This is a delightful and energetic picture book about a happy-go-lucky cockroach crashing a birthday party. The cake looks absolutely delicious and that’s not at all a surprise because this book is illustrated by Felicita Sala who gave us last year’s wonderful cook/story book Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street.

Who can blame a cockroach for showing up un-invited? When Dad pulls out the vacuum cleaner it looks like the party might be over for our little friend, but we mustn’t forget cockroaches are known for resilience! It’s an uplifting story with an insect protagonist that always looks on the bright side of life. Yes, this book is gross enough to thrill a young audience, but these are top quality laughs and it’s genuinely hilarious fun for readers of all ages. Please read it!

Kim Gruschow is the children’s book buyer at Readings St Kilda.