Royal Garden Party (Queen Bee #1)

Young Beena is excited to host a royal garden party. Her mother, father, younger brother Neil, and pup Rani help her prepare for the gathering by dressing in lehengas and putting up decorations. Her best friend Bow—who is rendered with brown skin and curly hair—arrives with a round, white handmade piñata in tow. But Bee insists that she doesn’t want the piñata at the party because it doesn’t match the royal garden theme. When she notices Bow’s disappointment, however, Bee considers what to do with his offering. Wanting to both match the motif and lift Bow’s spirits, Bee comes up with a plan that she believes will solve the piñata conundrum. Brightly colored drawings by Zhai (Trunk-or-Treat) feature on every page, enhancing this sweet story of a girl who must balance her dreams of an epic (and on-theme) party with honoring her best friend’s feelings. Altogether, Maheshwari (Chaiwala!) delivers a tale of friendship, empathy, and creativity, the first in a charming early chapter book series. Publishing simultaneously: Talent Show Royalty, Show-and-Tell Queen, and Royal Best Friend. Ages 5–8. Author’s agent: Eve Adler, Red Fox Literary. (Aug.)