Lizzie's Invitation

Everyone gets invitations to Kate's party. Everyone, it seems, but Lizzie. She offers Kate carrot sticks, hoping that she'll be invited after all, but all Kate gives her are raisins. On the day of the party it rains and Lizzie still feels terrible. So she goes for a walk and finds a friendAmanda, who wasn't invited to the party either. They spend the day together, busily baking, dressing up and having lunch. The party is forgotten. Keller once again manages to reassure children about one of the most difficult timesbeing unwanted. Some may think that Amanda's showing up like that is just a little too convenient, because feeling left out can sometimes last a long time. But the cherry-colored umbrella the girls share, as well as their identical pumpkin-hued raincoats, makes a sad occasion fey, and their resourcefulness is a lesson for anyone. Ages 4-8. (August)