reid’s trademark)—topped off by the 90
candles blazing atop Gran’s cake! By the end of the celebration—like
every child I have ever met—they are begging to stay for “one more
game.” The final page delightfully portrays two dirty, tired,
contented faces on the journey home.

Reid’s distinctive Plasticine illustrations are endlessly intriguing
in their realistic detail and vibrant colors, but especially in their
texture. The rhythmic verse text, which simply begs to be read aloud,
complements the pictures wonderfully.

Finally, Reid has an unerring ability to capture the complex feelings
of children, through all the shades of emotion evoked by the excitement
of a party. There is not one false note here. Highly recommended.