The Invitation

Stacey May Fowles debut picture book is a whimsical, warmhearted story of how a super-special surprise can lead to anxiety or invite imagination. One beautiful fall day, Fern opens her mailbox and finds an envelope. After much worrying about what it could possibly contain, her friend Fawn encourages her to open it. Inside, she finds an invitation to a super-special surprise at the museum but Fern doesnt like surprises! Luckily, Fawn offers to come with her to the party. What could possibly happen, he asks. Along the way, Fern voices her worries: What if they cant make it in time? What if they dont know anyone there? Fawn playfully follows his friend's way of thinking, while gently suggesting twists to her story and a fun new cast of characters the chipmunk who could show them a shortcut, the grumpy bear who could clear their path, the brave dentist who might treat the bears toothache until at last they arrive, and Fern is able to enjoy the wonderful surprise happening around her. Marie Lafrances delightfully dreamy illustrations bring the imagined world of Fern and Fawn to life in this super-special story about catastrophic thinking. Key Text Features illustrations Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4 Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7 Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.