Caterina and the Perfect Party (Erin Eitter Kono, Dial Books for Young Readers, 2013)

Caterina is planning the perfect party down to the last detail – there will be NO surprises. When her party is literally turned upside down by inclement weather, she learns that being with friends is all you need to have fun and that some surprises are surprisingly delightful (mud-dipped worms, anyone?). One of my daughters is a perfectionist to the point that it prevents her from doing things, so Caterina and the Perfect Party is a favourite picture book for me to read to her. Following her sidekick, a little chick, from page to page adds a significant cute factor to the beautiful and detailed illustrations. I have recently learned that there are other “Caterina” books by the same author – I am off to find them and will report back as to whether or not they too are recommended picture books!