The Surprise Party

by Annabelle Prager, Tomie dePaola (Illustrator)

Illus. in full color. Nicky wants to have a surprise party--for himself! He gets his friend Albert to invite all the kids, and make sure there's lots of cake and presents. What could go wrong? That's where the real surprise is!  

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, School, 2nd Grade, 1st Grade

48 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 1977

Reviews

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again all the kids look like Tomie (despite the Diversity rainbow). I know he knows how to make noses differently - so why doesn't he?

There's a good bit of text to keep early readers busy.

[Colby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story, a bit longer and drawn out at times but overall I enjoyed it. I like the beginning of the story where it says “‘Know what?’ said Nicky. “No, what?’ said Albert. I think that this can be a good teaching moment and if the child cannot read yet then the reader should show the child that part so that the child can see how know and no is written differently and then discuss the difference in the meaning of the two words even though they sound the same when they are read. This story is about Nicky wanting to have a birthday party but he does not have enough money so he decides to have a surprise party and to have his friends throw it for him. It is amusing because since it was his idea it will obviously not be a surprise. He then calls his friend Albert all the time telling him what he wants at his party, slowly irritating his friend. I love the end of this book and think that the author is very clever in doing this; Albert moves the party and acts like it got canceled. Then they go to his house and everyone is there for his party and Albert states “‘you said you wanted the best surprise party that ever was,’ said Albert. ‘So we made it a surprise!’”

[Kevan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicky wants to have a surprise party. Who is the surprise party for? It is for Nicky himself! He gets his friend Albert to invite all the kids, bring the cake, and make sure there are lots of presents. Nicky thinks nothing can go wrong. But he is in for a BIG surprise!

[Cws]

JEAR2-Pra

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is okay. Older students would enjoy this book. Most students would enjoy that the story revolves around a birthday party. It got a little boring, even for me.

[Amy]

Nicky plans his own surprise party but in the end there is an even bigger surprise. I would recommend this book for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

[JaNeal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little story kids are sure to enjoy.