NOKO’S SURPRISE PARTY

Takadu is on a mission to collect enough figs for the surprise party for his dear porcupine buddy, Noko. Of course, there’s a slight problem: Greedy and ill-mannered Hyena, upset he is not invited to the celebration, plots to ruin the festivities. Hyena trails the aardvark party-planner as he searches for fruit through the Mbombo hills. When Takadu encounters friends in distress, he gladly shares his abundance, but when he rests, Hyena devours most of the remaining refreshments. With the treats destroyed, Takadu decides that a song and single last fig are the only presents left for Noko. His friends, however, share their surroundings and resourcefulness in a fortunate conclusion, and even one sneaky scavenger gets to join in on the fun. South African Moodie features her original cast of characters, introduced in Noko and the Night Monster (2001), through warm watercolor illustrations and clean black lines. While the conflict is resolved a bit too quickly, the rich setting adds a unique angle to this conventional tale. (Picture book. 4-8)