cover image Jimmy's Boa and the Big Splash Birthday Bash

Jimmy's Boa and the Big Splash Birthday Bash

Trinka Hakes Noble. Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-8037-0539-5

When Jimmy's birthday rolls around, his mom decides to give him a goldfish and a party at SeaLand. Once they arrive, chaos reigns; Jimmy and his guests set off a tidal wave of crazy situations, carefully choreographed in text and art. It's all told by Jimmy's friend Meggie to her mom, who, in the opening spread, demands to know why Meggie has arrived home soaking wet. Their running conversation provides the captions for Kellogg's vibrant illustrations that almost burst off the page with youthful exuberance. The effect is much like a successful real-life birthday party: frenetic for onlookers but fabulous for the celebrators. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)