The Party

Imagination reigns supreme in this bedtime delight about a pajama-clad boy who throws a wild party when his father falls asleep in the middle of reading him a story. As Dad slumbers peacefully on, the boy and his stuffed animals--who have wondrously sprung to life--dance, float around the room hanging onto balloons, ride on an electric train and venture downstairs (with somnolent Dad in tow) to raid the refrigerator. A query from Mom sends everyone scurrying back upstairs, and Dad is gently deposited at his bedroom door. But the party may not be quite over. McPhail is right on target with this spirited blend of fantasy and gentle merriment. Even in these apppropriately muted nighttime colors, his paintings are exuberant, and his characters have charm to spare. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)