About This Book
Reach for this book when your child comes home with the heavy realization that they were not invited to a classmate's birthday party. It is a gentle, realistic look at the sting of social exclusion and the jealousy that arises when others are celebrating without you. Lizzie's experience validates that it is okay to feel sad and even a little bit grumpy when you are left out. Rather than forcing a resolution where Lizzie eventually gets invited, the story focuses on her agency. By finding a peer who is in the same boat, Lizzie discovers that she can still have a wonderful day on her own terms. It is an excellent choice for children ages 4 to 8 who are navigating the often-tricky social waters of early elementary school, providing a blueprint for resilience and new beginnings.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with social exclusion and peer rejection. The approach is direct and secular. The resolution is realistic: Lizzie is not magically invited to the original party; instead, she finds a hopeful alternative through a new friendship.
