Joe and Sparky, Party Animals! (Candlewick Sparks

Joe and Sparky

by Jamie Michalak, Frank Remkiewicz (Illustrator)

The endearingly mismatched duo has their hands full when a party for a friend goes comically awry.

One day Joe, an exuberant giraffe, hears a commotion coming from another part of the famous cageless zoo he calls home. Joined by his small, green, slightly more serious turtle friend, Sparky, Joe discovers the source of the hullabaloo: a group of children or noisy short people, as Joe and Sparky call them having a party. Inspired, Joe decides to throw a party for his pet worm, Wiggy. There's just one problem: Sparky is not entirely sure if Wiggy even exists! What will happen when every animal in the zoo shows up to Wiggy s party with presents and cake? Worm or no worm, this silly, satisfying tale is sure to leave new readers smiling."

Genres: Humor, Childrens, Animals, Picture Books, Fiction, Chapter Books

48 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2017

About the author

Jamie Michalak is the author of more than thirty children's books, including the highly praised Joe and Sparky series of early readers; Frank and Bean; Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter; and Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites, co-written with Debbi Michiko Florence.

When not writing, she can be found singing off-key, playing outside, or hanging with her two sons. Jamie was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and grew up in the same neighborhood where Dr. Seuss once lived. She now resides in Barrington, Rhode Island.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe the Giraffe ad Sparky the Turtle live in the zoo, loving their time there. After coming upon a birthday party, they decide to create one of their own. Joe explains that his friend, Wiggy, should be the guest of honour, though Sparky has never seen this elusive worm. They begin preparations for the party, with Joe conveniently making decisions that seem to be based on what HE wants. With a number of animals present, there is no Wiggy. After a time, the animals party all the same, without their guest of honour. Joe assures them that Wiggy did appear, but slid back into his hole quickly. As things wind down, Joe and Sparky decide that it was a successful party, even IF Wiggy MAY or MAY NOT have shown up. Neo liked this book, a small four chapter piece, for the story and the wonderful drawings. He, too, did not see Wiggy, but knows how much fun a party can be!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about friends like Joe and Sparky. They complement each other so well. joe's full of enthusiasm and good spirits while Sparky has good sense and loyalty. When Joe decides to have a surprise party for his worm friend, Wiggy, who no one has ever seen, Sparky is hesitant at first, but his loyalty to Joe shines through and he helps win the day. The short chapters, bright illustrations, and cute story make this a great beginning chapter book.

[Kristen Abell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and it is a cute book for a younger reader. It has lively characters and cute illustrations to keep the reader engaged. It is in a chapter book format, so it wouldn't hold the interest of very young children but it is appropriate for those who have been reading for a bit, or for children who can stay focused on short chapters. Overall we enjoyed it!

[Janice Cafarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. Cute K-2nd grade book all about Joe who throws a surprise party for his friend Wiggy the worm. But although Joe tells of Wiggy's many adventures no one else has ever met Wiggy.. His friends are starting to think Wiggy does not exist BUT does he??

[Joey Gremillion · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you want your little one to ENJOY reading, avoid this book. The illustrations are very engaging, but the story is long, verbose and just dreadful. Can we please issue NEGATIVE stars please?

[Tj Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe and Sparky are my favorite party animals!! This early reader series is a must have!! Very funny for the kids and their parents.

[Kelly]

Decent early reader.

[EJLJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you ever wondered what a giraffe with schizophrenia would be like, this is the book for you.

[Anay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like all the books of Joe and Sparky; these are so much funny and cute!!