The Shindig Is Coming! in August of 2025. Charise Mericle Harper’s book was read by me via an online reader copy. I probably will not purchase a final copy, but I know that it will be a hit with others and they will want to have copies for themselves and as gifts.
When Mouse comes running in yelling, “The shindig is coming!” It causes all sorts of havoc. Nobody knows what or who it is. It could be a green swamp monster or a pink, soft kitten. Who knows? But a (not so) wise bear and his (wise) dictionary help the animals of the forest out. However, that does not completely fix the issues at hand. (Just as poor possum.)
The tone of them and text is old school, classic, even a bit “European” (more folk tale than modern). The mixture is a mixture of the Series of Unfortunate Events narrator, Winnie the Pooh’s animals and innocence, and something else I cannot exactly put my finger on. The illustrations are on the simpler side, with little color and minimal details.
It might make an interesting read aloud for first to younger fourth graders, or a solo read for stronger second graders to young fourth graders. Overall, things are okay. Things moved at a basic pace, there is some humor, and there is seriousness. It wasn’t a WOW for me, but it was cute and fun. The nice thing is if one of Harper’s books does not fit, you can find something else by them.