About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the tricky social waters of birthday parties or playdates and needs to understand the value of inclusivity. It is an ideal choice for the child who is worried about who to invite or feeling the sting of being left out. The story follows Xander the panda as he plans a party, only to realize that his strict 'rules' for guests are making his friends feel excluded. Through gentle rhyme and humor, it models how to expand one's social circle and embrace diversity. While the publisher classifies this as a chapter book, it functions more as a lushly illustrated picture book that uses sophisticated rhyming schemes. It is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary students (ages 4 to 8) who are developing their sense of fairness and social justice. Parents will appreciate how it turns a simple party planning scenario into a profound lesson on making everyone feel welcome, without being overly preachy.
