The Party (Hooked on Phonics, Book 30)

The book was exactly as I expected. Shipping was as expected. No issues! Will definitely order again!

ISBN 1887942513 - I have to admit to being fooled with this book, just a little bit. The cover art looks much more like Maurice Sendak's work than David McPhail's and I spent a few minutes trying to figure that out the hard way (using the internet) before I opened the book and found the answer.A young boy plans a party with his stuffed animals. When Dad comes to read him a bedtime story, he's all for hearing it giving Dad the bum's rush, but Dad falls asleep, mid-story! The boy and his friends have the party anyway, with Dad right in the middle of the action.The cover image really was a mystery to me. Although it's an image that you'll find right in the middle of the book, it doesn't match the others - even the little boy's hair color is different! That's got nothing on one image inside, though. In the kitchen, Dad is sitting with his head on the table and it looks like one eye is open. Creepy. The images are a little dim (it is nighttime, after all) but they're also hilarious. The text is fun and exciting and kids will love the idea of having a party behind your parents' backs but right in front of their faces - and their parents not knowing it! Author/illustrator David McPhail is one guy I plan to look out for in my book shopping.I'm not sure whether it's a compliment to author Rosemary Wells, or an insult, but the book Dad reads at bed time is Ruby & Max, which would be totally cool - if he didn't fall asleep reading it!- AnnaLovesBooks