Review Detail

NEVER, EVER, EVER ASK A PIRATE TO A PARTY is a silly picture book with a story about party etiquette and friendship. A young girl is having a party, but as her guests arrive, her party is anything but perfect. The pirate will make you walk the plank and she'll bring Polly, who will steal the presents. The dragon is not house-trained, and the aliens and unicorn bring their own troubles too. However, what the girl begins to realize is that having friends around is the most important - especially when they apologize and sit down nicely, ready to share the cake.

What I loved: This is a silly story that is sure to make children giggle. There is plenty of chaos and misbehavior as the guests arrive, with a small message about party etiquette throughout. At the end of the story, after they have all made a mess and had to leave, they do return with an apology and make the party special for the girl, showing what to do when mistakes are made (apologize and do things differently) and the importance of friendship.

The story features large and easy to read text throughout, as well as a QR code for children to listen to the audiobook. The audiobook is well done and a nice addition to the book. The illustrations are fantastic throughout, capturing the comic style well, in addition to emotions and personalities. Colorful and bright with plenty of details, they are definitely a stand-out!

What left me wanting more: As a very small thing, potty humor isn't my favorite (though the target age-range does love it!).

Final verdict: NEVER, EVER, EVER ASK A PIRATE TO A PARTY is a clever and humorous picture book about parties and friendship that will work well for elementary school aged readers.