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Hooper Humperdink - ? Not Him!
From Alice and Abe to Zeb and Zipper, an alphabetical array of guests turns out for the biggest birthday party ever. But Hooper Humperdink isn’t on the guest list!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 1976
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 10, 2018
How can one not put Dr. Seuss on a pedestal? He is Dr. Seuss. I thought I had read all of Dr. Seuss and then I found 2 more books and this is one of those. I still need to find 7 lady godivas. The book got better as it went on for me. I enjoyed the list of names, familiar and unfamiliar.
Listen to some of these names: Lum, Pasternack and Ubb and Yipper. Those are interesting names - first time I've heard them. I think he uses them to rhyme with. Hooper is being left out of a party and this person is basically inviting the entire school district to her wonderful party for the ages. Poor Hooper. It's a tough message and a relevant message. It turns out ok for Hooper.
The kids thought this was a fun book. They got a kick out of how big the party was getting and then they were coming up with outlandish things to do at a party they would throw.
Listen to some of these names: Lum, Pasternack and Ubb and Yipper. Those are interesting names - first time I've heard them. I think he uses them to rhyme with. Hooper is being left out of a party and this person is basically inviting the entire school district to her wonderful party for the ages. Poor Hooper. It's a tough message and a relevant message. It turns out ok for Hooper.
The kids thought this was a fun book. They got a kick out of how big the party was getting and then they were coming up with outlandish things to do at a party they would throw.
February 28, 2017
I bought this book recently since it was on sale on Amazon and it MUST be good because it's by Dr. Seuss. Wrong.
Not only was I completely disappointed by the book's message, but my young kids were as well. I really feel this book promotes negativity, exclusivity, and unkindness in children. Deeming someone as not good enough to attend your party, while inviting everyone else, is a truly horrid message to send to children.
After the very first read through when my 6 year old asked why the book was "so mean" I sent it straight to the Goodwill.
Not only was I completely disappointed by the book's message, but my young kids were as well. I really feel this book promotes negativity, exclusivity, and unkindness in children. Deeming someone as not good enough to attend your party, while inviting everyone else, is a truly horrid message to send to children.
After the very first read through when my 6 year old asked why the book was "so mean" I sent it straight to the Goodwill.
May 28, 2014
There's going to be a big party, but the host doesn't want to invite Hooper Humperdink; it's never really explained why. Guests on the list have names that begin with every letter of the alphabet. Text rhymes and pictures features characters that resemble dolls.
I didn't like the way Hooper is excluded. On top of that he's illustrated to look a little stranger than the other kids as if that might play in to why he isn't well liked among the other children. In the end, he's invited to the party too, but it doesn't feel genuine and the whole story just strikes me as needlessly mean.
Not one of my favorites and I don't recommend this title.
I didn't like the way Hooper is excluded. On top of that he's illustrated to look a little stranger than the other kids as if that might play in to why he isn't well liked among the other children. In the end, he's invited to the party too, but it doesn't feel genuine and the whole story just strikes me as needlessly mean.
Not one of my favorites and I don't recommend this title.
February 7, 2014
I liked the rhyming of the fun names in alphabetical order and the hyperbole of the huge party. But, the whole book is about how over and over the narrator plans to exclude someone. He is made to feel bad the whole time until the very last page. Inviting him at the last minute hardly makes up for the cruel and obvious exclusion the whole time.
April 25, 2009
My all-time favorite book when I was a wee kid. I always felt a kindred spirit to Hooper. And my mom had that book memorized. I remember picking out which kid on each page I wanted to be... the one in the round roller-coaster car that looked like a soup bowl, the kid on the big ice cream tank, and weren't there bikes flying in the air with the balloons? Love you always, Hooper! You're invited to my parties.
February 16, 2017
Sure, we know that Dr. Seuss, aka Theo. LeSieg, aka Theordore Geisel, likes to rhyme. But, when including names of friends to invite, but insist on inviting the "K. K. Kats" for the letter "K" is so offensive! In many of the reviews I read, I did not come across any mention of this. As readers, we need to look deeper with the text and images. Granted, the "band" appears to be a jazz band, with an assortment of various ethnicities, it's very inappropriate to have the band name "K. K. Kats".
July 16, 2012
I truly believe reading this book made me a kinder person. I reread whenever I was feeling mean, growing up.
Dr. Seuss shaped entire generations' social consciences, whether intentionally or not.
My gosh, we owe a lot to this man. He is all the good things in childhood incarnate. Hats off to you, Dr. Seuss!
Dr. Seuss shaped entire generations' social consciences, whether intentionally or not.
My gosh, we owe a lot to this man. He is all the good things in childhood incarnate. Hats off to you, Dr. Seuss!
August 31, 2020
Never logged this, oops.
This is pretty cute. It has good rhymes and nice pictures. Poor Hooper though.
This is pretty cute. It has good rhymes and nice pictures. Poor Hooper though.
September 20, 2015
When I was a child, and still now as an adult, I never understood this type of book, one that is written for the sole purpose of excluding and/or bullying another child.
It is not clearly outlined, especially at the beginning why it is that Hooper is being excluded from the party. However, even if, at the book later purports, Hooper is being excluded because he is a 'party pooper', what is the purpose of writing an entire book/poem celebrating the fact that you are excluding someone from your party. If Hooper is such a terrible person then cut your ties, cut your losses and have your party without giving him another thought. Writing a poem about excluding him just keeps you in his power. If Hooper is really not that bad (and - spoiler alert - inviting him to the party at the end suggests he is not that bad) then to exclude him, and especially to write poem of this type is just plain mean.
No, I cannot see the purpose of this type of book other than to spread bad energy around. Who would want to spread bad energy to children? Who would want to spread it to themselves? A book better left closed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need to go and do an energy cleanse.
It is not clearly outlined, especially at the beginning why it is that Hooper is being excluded from the party. However, even if, at the book later purports, Hooper is being excluded because he is a 'party pooper', what is the purpose of writing an entire book/poem celebrating the fact that you are excluding someone from your party. If Hooper is such a terrible person then cut your ties, cut your losses and have your party without giving him another thought. Writing a poem about excluding him just keeps you in his power. If Hooper is really not that bad (and - spoiler alert - inviting him to the party at the end suggests he is not that bad) then to exclude him, and especially to write poem of this type is just plain mean.
No, I cannot see the purpose of this type of book other than to spread bad energy around. Who would want to spread bad energy to children? Who would want to spread it to themselves? A book better left closed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need to go and do an energy cleanse.
July 8, 2017
A book about being left out. There's a big party going on and everyone's invited, but not Hooper Humperdink. As the host goes through their rhyming and alphabetical list of guest they make it clear that they do not want to invite Hooper Humperdink. On one hand the party seem nonsensical, on the other its clearly trying to teach a lesson. I just didn't feel like this one did a very good job of that.
April 13, 2008
Fantastic rhymes, humorous use of children's names. Snarky and funny. Helped my daughter learn her ABCs -- each page follows the alphabet by naming children who will be invited to a fantastic party (but "Not Hooper"). We have a vintage version from when I was a kid--and I still laugh at the lines about "Party Pooper" Hooper.
December 31, 2017
You have to pick up the fun rhyming books by Dr. Seuss. I thnk kids will love this one with the characters and their so fun alphabetical names.
July 1, 2025
A little boy won't be invited to the party, but after some thought, he'll be included too.
Watch my kiddo’s ABC time and discover our family favorites.
Ages: 3 - 7
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
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Watch my kiddo’s ABC time and discover our family favorites.
Ages: 3 - 7
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
September 7, 2015
This is more of an ABC book than a beginning reader, and does a fair job of introducing the sounds by rattling off the names of children by letter. This, however, isn't the most effective way of introducing emerging readers to the alphabet and there are better options out there, including one done by Dr. Seuss himself. Other reviewers have mentioned that they are bothered by the story because Hooper is excluded, and only included at the end because the party is too good to miss. It does seem an uncharacteristically cruel plot device, and disappointing that Hooper gives in and runs to the party once he's invited. Still, though, it contains the catchy rhymes Seuss is known for and some children will enjoy it. Recommended.
April 19, 2012
Hooper Humperdink by Dr. Seuss is an bright and early book designed for a lower age group. It is intended for age level 4-8. This bright and early book uses humor, rhythm, and limited vocabulary that encourages preschoolers to discover the delights of reading for themselves. I give this book a 4 star rating. It is about a youngster who plans a huge spectacular party inviting friends whose name begin with every letter from A-Z, except for one person and that is Hooper Humperdink! This book is very funny, of course it's a Dr. Seuss book. I think it promotes friendship, fairness, sharing, and kindness. I would recommend this book to all children, I think they would enjoy it.
January 8, 2016
When my daughter was born in 1989 we were given this book as a gift at our baby shower. We began reading it to her almost the moment she was born. It's a cute, funny little story and she loved it. So much so, that for the next 10 years or so we HAD to read it at least once a day.
At some point, over time, we lost the original copy. When I found it again on Amazon, I just had to have it. We gave it to her for Christmas last year. She turned 26 in October! Yet, when she opened it, she squealed just like she used to!
Would recommend this book to any parent (or grandparent) of a young child!
At some point, over time, we lost the original copy. When I found it again on Amazon, I just had to have it. We gave it to her for Christmas last year. She turned 26 in October! Yet, when she opened it, she squealed just like she used to!
Would recommend this book to any parent (or grandparent) of a young child!
June 2, 2014
I read this book to my children as a bedtime story, and I wasn't really impressed. Hooper Humperdink is continuously left out, to the extent that the kids would rather invite practically anyone on the planet to join their fun other than Hooper. I was expecting at least some sort of a lesson at the end, but was disappointed. In a culture where bullying is constantly on parent's minds, I can't endorse a story that encourages kids to single out and refuse to include one of their peers.
I know, it's only a kids story, meant in good fun, but there are plenty of other good fun stories with messages that I can agree with that I would much rather include in our collection.
I know, it's only a kids story, meant in good fun, but there are plenty of other good fun stories with messages that I can agree with that I would much rather include in our collection.
September 16, 2014
This book did not carry the "zing" that makes all of Dr. Seuss' books so loveable. I think it was partly due to the new illustrations. They did not match the Seuss style of zingy and zangy. The pictures felt flat to me.
All through the book I waited to find out something good that kept the unknown person from inviting Hooper to his birthday party, but it never comes. The narrator simply does not like Hooper and instead invites EVERY other child available. In the end, he allows Hooper to come because the party is simply too good to miss. I am disappointed in the message this sends and that they felt this book needed new illustration.
All through the book I waited to find out something good that kept the unknown person from inviting Hooper to his birthday party, but it never comes. The narrator simply does not like Hooper and instead invites EVERY other child available. In the end, he allows Hooper to come because the party is simply too good to miss. I am disappointed in the message this sends and that they felt this book needed new illustration.
March 4, 2016
So far my least favorite Seuss book. I like the rhyming and the way the book works through the alphabet using names and words with the right letter. However the overall premise of the book is that someone is having a party and not inviting someone they don't like.
I want my daughter to feel she doesn't have to be with someone she doesn't like.
Yet she has also been on the other end and has been the one not invited and feels very left out.
She cried during this book, worried about Hooper being made to feel sad.
A truly complex issue - how to fit in yet be yourself.
I want my daughter to feel she doesn't have to be with someone she doesn't like.
Yet she has also been on the other end and has been the one not invited and feels very left out.
She cried during this book, worried about Hooper being made to feel sad.
A truly complex issue - how to fit in yet be yourself.
November 26, 2016
Although I understand why some do not like this book and while I do agree that this isn't one of Dr. Suess' strong books, I think this is still a good book! Besides the fact that the rhyming and alphabet learning is as great as ever, I think it is a good look at why humans sometimes exclude others. It isn't logical, there is no rhyme or reason for it, and I think Dr. Seuss was trying to bring that to light and then show in the end that this whole life is really something far too spectacular to exclude anyone. That's my take on it at least.
May 28, 2014
I vacillated between giving this one and two stars.
For teaching children the alphabet, Dr. Seuss's ABC book is much better. And leaves out the nastiness of not inviting poor Hooper Humperdink to the party (though he is ultimately invited--not because the narrator finally realizes he/she is being a big ol' meanie, but because the party is too good to miss). Not an attitude I want the little one to adopt...
For teaching children the alphabet, Dr. Seuss's ABC book is much better. And leaves out the nastiness of not inviting poor Hooper Humperdink to the party (though he is ultimately invited--not because the narrator finally realizes he/she is being a big ol' meanie, but because the party is too good to miss). Not an attitude I want the little one to adopt...
November 11, 2010
I'm not sure what to think about this book. It seems kinda snotty to me, although the narrative rhymes and the illustrations are fun. All in all it ends well, and is entertaining to read aloud, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. Our girls enjoyed the alphabetical listing of names and were happy at the ending.
December 24, 2012
This book was horrible. The narrator kid is having a party and he keeps talking about how he's going to invite EVERYBODY...except Hooper Humperdink. He's a real jerk about it. In the end he makes the concession to let him come, but that really doesn't excuse his behavior throughout the whole book.
August 17, 2015
Probably not a well known book by Dr. Seuss, since he wrote it as Theo. LeSieg (his real name). But it's a great book and one of my favorites growing up as well. All those names he came up with, and getting some of them to rhyme as well is amazing. Plus I just love the name Hooper Humperdink, it just rolls off the tongue (which is probably it's intent).
August 6, 2017
This was a cute book about a child getting ready for his party, inviting everyone he knew listing names from every letter of the alphabet (filled with LOTS and LOTS of names) throughout the book he says he doesn't like Hooper but doesn't know 'why' he doesn't like him, but in the end he does decide that he will invite him and they all will have fun
January 12, 2017
My daughter absolutely loves this book and I think the illustrations and rhyme are great. Overall though I hate explaining over and over how mean it is to exclude Hooper and as we turn 4 yo I guess it is good to compare when someone excludes her. Overall that makes it not the most enjoyable read.
January 31, 2018
Here's a rare one that I never saw in my childhood...
A boy is not invited to a birthday party although every other child in the alphabet is invited. Good to talk about inclusion and also feeling left out.
Also a good one for kids who need words to sound out as some of the names are strange and unheard of to most children.
A boy is not invited to a birthday party although every other child in the alphabet is invited. Good to talk about inclusion and also feeling left out.
Also a good one for kids who need words to sound out as some of the names are strange and unheard of to most children.
June 14, 2007
This is the older version of the book that has since been reissued with different illustrations. I much prefer the classic version; although, I do understand why the decision was made to make the illustrations more "politically correct."
February 19, 2014
Grandma Nell use to have this book and I loved listening to her read it to me. I have my own copy now and keep it on display , I pull it down and read when I need alittle lift. It's like being on grandma'a lap and having a big ole hug. Love it!
July 28, 2011
Another one of Aislynn's favourites ... and a happy ending for Hooper Humperdink. I check the box that says 'Own it' ... but there should be a box for: ' Saved it because it'll always remind me of my little girl and hopefully I'll read it to HER little girl ...' **Sniff**
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews