Otto Has a Birthday Party

by Todd Parr

There is a problem with the cake Otto the dog makes for his birthday party, but he and his friends have a good time anyway.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 2004

About the author

Todd Parr is a three-time New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator of more than fifty books for children. He has inspired and empowered children around the world with simple, hopeful, and powerful messages such as “be kind”, “love yourself” and “be who you are,” all set with vibrant images in eye-catching primary colors. His books have received numerous awards and are available in nearly twenty languages. He also is the co-creator of the popular three-time Daytime Emmy©-nominated animated TV series, "ToddWorld" with Gerry Renert of SupperTime Entertainment. Several short films for Sesame Street have also been based on Parr’s work.

Parr devotes time to numerous philanthropic causes supporting pet adoption, children’s hunger, health, and literacy. He is a frequent reader and fundraiser for The Ronald McDonald House and serves on the board of directors for the Virginia Children’s Book Festival. His corporate collaborations include Best Buy, Stouffer’s, and the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank, among others.

A native of Wyoming, Parr currently lives in Berkeley, California.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly Otto.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My five-year-old son picked this book out from the library last week. My son is a big fan of Todd Parr books; I am not. I'm rating it for my son.

Todd Parr's books are simple and silly -- absolutely perfect for a five-year-old boy. And my five-year-old boy spent a lot of time laughing at the book.

The illustrations are bright and colorful and look as if they have been drawn by a five-year-old boy. That is their charm, I get that, but I just don't especially like them. Again, however, my son does. Very much.

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otto sure knows how to throw a party. I understand that he might be put off by Cool Kitty showing up in a bikini, but playing a party game decided to demean her race might not be an appropriate reaction.

Though if it's the kind of party where the birthday boy tries on underwear in front of the guests? Maybe he shouldn't be judging others based on what they wear to the party.

Class act on Otto's part to invite the ice cream truck driver in to the party he just saved.

[Kimberly Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

My youngest children love Otto. This story of his birthday party is a favorite. We particularly love when Otto recieves underwear that is too small for a gift, and when his birthday cake explodes making a big stinky mess. We laugh and have fun with this book.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. They had a birthday except the cake went crazy and went all Kablooey. His friends came over and they played games they liked. He got underwear that was too shirt and a sweater that is too long. Otto got a tennis that was the right size.

He had his party inside his home.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

i didn't read any of his books as a child, only as an adult. i think they're pretty dynamic and really important.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todd Parr has something for every occasion. I sent this as a birthday present to a friend's daughter and she loved it!

[Erroll Treslan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My six year old daughter took great pride in reading this book to me tonight.

[Courtney]

Lots of laughs for the toddler and up crowd. I mean, come on... the cake blows up and he gets underwear for his birthday. Todd Parr, my daughter thinks you and Otto are hilarious!

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These bright, colorful pictures add to the fun of reading about a birthday party.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cute, simple book. I love Parr's bold illustrations and colors.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very bright pictures for a tot to see.