Guinea Pig Party

Based on traditional counting rhymes, this lively story from Scottish author/ illustrator Surplice features 10 guinea pigs going wild at a birthday party. “Ten little guinea pigs, dancing in a line./ Bump! go the guinea pigs, and then there are... [page turn] 9.” Like an Agatha Christie for toddlers, Surplice uses ingenuity and variety to get rid of her characters (gently) one by one. The first guinea pig departs after getting stuck with a “pin the tail on the donkey” pin, another leaves after bumping his nose during a “jump and dive” session on a pile of pillows, and another floats “up and up and up” holding onto a balloon. At the end of the party, the birthday boy, all alone, “makes a wish... And once more there are... ten!” Surplice differentiates the guinea pigs with capes, tutus, and other accessories (all wear brightly colored party hats) to aid children with counting; the pigs and their brightly colored toys, gift bags, and other party fare pop against the white backdrops. As energetic and entertaining as a party full of higgledy-piggledy toddlers. Ages 2–up. (Aug.)