Proper Badger Would Never!

When an invitation to a human child’s fifth birthday party accidentally falls into Badger’s hands, he assumes it was meant to be. The very soul of propriety—at least in his own eyes—he “knows exactly how one should behave at a party.” But while Badger is unquestionably dressed for the occasion, his “perfectly proper” party behavior leans more animal than human, including making a nest of the unopened presents’ wrapping paper, sinking his claws into the cake to check for delicious grubs, burying the cheese platter, and, when the bathroom line proves a bit long, perhaps peeing on the rug. Working with crisp, collage-like shapes and textures, Sayegh (I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared) depicts the delightfully snouted, eager-eyed Badger wreaking havoc via largely single-plane compositions, lending an air of theatricality that’s a fine match for debut author Glatty’s comically arch prose. Juicy language and syntax make the story a readaloud pleasure (“He expressly did NOT attack the piñata thinking it was another badger trying to steal his cheese”) while conveying plenty of mischievous sympathy for the protagonist’s total commitment to his self-image. Human background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)