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The Birthday Party
Discover the poignant journey of Natalie as she faces adversity caused by The Cool Kids, her missed school treat, and a disastrous surprise party. However, her mother takes her to a special place, reminding her of the brilliant light within her. Inspired, Natalie learns the importance of shining brightly to guide others through darkness. This uplifting tale is a testament to friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of inner strength.
38 pages, Paperback
Published January 5, 2024
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About the author
Marissa Koons
3 books34 followersMarissa Koons is the author of The Cool Kids series beginning with The Birthday Party. She enjoys writing children’s books geared toward self-esteem and believes the only opinion of you that matters is your own.
An accountant by day, book lover by night, she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cedar Crest College.
Growing up, she dreamed of writing a children’s book, and this interest led her to take classes at the Institute of Children’s Literature. While life went in a different direction, the path led to the same place, and eventually, in a global pandemic, her dream became a reality. Her journey began in 2020 with self-publishing and in 2024, she became a published author with Austin Macauley Publishers LLC.
When not writing, you can find her painting with her kids or swimming laps. Marissa lives with her husband and three daughters in Pennsylvania.
An accountant by day, book lover by night, she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cedar Crest College.
Growing up, she dreamed of writing a children’s book, and this interest led her to take classes at the Institute of Children’s Literature. While life went in a different direction, the path led to the same place, and eventually, in a global pandemic, her dream became a reality. Her journey began in 2020 with self-publishing and in 2024, she became a published author with Austin Macauley Publishers LLC.
When not writing, you can find her painting with her kids or swimming laps. Marissa lives with her husband and three daughters in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 22, 2025
Rissa Marissa Koons’s The Birthday Party is a gentle, children’s picture book that explores one of childhood’s earliest social lessons. Because it deals with real-life issues children face (friendship, being excluded, feeling “less cool”), it is especially useful for parents, teachers, and any adults who have the access and opportunity to teach children as it gives a good starting point for conversations with children on such themes.
The protagonist, Natalie, encounters a group known as the Cool Kids who trick her into missing her favourite teacher’s birthday celebration at school. When Natalie comes home, her mother becomes the story’s grounding force. She listens, comforts, and gently reminds her daughter of the “brilliant light” inside her. Through this moment of connection, Natalie learns that one mistake does not define her and that she always has the power to choose kindness again. This exchange between mother and daughter transforms The Birthday Party from a simple classroom anecdote into an uplifting story about self-redemption and the unconditional love that helps children grow.
Koons’s writing is straightforward and age-appropriate. Her language is simple, and that makes The Birthday Party an excellent read-aloud for parents and teachers. What makes The Birthday Party stand out is its everyday realism. The Cool Kids, though lightly drawn, embody the social hierarchies that many children begin to encounter in early school years. By portraying Natalie’s struggle without judgment, Koons gives young readers a safe space to see themselves in her shoes and to think about what they might do differently.
Visually, the book complements its message with bright, accessible illustrations that mirror the simplicity of the prose. The artwork reflects a school environment full of energy and emotion, helping younger readers stay engaged even when the themes grow more reflective. Though not the most artistically complex picture book on the shelf, its illustrations are warm and functional, and it supports the story rather than overwhelms it.
Where the book falls slightly short is in emotional depth for more advanced readers. The story resolves quickly, and while Natalie’s conflict feels genuine, it doesn’t linger long enough to explore the nuances of peer pressure or guilt in a deeper way. It also seems The Cool Kids are one-dimensional and function largely as a recognisable stereotype rather than fully developed characters. Still, within its intended range, which I believe to be early elementary readers, the simplicity works in its favour. The clarity of its moral message makes it particularly useful in classrooms and homes where adults want to start conversations about peer dynamics, empathy, kindness, and courage.
The Birthday Party can serve as both a bedtime story and a teaching tool, gently encouraging children to think about how their actions affect others and how to make things right when they make mistakes. Marissa Koons offers young readers a soft but meaningful reminder that their “light” doesn’t depend on who notices them, but on how they choose to shine. For that reason, the book succeeds as a sincere, affirming read for children taking their first steps into a wider social world.
The protagonist, Natalie, encounters a group known as the Cool Kids who trick her into missing her favourite teacher’s birthday celebration at school. When Natalie comes home, her mother becomes the story’s grounding force. She listens, comforts, and gently reminds her daughter of the “brilliant light” inside her. Through this moment of connection, Natalie learns that one mistake does not define her and that she always has the power to choose kindness again. This exchange between mother and daughter transforms The Birthday Party from a simple classroom anecdote into an uplifting story about self-redemption and the unconditional love that helps children grow.
Koons’s writing is straightforward and age-appropriate. Her language is simple, and that makes The Birthday Party an excellent read-aloud for parents and teachers. What makes The Birthday Party stand out is its everyday realism. The Cool Kids, though lightly drawn, embody the social hierarchies that many children begin to encounter in early school years. By portraying Natalie’s struggle without judgment, Koons gives young readers a safe space to see themselves in her shoes and to think about what they might do differently.
Visually, the book complements its message with bright, accessible illustrations that mirror the simplicity of the prose. The artwork reflects a school environment full of energy and emotion, helping younger readers stay engaged even when the themes grow more reflective. Though not the most artistically complex picture book on the shelf, its illustrations are warm and functional, and it supports the story rather than overwhelms it.
Where the book falls slightly short is in emotional depth for more advanced readers. The story resolves quickly, and while Natalie’s conflict feels genuine, it doesn’t linger long enough to explore the nuances of peer pressure or guilt in a deeper way. It also seems The Cool Kids are one-dimensional and function largely as a recognisable stereotype rather than fully developed characters. Still, within its intended range, which I believe to be early elementary readers, the simplicity works in its favour. The clarity of its moral message makes it particularly useful in classrooms and homes where adults want to start conversations about peer dynamics, empathy, kindness, and courage.
The Birthday Party can serve as both a bedtime story and a teaching tool, gently encouraging children to think about how their actions affect others and how to make things right when they make mistakes. Marissa Koons offers young readers a soft but meaningful reminder that their “light” doesn’t depend on who notices them, but on how they choose to shine. For that reason, the book succeeds as a sincere, affirming read for children taking their first steps into a wider social world.
November 8, 2021
Marissa Koons wrote a short book with a positive message, but the story lacks pizzazz. Just because the plot revolves around third-grade girls doesn’t mean the elements of genuine conflict and suspense have to go by the wayside. I didn’t feel like “The Cool Kids” in this story were all that menacing. Additionally, the main character, Natalie, and her friends come off as dull. To top it off, Natalie’s mom, after hearing about her daughter’s mishap at school, offers generic, sunshine-y advice that doesn’t seem based in reality. Instead of conveying the lesson that Natalie should verify the starting times of events and make sure to double check things with authority figures, Mom says this: “You are an amazing person and you can do amazing things. Just because some else’s light has gone out, doesn’t mean yours has. Your light needs to shine so others can see in the darkness. You know that, right?”
Yuck.
The artwork in this book, done in black and white, is very good. I’m not sure it was necessary to have designated chapters in such a short book, but doing so provided an opportunity to include fun drawings throughout.
I can’t argue with the touching advice the author gives her daughters at the start of the book, but the plot was lacking and is forgettable once you finish.
Yuck.
The artwork in this book, done in black and white, is very good. I’m not sure it was necessary to have designated chapters in such a short book, but doing so provided an opportunity to include fun drawings throughout.
I can’t argue with the touching advice the author gives her daughters at the start of the book, but the plot was lacking and is forgettable once you finish.
October 24, 2021
This is a story about friendship, school times and learning not to let others influence your decisions and actions, no matter how they feel about things.
In this short story, complete with matching illustrations, the author introduces the reader to the concept of different friendship groups and how being cool/popular can be perceived at school, and how this makes other children feel in certain situations … such as a birthday party.
It’s written in a realistic and conversational style, that many children will relate to and be engaged with. It certainly shows the different personalities through this approach too.
The important message about being yourself is shown in the last chapter, when mum takes action and reminds her daughter how amazing she really is, reminding her to never let others totally influence her actions.
A delightful read.
Z Norris
In this short story, complete with matching illustrations, the author introduces the reader to the concept of different friendship groups and how being cool/popular can be perceived at school, and how this makes other children feel in certain situations … such as a birthday party.
It’s written in a realistic and conversational style, that many children will relate to and be engaged with. It certainly shows the different personalities through this approach too.
The important message about being yourself is shown in the last chapter, when mum takes action and reminds her daughter how amazing she really is, reminding her to never let others totally influence her actions.
A delightful read.
Z Norris
June 3, 2025
The Birthday Party by Marissa Koons is a poignant and emotionally nuanced exploration of relationships, memory, and the passage of time, all set against the backdrop of a seemingly simple celebration. What starts as an ordinary gathering gradually unfolds into a layered narrative full of tension, revelation, and introspection.
Koons writes with a keen sense of character psychology, allowing her protagonists to feel deeply human flawed, hopeful, and vulnerable. The titular party becomes more than a setting; it’s a stage where past grievances and unspoken truths rise to the surface. Her use of dialogue is particularly effective, capturing the awkward pauses and veiled resentments that often linger in close-knit circles.
Koons writes with a keen sense of character psychology, allowing her protagonists to feel deeply human flawed, hopeful, and vulnerable. The titular party becomes more than a setting; it’s a stage where past grievances and unspoken truths rise to the surface. Her use of dialogue is particularly effective, capturing the awkward pauses and veiled resentments that often linger in close-knit circles.
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November 29, 2021Could not read the book. Got it on kindle unlimited but there seems to be a format issue
October 27, 2024
The author mixes key concepts about learning and personal growth with an anti-bullying, be yourself message that should appeal to kids, teachers, librarians and parents.
March 6, 2024
The Birthday Party is a children’s storybook written by the author Marissa Koons, published in January 2024. The tale revolves around Natalie, a young child who is teased at school by the "Cool Kids." Natalie strives to figure out how to be herself and make the best of a difficult circumstance with a little assistance from her mother and friends. “You are an amazing person and you can do amazing things. Just because some else’s light has gone out, doesn’t mean yours has. Your light needs to shine so others can see in the darkness. You know that, right?” Natalie's mother says this to her in this story, and I think this is a very good way to instill confidence in children. We must ensure that they understand how special and unique they are just the way they are. This inspiring story is a monument to friendship, tenacity, and the ability of inner strength to transcend. The book features lovely illustrations, a positive message, and characters that are relatable and realistic. Anyone who enjoys stories about bravery, friendship, and self-love should read it, in my opinion. It's the ideal present for children who are having birthday celebrations. The book is only 38 pages long which makes it a super quick read for the young ones. Highly recommended from my side.
July 28, 2021
This is a cute and important book that kids should read about bullying
I listen to this being read by the author on You Tube
I listen to this being read by the author on You Tube
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews