Two separate stories (The Surprise Party and The Spooky Halloween Party) in an attractive format just right for six to eights ready for an independent read. Wry, literate fun which encourages reading "between the lines". The young reader learns that all is not what it seems in stories! Nicky persuades all his friends to give him a "surprise" party which backfires; Albert goes to the wrong Halloween party and cannot figure out the disguises. Clever division into readable chapters - and de Paola's pictures are characteristically vigorous and witty. Highly recommended.
Links:
[1] http://ww.booksforkeeps.co.uk/childrens-books/party-time-for-nicky
[2] http://ww.booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/19
[3] http://ww.booksforkeeps.co.uk/member/colin-mills