Party Pooper

by Jennifer Gray Olson

A hilarious, yet tender and sincere picture book about making mistakes, owning up to them, and asking forgiveness.

Every party has a pooper. You may not have wanted one. You certainly did not invite one. But, inevitably, every party will have one. So what should you do?

Maybe you can interest the pooper in a game? Hopefully the pooper doesn't lay down in defeat in the middle of your Twister mat... oh, there he goes. Directly on the blue dot you needed.

Perhaps you can entice the pooper with a delicious, scrumptious cake? Unless the pooper sticks his booger-y fingers directly into the layer you were most excited to eat... sigh.

Oh, I know what to do! Let's. Party. HARDER.

Until... things get taken too far. Then it might be time to take a step back and do the hardest thing of all: apologize.

In Party Pooper, Jennifer Gray Olson tackles complex SEL themes with expertise, grace, and laugh-out-loud humor. It's a thoughtful, yet entertaining examination that has equal empathy for the party goers and, of course, the party pooper.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Illustrator. Author. Part-time Ninja.

Represented by Kerry Sparks of Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency. http://lgrliterary.com/

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my toddler's bedtime. The illustrations is great but the story was okay. The panda bear went to the girl's birthday party and deliberately ruin it to show what party pooper does and then when the girl cried he apologized and tried to clean up the mess. The ending has panda bear throwing a party of his own, having a napping contest. The girl showed up holding a boombox. I guess it's her turn to party pooping at the panda's party.

Thank you MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review.

[lily (powpowpup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a fun way to explain that sometimes some people aren't gonna be so happy to be at a party and to just have fun anyways. the panda is my favorite thing in the world, little paul 🥹

[Jay G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*

A picture book to teach young readers about making mistakes and taking accountability for your actions. Very cute read, and features a cute little panda named Paul who made me so happy, even when he was being naughty.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Four stars because I do not like being a party pooper and every time I bring bee blankie out and mousey… I liked that the party pooper had a napping contest because I actually do not hate taking naps I actually love it because I have more energy.” - Luke

Luke does not take naps if his life depends on it… - Mama

[LS Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the book is an excellent way to explain to kids that not everyone enjoys a birthday party. I didn't like the tantrum of the party pooper that appeared to go unchallenged and had no consequences, yet required others to offer forgiveness (and candy). The illustrations are adorable.

[Susi Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people party hardy and some people are party poopers!

The definition of a good party varies wildly from person to panda (person!) This adorable picture book explores those differences and how any party faux pas can be redeemed with the right attitude. A laugh out loud addition.

[Liz Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, true... sometimes there is a party pooper in our midst. I agree about showing some empathy and care. But catering to the pouty one? Giving them candy and diverting the whole party to try to make them happy.. not so much. Choosing to join, choosing our attitude... choices.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

What is it with picture books about animals being invited to birthday parties and destroying them? I swear this is the 2nd 0r 3rd book I've read this summer with this theme and I don't like them at all. Nothing is learned or gained and I think its obnoxious and mean. Skip this one.

[Ryann Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids love this book. The illustrations are cute and I love that it shows we all party different but it also shows how to apologize and get along with others who enjoy different things.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parties are always fun—unless there is a Party Pooper! Party Poopers love to crash parties. No one wants one but they always show up. They don't like to sing, dance, or even eat cake. They certainly don't like to play games. When a party pooper gets mad, they can destroy your party. What happens when the Party Pooper reflects on his actions? Sincere apologies are in order, and happy times are ahead for everyone. This book would be great for pre-K through third-grade classrooms to launch discussion about making mistakes and learning how to apologize. This book would also be a good selection for supporting SEL units about friendship and community. Students might reflect upon the need to choose activities for everyone to enjoy so that no one is left out. Younger audiences will love the cute panda bear who is the Party Pooper and his dramatic facial expressions. I gave this book a 3 star only because I thought the panda was a little violent for a child. Also, the ending seemed to say he hadn't learned his lesson.