Robyn's Party in the Park

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Powell,
Ohio.

Robyn has a problem. She would like to have a party for her birthday,
but there is not enough room in their apartment and her Mom can’t
afford to take several kids to a restaurant. Robyn has the perfect
solution. She could have her birthday party in the park. Deciding how to
host the party solves the first problem, but Robyn discovers that there
are many more decisions and challenges to overcome. It can be difficult
to include everyone from the entire class when not everyone gets along.
Another glitch is that several kids, including her best friend, have
been invited to another party that same afternoon. Robyn’s decision to
switch the day of her party ensures that everyone can come and have fun.

This is a great topic for a beginning chapter book. Children can relate
to Robyn’s experience that birthday parties can be fun, but they can
be the source of strife as well. The story is expertly told at a
comfortable pace with just the right amount of complexity, using
suitable vocabulary and clearly expressed ideas. The tone is cheerful
and upbeat, and the black-and-white illustrations complement the
author’s style perfectly. Recommended.