Birthday parties and celebrations are a big part of childhood! These stories about the fun and mayhem that often accompany planning the perfect party will have your family in a festive mood. Check out these recommendations from Frederick County Public Libraries, and find them at a local branch near you.
Picture Books
“The Verts”
by Ann Patchett
The Vert family is celebrating a very special occasion: It’s Ivan’s birthday! And Estie knows that every birthday needs a great party, with lots of guests, party hats and twinkling tin foil stars. Because that is what everyone wants on their birthday, right? But did Estie ever ask Ivan?
“Patrick and the Not So Perfect Party”
by Anne Wynter
Patrick likes everything to be “just so,” which is why he likes to cook. The meals he makes are always “exquisite,” “delicious” and “absolutely perfect.” So, when his birthday rolls around, Patrick knows exactly what he wants to do. However, Patrick’s big brother, Russ, is not perfect. When Russ makes a mistake on Patrick’s party invitation, Patrick thinks his birthday is ruined. But is it? Readers will delight in this warm celebration of self-expression, acceptance and brotherly love written by Ezra Jack Keats Award -winning author, Anne Wynter.
Early Readers
“Esme’s Birthday Conga Line”
by Lourdes Heuer
In this illustrated chapter book, Esme gets the birthday party of her dreams with the help of her cat, El Toro, and a LOT of help from her neighbors.
“Hot Dog #2: Party Time!”
by Anh Do
It’s Kev’s birthday, so Hotdog and Lizzie are throwing him a surprise party! There’ll be cake, games and magic tricks! But will a rude rooster and a cranky donkey ruin the day?
Middle Readers
“Stick Dog Crashes a Party”
by Tom Watson
Stick Dog and his hungry pals have found plenty of tasty treats at Picasso Park before, but it’s never looked like it does on this dark, dark night. Strings of white lights, colorful fireworks and an endless buffet of amazing food have transformed the park into a food-snatching wonderland. There’s a party going on, and Stick Dog, Mutt, Poo-Poo, Stripes and Karen are ready to crash it, but how will they do it?
“Birthday Party Palooza”
by Becky Baines
Twins Tami and Sam want to organize the ultimate best-ever birthday palooza. But it turns out Tami and Sam have very different ideas on what makes the perfect party. Can they find a compromise before it’s too late? This book is part of the new You’ve Got This series, a captivating collection of pick-your-own adventure stories for children aged 8 to 11.
Teen Readers
“One Piece: Pirate Recipes”
by Sanji
The pirate captain Monkey D. Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hat crew require hearty meals. Chef Sanji reveals the recipes that power his captain and crew.
“Celestial Banquet”
by Roselle Lim
“Iron Chef” meets “The Hunger Games” in this fantasy novel following hot-headed noodle chef Cai while she competes in an immortal-life-and-death cooking competition for the gods. This magical and delectable adventure through a culinary landscape is rich in East Asian tradition. This book is also available as an eBook and e Audiobook from Libby by Overdrive: fcpl.org/downloads/ebooks
These titles are thoughtfully selected by Frederick County Public Libraries. You can find these books and more by visiting fcpl.org.
