Starry Henna Night: A Branches Book

The Party Diaries #2

by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, Aaliya Jaleel (Illustrator)

Priya plans a henna-night party that is out-of-this-world in the second installment of this full-color early chapter book series!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Priya’s party-planning business is hired to put together a henna-night party for teenagers! Priya gets more and more nervous as she struggles to find a theme for the party. What do TEENAGERS like?! All she knows for sure is that this party will help save endangered pangolins! So can Priya create a perfect henna-night party or will it be a flop?

With speech bubbles, easy-to-read text, and vibrant artwork on every page, this series is perfect for newly independent readers!

Genres: Childrens, Realistic Fiction

80 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2023

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay! Another great installment in this series. I'm excited to read the third book later this year. In this specific installment, readers follow Priya as she plans her first party for a teenager. I thought the idea of a cross between a starry night, the desert, and henna was the perfect theme. Younger readers who are into DIY projects and crafts will adore the different decorations that Priya and her friends create for this specific event as well as all the information shared about henna. Once again, readers are introduced to an animal that Priya's company is attempting to support/save. There were interesting facts included. With vibrant illustrations and so many tips for those wanting to start their own business, this is sure to be a hit amongst readers. I would recommend this one for younger readers in 1st - 3rd grade.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really cute, and I liked seeing how a party for teens was planned differently than a party for adults.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book 2, Priya plans a party for a teenager. Her first party for her aunt went so well, Tara connected with her to plan her just for fun party. They settle on a galaxies/desert theme with henna designs as the main activity. I appreciate the format for young to mid elementary readers. They will connect with Priya and her friends. The tips for organizing and planning, and the support for endangered animals will resonate as well.

[Carrie Houghton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun chapter book series! Creative, but tentative Priya started a party planning business that raises money for endangered animals. In this installment, she’s organizing a desert-galaxy themed henna party for a teen. Facts about endangered animals are peppered in, and the book ends with a themed craft readers can make.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Shankar B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like when I saw all the galaxy and desert decorations. I want it to be my theme for my birthday party. I want to make the decoration at the end of the book.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book in the Party Diaries - and still colorful, engaging, and full of culture & creativity like the first one!

[Erica Flory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for book 3

[Jen Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with my daughters. They enjoyed it!

[alina shahzad · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute