Proper Badger Would Never!

January 29, 2024
When an invitation to a human child’s fifth birthday party accidentally falls into Badger’s hands, he assumes it was meant to be. The very soul of propriety—at least in his own eyes—he “knows exactly how one should behave at a party.” But while Badger is unquestionably dressed for the occasion, his “perfectly proper” party behavior leans more animal than human, including making a nest of the unopened presents’ wrapping paper, sinking his claws into the cake to check for delicious grubs, burying the cheese platter, and, when the bathroom line proves a bit long, perhaps peeing on the rug. Working with crisp, collage-like shapes and textures, Sayegh (I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared) depicts the delightfully snouted, eager-eyed Badger wreaking havoc via largely single-plane compositions, lending an air of theatricality that’s a fine match for debut author Glatty’s comically arch prose. Juicy language and syntax make the story a readaloud pleasure (“He expressly did NOT attack the piñata thinking it was another badger trying to steal his cheese”) while conveying plenty of mischievous sympathy for the protagonist’s total commitment to his self-image. Human background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8.

February 15, 2024
Think carefully about your next party's guest list. Badger's been invited to a birthday party--well, sort of. The invitation blew out of the mail carrier's bag, and he picked it up. Badger's always wanted to attend a party, and he's sure the host will want to meet him. He'll act very proper because he knows parties require perfect decorum. But things go less than smoothly. The other guests notice odd occurrences: Someone has made a cozy nest out of all the wrapping paper, clawed the birthday cake, burrowed into the host's bed, attacked the pi�ata, used the hallway rug as a toilet, and buried the cheese platter in a potted plant. Who's responsible? All the clues (pink icing on his snout, pawprints on the wall) make it clear that Proper Badger is to blame, but, as the narrator repeatedly tells us, "Proper Badger doesn't know, because he did not do this." Fed up, some guests believe Proper Badger should vamoose, but Proper Badger's not quite ready to leave. This riotous tale, told in a tongue-in-cheek voice, will have kids chuckling and eagerly discussing whether they'd want to attend a party with Proper Badger. The colorful illustrations are energetic; Badger's innocent expression is adorable. The birthday girl presents Black; the guests are diverse in terms of race and physical ability. A giggle inducer and a fun read at an upcoming birthday party. (Picture book. 5-8)

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