Hyperorganized perfectionist Beatrice More is determined to plan a spectacularly professional birthday party for her little sister, Sophie.

But she is foiled at every turn: her mother insists on making a homemade cake (disaster!), her father offers up discount mismatched decorations (debacle!), guests are hard to find in their new neighborhood (dire!), and no gift seems remotely special enough (defeated!). Will Beatrice's organizational skills be enough to turn this party around, or will she need a little help from her friends and maybe even from Sophie herself?

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Alison Hughes is an award-winning author of many books for children and young adults, including The Silence Slips In, winner of the R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature and Hit the Ground Running, a nominee for the Governor General's Literary Award. Alison is a university Writing Advisor, volunteers with children and literacy groups and gives frequent workshops and presentations at schools, libraries, festivals and conferences across Canada. She lives in Edmonton with her family.

Alison Hughes' profile page

Helen Flook was born and grew up in the beautiful countryside of Wales. She always loved to draw, but never imagined that one day she would be drawing for a living - what a great job! Art was always her favourite subject at school. She went on to do an Art Foundation Course and then a Degree in Graphic Design at Norwich School of Art and absolutely loved it!
Over the next few years, Helen worked as an excavator and illustrator on a number of archaeological digs in Britain, France and Germany. She also worked for The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - another great job, satisfying her interest in nature and wildlife.
In 1995, she moved with her husband and son to Canada. They lived in Guelph, Ontario for ten years learning all about hockey, real winters and what it was like to live somewhere completely different. She was published in a number of national newspapers and magazines in Canada, but eventually returned to her greatest love--children's books. She has been fortunate enough to be asked to illustrate books by some tremendous children's authors, both in North America and Britain.
In 2005, Helen and her family returned to Wales and she now lives and works from a beautiful village called Abergwyngregyn. Most of her work is produced using acrylic inks, which have lovely bright strong colours. Though she does occasionally try out watercolours and coloured pencils, pen and ink drawing is her favourite.
Ten Things You didn't know about Helen Flook~
1 - I love Tin Tin and Asterix books and collect old Rupert Bear annuals.
2 - I cannot exist without tea (preferably Ceylon)
3 - I was once a frog in a school play
4 -I have a cat with no name (he was the stray who came in from the cold)
5- I have met Paul Hendersen and seen the Queen
6- I once lived in a haunted manor house with a moat
7 - I have been up in a glider plane once - it made me airsick especially when we looped the loop.
8 - I think my favourite colour is red, though I quite like blue too.
9 - I love Christmas - except the cooking bit
10 - I have walked to the top of Snowdon (the highest mountain in England and Wales) four times

Helen Flook's profile page

"Beatrice is quirky and familiar, with well-meaning parents…An appealing family story with a sincere and goodhearted protagonist."

Kirkus Reviews

"Good lessons for kids who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, or the ability to adapt to changing circumstances…Would serve as a good bridge from picture books to longer narratives for children learning to read independently…A great addition to any school library or personal collection. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials