Do I Have to Go to the Party? (Fish Tank Friends)

Starred review from January 15, 2024
Poppy the Pufferfish has a party problem! Poppy has agreed to go to a birthday party for Baby Guppy. But Poppy is worried. Parties make Poppy nervous and prompt a series of what ifs. "What if I wear the wrong hat? What if I bring the wrong gift? What if I swim around with a big pink glob of cupcake icing on my face and no one tells me?" Although Poppy attends the soiree and is greeted warmly, the other fish are exchanging hushed whispers. Has Poppy done something wrong? No, but there definitely is a party problem, and it's one that Poppy is perfectly equipped to solve. For all Poppy's fretting, the humorous solution thrills Baby Guppy and makes Poppy the star of the party. The minimal text contains a pleasing sense of repetition as Poppy worries over and over about the same what ifs. The book's small trim size makes it ideal for one-on-one reading; caregivers can snuggle up with little ones for a read-aloud and help young readers work through their own nervousness about new experiences. The eye-catching fish are varied and brightly colored. Most illustrations show the fishy characters highlighted against colorful ovals reminiscent of a goldfish bowl. An appealing tale to help little ones grappling with anxiety. (Picture book. 3-6)

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June 7, 2024

PreS-Gr 2-Fenske continues his "Fish Tank Friends" series with a second book focusing on conquering social anxiety. Poppy the Puffer Fish just received a birthday party invitation from Baby Guppy. The potential for embarrassment has Poppy very anxious. When Poppy gets upset, there is so much to worry about, like any puffer fish. How to dress? Which gift is best? Poppy goes to the party but quickly notices other guests whispering. Is it about Poppy? It isn't Poppy, it's missing party supplies, and Poppy is able to solve the problem and save the party. There was no reason to be nervous after all. An easy reading level accommodates both young and reluctant readers. Working within a palette of bright pastels, Fenske shows Poppy's every emotional nuance through the puffer fish's face and body. A gentle message explains everybody gets nervous but anxiety can be overcome. As a two-time Geisel Honor recipient, Fenske is tuned in to the needs of young children, once again delivering amusement and reassurance in equal measure. VERDICT A winning series continues targeting young readers who need help processing emotions, making this an essential purchase.-Jessica A. Bushore

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