SOLVED. Children's Illustrated Book: Child sneaks out and follows parents to a fancy dress party and is confused and curious about all the adults in their costumes. [s]

[Claire]

I would have read it in the late 90s, very early 2000s at the absolute latest. It may have had some kind of paper doll in the back of some of the costumes featured in the book. Some costumes I remember include a pirate and a ladybug.

[Mai]

This one is probably not it since the main character (other than the toddler) is a dog but just in case!
Carl's Masquerade by Alexandra Day published in 1992.
When toddler Madeleine follows her parents to a costume party, the loyal rottweiler comes to her rescue in Carl's Masquerade.

Is the book that you are looking for a picture book? Anything you remember about the style of the illustrations?

[Claire]

Mai wrote: "This one is probably not it since the main character (other than the toddler) is a dog but just in case!
Carl's Masquerade by Alexandra Day published in 1992.
When toddl..."

Hi Mai - as adorable as that book looks, it was definitely a human protagonist. It was a picture book and I remember the illustrations being more two dimensional and bright than the Carl series.

[Ayshe]

"Billy and the brilliant babysitter": https://www.amazon.com/Billy-Brillian... maybe? It doesn't look like the boy actually goes to the party though. There are few inside pictures here: http://www.258sd.com/gallery.php?id=3...

[Rainbowheart]

Was it referred to as a "fancy dress" party? That would make it of British origin, most likely, since the American term for that is costume party.

I notice your profile says you're in Australia. Could it have been an Australian book?

[Claire]

Ayshe wrote: ""Billy and the brilliant babysitter": https://www.amazon.com/Billy-Brillian... maybe? It doesn't look like the boy actually goes to the party though. There are ..."

Yes! That is absolutely it! Your instincts are better than my memory, thank you so much.

[Claire]

Rainbowheart wrote: "Was it referred to as a "fancy dress" party? That would make it of British origin, most likely, since the American term for that is costume party.

I notice your profile says you're in Australia. C..."

Hi Rainbowheart, thank you for your reply. Ayshe has found it!

[Ayshe]

Great! I added goodreads record for the book: Billy and the Brilliant Babysitter.