The Paper Party

by Don Freeman

A small boy goes through the television screen for a party with the puppets from his favorite program and is asked to stay.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Don Freeman was a painter, printmaker, cartoonist, children's book author, and illustrator. He was born in San Diego, California, attended high school in Missouri, and later moved to New York City where he studied etching with John Sloan.
Frequent subjects included Broadway theatre, politics, and the circus. He was also a jazz musician, and the brother of circus entrepreneur Randy Freeman.

Reviews

[Stephen Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic fantasy book that will entrance children. The pastel illustrations blend into this dreamlike story. Yet, the author reminds his audience that despite the beauty of make believe, there is no place like home.

Bravo Don Freeman! Bravo!

[David Schwenker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whimsical artwork form Dan Freeman as per usual. Tale is fantastical but slowly assumes an unintentionally disquieting tone as it's suggested the paper dolls wish to turn the boy into paper and keep him in their world forever, at which point the boy must quickly escape. As such, tonally off but still of interest.

[Aneesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly creepy.

[Mary Train · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I read this book by the author of the Corduroy books, I am amazed at the difference in the writing styles that we see in early picture books like this (pre 1980) compared to the ones of today. I can't say the kids didn't like this story, but they certainly found it weird. I helped them connect to the book by stopping and modernizing some of the text for them, but I would say that we were all left with the thought, "What?" when we finished this book. Odd. Simply odd. But then again, I find the Corduroy books odd too...just a likable character, I suppose. Maybe that's all you need to carry a book?

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

this kind of gave me anxiety as a kid, but at the same time i couldn't stop looking at the illustrations. it seems anti-television.

[Stephanie Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a child. I loved how something ordinary (watching TV) became a magical experience... it made me feel like something exciting could happen at any time.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were puppets, clowns, and a Dinky Donk show. I was not terribly impressed.