Kirkus Review

Parties, yes; party poopers, no. A panda named Paul attends a birthday party. Everyone's enjoying themselves, but Paul, "poopiest of poopers," is determined to spoil everything. The host coaxes Paul to join activities; Paul prefers sabotaging them. When Paul sticks a snot-covered finger into the cake, the guests are aghast. Paul has a major tantrum but apologizes after witnessing the party's host sobbing. The party resumes, and it turns out that Paul, now forgiven, prefers candies to games. Paul departs, finally contented. This tongue-in-cheek book pairs illustrations depicting Paul's party shenanigans with text narrated by the gentle, knowing voice of an adviser wise in the ways of handling party poopery ("Try to be patient with the pooper," "Perhaps you can interest them in a game"). It confronts serious issues--social awkwardness, the inability to make friends--while simultaneously addressing those who want to help them. These youngsters, the text suggests, aren't really naughty but simply very unskilled at peer interactions. As presented here, savvy children have no trouble defusing socially difficult situations alone, without adult intervention--an unrealistic scenario. Backmatter for grown-ups discussing social challenges and offering guidance would have been beneficial. In the lively line illustrations, plump, brown-and-white Paul parties alongside racially diverse human children. A genuine concern receives a lighthearted treatment; children will giggle but also, hopefully, think and learn. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.