Not Another Tea Party

by Mark Shulman, Vincent Nguyen (Illustrations)

Mark Shulman and Vincent Nguyen have done it created a wonderfully imaginative picture book that’s full of wit and humor—and touching, too.
Welcome to Hilary’s tea party—but be this rude little girl has lots of rules to follow. Maybe that’s why no one except her stuffed animals, Mr. Big Arms and Stuffy Bear, stays very long. She’s just no fun.
Now, Hilary’s come up with a great she’s putting a handmade invitation at the corner bus stop in hopes of finding a new friend. Enter a giant yet timid chameleon, all ready for tea and cookies. But when he finds out how bossy Hilary can be, will he run out the door, too?
Children will enjoy pouring a cup of tea (real or
imaginary), curling up with this charming story, and finding out the answer.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2006

Reviews

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilary loved having tea parties, but she never had very many guests, just a couple of her toys. One day Hilary was tired of having tea parties without a full table of guests so she thought of the best idea. Hilary handcrafted tea party invitations out of paper and politely asked her mom to make the best homemade cookies. Hilary left the invitations on a park bench and made a trail of cookies leading all the way to her front door in hopes that she would finally get some guests. Hilary waited at her tea party until she heard someone coming. In walked a giant chameleon holding her invitation. Hilary was not impressed, she is not a fan of lizards, but she let him stay. Unfortunately, the chameleon did not know how to have Hilary tea parties. He kept sitting in the wrong seat and was not listening to any of Hilary's instructions. Hillary got very upset and yelled at the chameleon, so he left. Hilary tried to continue her tea party without the chameleon, but her other toy guests left too. They said she was too bossy and ruined all of the fun. Hilary was left sad and all alone until she began to hear noises in the distance. She followed the noises and saw all of her friends having their own party. Hilary was upset until she saw that they had saved a spot just for her even after all of her bossiness.
I gave this book five stars because the book was entertaining and humorous. The book kept my full attention and often had me giggling after reading it. Additionally, I enjoyed how unique the book was compared to other books. I had never read a book like this one before which made it even more fun to read!

[Linda Lipko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I use the word fluffy to describe this book. Hillary is a brat. Her way or the highway would be her mantra. Her rules are strict, and she is overbearing. As the story unfolds, her usual group of tea party members now includes a chameleon. Her adds color to the party. One by one, her group has had enough of her bossiness and rudeness.

They leave, and Hillary looks out the window to see the cast of characters all getting along and laughing without her. She must either stop her nasty ways, or sit at the sidelines.

She decides to participate and change.

This is a good book for young children who experience bossy friends and long to find another friend.

Two Stars

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just feel like something more should’ve happened.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very strange tale about a bossy little girl.

[Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilary can be a little bossy. This book is a great lesson in being nice! A book of fantasy with big pictures that can be seen from afar. I enjoy the transition that Hilary goes through by the end of the book.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent idea that doesn't shine through as successfully as it could. There are moments here and there where the text and the illustration work together well, such as the layout that says: "Hilary sat alone with all her friends."

Aside from this, the book leaves much to be desired.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good. I liked the art a lot. I think it could have been resolved better in the end, although maybe I was just feeling confusion from the main character, and whether or not to sympathize with her during the story.

[Heather Lei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had hoped the story about the bossy little girl who nobody liked until she learned to be nicer would rub off on the little girl who occupies this house. It hasn't yet. It's still enjoyed by that same child and her little brother, though

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little story to explore the concept of bossiness