Xander's Panda Party - Linda Sue Park & Matt Phelan

http://www.amazon.com/Xanders-Panda-Party-Linda-Park/dp/0547558651

Xander's Panda Party
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Clarion Books, 2013. Picture book.

Xander wants to throw a panda party, but he is the only panda in the zoo. He decides to make it a bear party, but when he invites the koala and discovers that koalas are marsupials, he decides he needs to invite other marsupials as well. As he talks to more animals and doesn't want to leave anyone out, he is overwhelmed by the growing guest list. Will he throw a successful party, or will it be more than he can handle?

The storytelling is delightful. Park's use of verse is impressively executed. She incorporates a bit of zoology and animal classification, which is a fun element. Phelan's ink and watercolor is stunning. Overall a lovely book.

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