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Blobfish Throws a Party
Introducing Blobfish Throws a Party, a wild and hilarious story from award-winning author Miranda Paul!
Blobfish lives at the bottom of the ocean with no lights, no friends, and no delicious treats. The only two ways he can think to change this would be to 1) throw a party, or 2) save the world in true hero style. He decides to do the first one. However, when he announces, "Deep sea party! Bring a treat to share!", the mermaids hear "Cheap, free party! Sling on a sheet to wear!", and the shorebirds hear "Cheep-peep party! Sing a tweet with flair!", and so on. Soon the whole world is partying in strange ways based on what they think they heard, and Blobfish is still sad and alone at the bottom of the sea. Will Blobfish ever get his lights, friends, and delicious treats?
Blobfish lives at the bottom of the ocean with no lights, no friends, and no delicious treats. The only two ways he can think to change this would be to 1) throw a party, or 2) save the world in true hero style. He decides to do the first one. However, when he announces, "Deep sea party! Bring a treat to share!", the mermaids hear "Cheap, free party! Sling on a sheet to wear!", and the shorebirds hear "Cheep-peep party! Sing a tweet with flair!", and so on. Soon the whole world is partying in strange ways based on what they think they heard, and Blobfish is still sad and alone at the bottom of the sea. Will Blobfish ever get his lights, friends, and delicious treats?
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2017
1 person is currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Paul
18 books151 followersMiranda Paul has worked as a teacher, volunteer zookeeper, and freelance writer--among other things. She is passionate about creating stories for young readers that inspire, entertain, and broaden horizons. Miranda is also a thrill-seeker, and one of her bravest moments involved reciting poetry from inside a crocodile pit. (Yikes!)
In addition to being a picture book author, Miranda is a team member of We Need Diverse Books™ and a volunteer for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.
In addition to being a picture book author, Miranda is a team member of We Need Diverse Books™ and a volunteer for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 26, 2018
My niece got me good. The cover of this book looks hideous. She brought this to read because she read it and liked it. I told her it looks awful. She told me “You can’t judge a book by its cover”. So we read it. Guess what. It was funny. We laughed together. The Blobfish was lonely and simply wanted community. He wanted to throw a party. Out of the mouth of babes. It's a good thing I listened to her.
I can relate to Blobfish a little. I am looking for community. I have great friends at school and they all live very far away around the area - 30 minutes to an hour mostly. Anyway, it’s a good story and I did enjoy it despite the terrible cover. Most of the time, you can tell, but there is always an exception.
I can relate to Blobfish a little. I am looking for community. I have great friends at school and they all live very far away around the area - 30 minutes to an hour mostly. Anyway, it’s a good story and I did enjoy it despite the terrible cover. Most of the time, you can tell, but there is always an exception.
June 1, 2017
Love the story! Love the illustrations! From beginning to end, Blobfish Throws a Party is delightful and entertaining. Think about the game "Gossip" where a line is whispered from person to person and the more it is whispered, the more it morphs from the original line until it's unrecognizable. Miranda Paul incorporates that technique in her text and it kept me laughing page turn after page turn. But along with the humor, there is heart as I wondered if anybody would ever party with Blobfish. Maggie Caton's illustrations pair perfectly with the text and bring extra humor and heart to the story. You'll be sorry if you miss this party!
December 2, 2017
Poor Blobfish just wants friends way down in the murky depths. How will he accomplish his goal? By throwing a party! Cute book with a child friendly message.
August 25, 2017
My thanks to Caitlin of little bee books for a copy of this book to read and review.
I admit, Blobfish was so ugly he was cute! The artwork was colorful, the story delightfully silly, sure to get giggles from the little ones!
Spoiler: Candy is mentioned in the book a lot and given to our hero at the end. If trying to limit your child's intake/desire for candy, this may not be the book for your little one. Which is a shame, because it is adorable. Definitely preview it first though.
4 solid and adorable stars!
I admit, Blobfish was so ugly he was cute! The artwork was colorful, the story delightfully silly, sure to get giggles from the little ones!
Spoiler: Candy is mentioned in the book a lot and given to our hero at the end. If trying to limit your child's intake/desire for candy, this may not be the book for your little one. Which is a shame, because it is adorable. Definitely preview it first though.
4 solid and adorable stars!
March 16, 2017
It's funny how some topic or type of character will suddenly appear in several places with no connection to each other. In this instance, it's a blobfish. Only last month Jess Keating's book, Pink Is for Blobfish, was on our school's book fair - and now here is a story of hilarious miscommunication also starring a blobfish.
Where Keating's book is a nonfiction look at pink creatures in nature, Miranda Paul has written a tale of a lonely guy who just wants some friends, lights, and delicious treats. That's not asking too much, is it? As he sees it, Blobfish can either "1. Throw a party. 2. Save the world in true hero style." Naturally he decides that throwing a party would be easier, but it doesn't go well. Everyone who hears his invitation actually mis-hears it. "Deep-sea party! Bring a treat to share!" becomes "Creepy tree party! Wring and eat your hair!" and even worse variations.
Just when Blobfish despairs of ever having a party, or friends, or delicious treats, a surprise twist happens. (I'm not saying what it is.) I will say that Blobfish reminds me of Big Al in the book by Andrew Clements. They both are lonely and want friends, and their best efforts don't seem to work. But Blobfish's story is a great one to use when looking at silly rhymes (think The Hungry Thing), or miscommunication in general. Kids can have fun inventing their own rhymes for different groups and different settings. What can they think of to add to the ballerinas, sheep, mermaids, and monkeys already in the book?
Maggie Caton's illustrations show a guy with a sad face that would give the Pout Pout Fish a run for his money. Each group's reaction to their interpretation of Blobfish's invitation is sure to provoke lots of smiles and giggles, especially the big scene where "Everyone was partying in loud, weird ways." And I love the way she shows the reporters backtracking to where the whole idea originated. (It was my first time ever seeing a cow in a scuba helmet.)
If you have a young reader who enjoys humorous and even downright wacky stories, or you need a good book about careful listening or miscommunication - grab a copy of Blobfish Throws a Party. Just be prepared for the laughter!
I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
Where Keating's book is a nonfiction look at pink creatures in nature, Miranda Paul has written a tale of a lonely guy who just wants some friends, lights, and delicious treats. That's not asking too much, is it? As he sees it, Blobfish can either "1. Throw a party. 2. Save the world in true hero style." Naturally he decides that throwing a party would be easier, but it doesn't go well. Everyone who hears his invitation actually mis-hears it. "Deep-sea party! Bring a treat to share!" becomes "Creepy tree party! Wring and eat your hair!" and even worse variations.
Just when Blobfish despairs of ever having a party, or friends, or delicious treats, a surprise twist happens. (I'm not saying what it is.) I will say that Blobfish reminds me of Big Al in the book by Andrew Clements. They both are lonely and want friends, and their best efforts don't seem to work. But Blobfish's story is a great one to use when looking at silly rhymes (think The Hungry Thing), or miscommunication in general. Kids can have fun inventing their own rhymes for different groups and different settings. What can they think of to add to the ballerinas, sheep, mermaids, and monkeys already in the book?
Maggie Caton's illustrations show a guy with a sad face that would give the Pout Pout Fish a run for his money. Each group's reaction to their interpretation of Blobfish's invitation is sure to provoke lots of smiles and giggles, especially the big scene where "Everyone was partying in loud, weird ways." And I love the way she shows the reporters backtracking to where the whole idea originated. (It was my first time ever seeing a cow in a scuba helmet.)
If you have a young reader who enjoys humorous and even downright wacky stories, or you need a good book about careful listening or miscommunication - grab a copy of Blobfish Throws a Party. Just be prepared for the laughter!
I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
June 4, 2017
Who's up for a party?
Who doesn't like delicious candy treats?
Who doesn't like full-blown, giggle-inducing silliness?
And who doesn't LOVE a blobfish story?
What's a blobfish, you ask? It's a recently discovered, gelatinous inhabitant of the deepest waters off Australia, and it was voted (in an online poll) the world's ugliest animal! Check out the video on Miranda Paul's website to learn more about it, scientifically, here.
Despite that pathetically sad face, the central character in BLOBFISH THROWS A PARTY is one clever fellow. He's not happy with his circumstances:
Opening end papers- pretty lonely place, right?
"Blobfish lived at the bottom of the ocean.
The dark, lonely bottom of the ocean.
With no lights.
No friends.
And no delicious treats."
Rather than mope around, Blobfish makes a plan.
Two plans, in fact.
1) He can throw a party.
If that fails...
2) He can save the world, because heroes always get what they want.
But when a fish shouts its invitations from the depths of the ocean, a wildly wacky version of the "telephone game" ensues. His message reaches mermaids, who distort it before their version is heard by shorebirds, whose twisted version moves on to monkeys. Their various comical chants wind their way to sheep and farmers, on to dancers, and kids
playing soccer. In each case, though, the the word "PARTY" remains intact. Because, of course, who doesn't love a party?
The resulting planet-wide party has everyone smiling, except BLOBFISH, who is still all alone in that dark depths of the ocean.
But when alien invaders on a mission to steal delicious Earth treats encounter the convoluted consequences of those shouted invitations, Blobfish's "Plan B" is surprisingly successful.
Illustrator Maggie Caton's vibrant colors and energized figures combine with Miranda Paul's cleverly wacky word play, providing laughable layering and entertainment as the story unfolds.
Who doesn't like delicious candy treats?
Who doesn't like full-blown, giggle-inducing silliness?
And who doesn't LOVE a blobfish story?
What's a blobfish, you ask? It's a recently discovered, gelatinous inhabitant of the deepest waters off Australia, and it was voted (in an online poll) the world's ugliest animal! Check out the video on Miranda Paul's website to learn more about it, scientifically, here.
Despite that pathetically sad face, the central character in BLOBFISH THROWS A PARTY is one clever fellow. He's not happy with his circumstances:
Opening end papers- pretty lonely place, right?
"Blobfish lived at the bottom of the ocean.
The dark, lonely bottom of the ocean.
With no lights.
No friends.
And no delicious treats."
Rather than mope around, Blobfish makes a plan.
Two plans, in fact.
1) He can throw a party.
If that fails...
2) He can save the world, because heroes always get what they want.
But when a fish shouts its invitations from the depths of the ocean, a wildly wacky version of the "telephone game" ensues. His message reaches mermaids, who distort it before their version is heard by shorebirds, whose twisted version moves on to monkeys. Their various comical chants wind their way to sheep and farmers, on to dancers, and kids
playing soccer. In each case, though, the the word "PARTY" remains intact. Because, of course, who doesn't love a party?
The resulting planet-wide party has everyone smiling, except BLOBFISH, who is still all alone in that dark depths of the ocean.
But when alien invaders on a mission to steal delicious Earth treats encounter the convoluted consequences of those shouted invitations, Blobfish's "Plan B" is surprisingly successful.
Illustrator Maggie Caton's vibrant colors and energized figures combine with Miranda Paul's cleverly wacky word play, providing laughable layering and entertainment as the story unfolds.
March 8, 2017
I adore all of Miranda Paul's books. This is her debut comical book and it's got just as much heart as her other picture books.
It's a funny, madcap story about Blobfish who really just wants some company. When everyone misunderstands his invitation to a party, he is left alone as the world gets wackier and wilder. Hilarious misinterpretations of his words cause mayhem and in the end, those very words that confused everyone are what saves the world from an alien invasion. Filled with wordplay and situational humor, this book is sure to be a hit for all ages.
It's a funny, madcap story about Blobfish who really just wants some company. When everyone misunderstands his invitation to a party, he is left alone as the world gets wackier and wilder. Hilarious misinterpretations of his words cause mayhem and in the end, those very words that confused everyone are what saves the world from an alien invasion. Filled with wordplay and situational humor, this book is sure to be a hit for all ages.
June 24, 2017
Barnett's TELEPHONE meets CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS. Let's just say the plot involves flinging underthings, which is a sure-fire hit.
April 8, 2018
Uuuuuh... what did I just read? lol this was sort of a strange story to a happy ending. Different, I'll say that
February 1, 2020
Alone in his dark home at the bottom of the ocean, Blobfish longs for lights, for delicious treats, and most of all, for friends. He knows that there are only two ways to obtain these things: throw a big party, or become a hero. Deciding that he can never achieve the latter, he opts for the former, only to find his invitation misunderstood. As his words become ever more garbled, when passed from group to group, it seems his efforts have proven futile. But when aliens threaten the planet, his words unexpectedly save the day...
There seems to have been a proliferation recently of picture-books featuring blobfish, whether it be last year's The Blobfish Book by Jessica Olien, or Pink Is for Blobfish , by Jess Keating. Blobfish Throws a Party is the latest, and offers an entertaining exploration of the idea of 'telephone,' in which a sentence changes more and more, as it is passed on again and again. The colorful artwork here is cute, in a cartoon-like way, and the story has a unexpected happy ending. Recommended to blobfish lovers (is there such a thing?), and to anyone looking for children's stories about loneliness and longing for friends and greater social engagement.
There seems to have been a proliferation recently of picture-books featuring blobfish, whether it be last year's The Blobfish Book by Jessica Olien, or Pink Is for Blobfish , by Jess Keating. Blobfish Throws a Party is the latest, and offers an entertaining exploration of the idea of 'telephone,' in which a sentence changes more and more, as it is passed on again and again. The colorful artwork here is cute, in a cartoon-like way, and the story has a unexpected happy ending. Recommended to blobfish lovers (is there such a thing?), and to anyone looking for children's stories about loneliness and longing for friends and greater social engagement.
June 1, 2017
Blobfish Throws a Party, written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Maggie Caton, is a funny story children will love.
Blobfish lived on the bottom of the ocean where it was dark and lonely. He was tired of being alone. He wanted friends, and lights and delicious treats, but how was he going to get them?
Blobfish decided that there were only two ways to get what he wanted – one was to have a great party, the other was to save the world and be a hero. Either way he would get friends, and lights and delicious treats.
Realizing it was unlikely that he would have any reason to save the world, Blobfish knew hero status wasn’t much of a possibility. That left the party, so he shouted out, “DEEP-SEA PARTY! BRING A TREAT TO SHARE!”
Blobfish’s invitation wasn’t understood by anybody the way it was intended. For example, the mermaids heard it as “Cheap, free party! Sling on a sheet to wear!” Everybody heard it differently, so it just got more and more wacky, and wild, and noisy – all over the planet! But Blobfish was still alone.
Then something happened to change everything. There was an invasion. The rest you have to find out for yourself. 😉
Blobfish Throws a Party by Miranda Paul is a funny rhyming story that, with each page turn, is sure to inspire giggles and anticipation for what is coming next. The gorgeous illustrations by Maggie Caton depict the story perfectly. This is one of those picture books adults will enjoy reading over and over to the children in their life.
Blobfish lived on the bottom of the ocean where it was dark and lonely. He was tired of being alone. He wanted friends, and lights and delicious treats, but how was he going to get them?
Blobfish decided that there were only two ways to get what he wanted – one was to have a great party, the other was to save the world and be a hero. Either way he would get friends, and lights and delicious treats.
Realizing it was unlikely that he would have any reason to save the world, Blobfish knew hero status wasn’t much of a possibility. That left the party, so he shouted out, “DEEP-SEA PARTY! BRING A TREAT TO SHARE!”
Blobfish’s invitation wasn’t understood by anybody the way it was intended. For example, the mermaids heard it as “Cheap, free party! Sling on a sheet to wear!” Everybody heard it differently, so it just got more and more wacky, and wild, and noisy – all over the planet! But Blobfish was still alone.
Then something happened to change everything. There was an invasion. The rest you have to find out for yourself. 😉
Blobfish Throws a Party by Miranda Paul is a funny rhyming story that, with each page turn, is sure to inspire giggles and anticipation for what is coming next. The gorgeous illustrations by Maggie Caton depict the story perfectly. This is one of those picture books adults will enjoy reading over and over to the children in their life.
June 17, 2017
First we have blobfish. He is so ugly that he is cute! (Kind of like Grumpy Cat!) And he has TWO ideas of how to get lights, friends, and treats. Then we have miscommunication. (Think the old telephone game whereby the messages get tangled as they are passed on.) Next are aliens, who we are relieved to find are diverted from attacking our planet. Finally, blobfish happily realizes that BOTH of his ideas come to fruition. This book is simply a delight. The wild, hilarious, wacky story accompanied by bright, inviting, dazzling pictures (particularly a spread that has to be held up vertically) make this a classic for years to come! We all enjoy parties and blobfish and friends are no exception. This book is fun for all ages!
***I discovered a cool Scholastic non-fiction book entitled PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH c) 2016 which states, "The blobfish was recently voted the ugliest animal in the world in a poll taken by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society." (!)
***I discovered a cool Scholastic non-fiction book entitled PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH c) 2016 which states, "The blobfish was recently voted the ugliest animal in the world in a poll taken by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society." (!)
March 8, 2017
In Blobfish Throws a Party, a party invitation to the mermaids turns into a rollicking game of telephone that circles the globe. When the earth comes under attack by aliens, a party might just be it's best defense--but will blob fish get to join the fun?
This book is a guaranteed laugh for children. (Note to parents: underwear humor.) I'm usually not a fan of underwear jokes because it's a cheap chuckle from kids. However, the author uses underwear as a more than just a punchline. They become essential to the plot as well, and that's why I opted for the five star review. The entire book is well written and the illustrations are paired will with the spunky text. Everyone in this book has a good time--even blobfish--and so will you!
This book is a guaranteed laugh for children. (Note to parents: underwear humor.) I'm usually not a fan of underwear jokes because it's a cheap chuckle from kids. However, the author uses underwear as a more than just a punchline. They become essential to the plot as well, and that's why I opted for the five star review. The entire book is well written and the illustrations are paired will with the spunky text. Everyone in this book has a good time--even blobfish--and so will you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2017
This book is funny, full of heart, and full of fun twists and surprises. It also has bright, colorful illustrations. It's perfect for preschoolers and young elementary students.
Our family likes to play the "telephone" game where you whisper something in one person's ear, and that person whispers it to the next, and so on down the line of people ... the words usually come out distorted on the other end. This book reminds us of the game we like to play.
We are also fans of the Pink is for Blobfish book so the kids immediately connected to this "ugly" character who just wants friends and lights and treats. (Pink is for Blobfish is nonfiction, contrary to this book).
Another great Miranda Paul book.
Our family likes to play the "telephone" game where you whisper something in one person's ear, and that person whispers it to the next, and so on down the line of people ... the words usually come out distorted on the other end. This book reminds us of the game we like to play.
We are also fans of the Pink is for Blobfish book so the kids immediately connected to this "ugly" character who just wants friends and lights and treats. (Pink is for Blobfish is nonfiction, contrary to this book).
Another great Miranda Paul book.
September 6, 2017
Paul, Miranda Blobfish Throws a Party, illustrated by Maggie Caton. PICTURE BOOK. Little Bee, 2017. $17.
Blobfish wants to throw a party to bring some life to his dark, lonely life. But when he shouts out the invitation, the message gets garbled, like a bad game of “telephone”and Blobfish is still alone ---until something exciting happens!
Paul and Caton’s book is a wacky party just waiting to for you to join in. The telephone garbles are super amusing and Blobfish is able to save the day in true hero fashion. Grab this one as a silly storytime option.
Pre-K – ESSENTIAL. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Blobfish wants to throw a party to bring some life to his dark, lonely life. But when he shouts out the invitation, the message gets garbled, like a bad game of “telephone”and Blobfish is still alone ---until something exciting happens!
Paul and Caton’s book is a wacky party just waiting to for you to join in. The telephone garbles are super amusing and Blobfish is able to save the day in true hero fashion. Grab this one as a silly storytime option.
Pre-K – ESSENTIAL. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
March 10, 2017
A great addition to Miranda Paul's collection of gems! A super "wacky" and fun story about poor, lonely blob fish, who finally has of all his dreams realized after a series of Shakespearean-style comic mix-ups bring the story full-circle! A fun book to read aloud with plenty of illustration entertainment as well!
July 14, 2017
A poor, sad, lonely blobfish decides to throw a party to get some friends. He announces his party, but his words (as passed on by different animals and people) get messed up. Fun to see how the words morph.
Illustrations are fun!
Illustrations are fun!
August 28, 2017
I've read this book aloud to my five-year old probably 15 times now, and we both still laugh out loud every time. And I'm not a laughing-out-loud type of person. This book is adorable, fun, and consistently hilarious.
June 4, 2018
A super funny book that reminds me of the telephone game. Blobfish is lonely so he shouts "Deep-sea party! Bring a treat to share!" and the message changes as it is passed along. Would make a funny read aloud for elementary children.
May 19, 2017
I thought this was going to be much more about blobfish and sea creatures, so I'm a little disappointed. I think had I not had that in mind, I'd have enjoyed this more. Wah wah.
June 2, 2017
Good for talking to kids about miscommunication and it's entertaining.
June 3, 2017
This was super adorable! I loved this story and the illustrations. Totally heartwarming.
October 21, 2017
Blobfish wants to have a party because he wants friends and good candy to eat. Things don't work out as planned because nobody quite understands what he said. It's so colorful and fun.
March 28, 2020
Blobfish is lonely. He shouts out an invitation to a party. The invitation isn't heard clearly, the message is passed on, changing like a game of telephone, and wackiness ensues.
June 25, 2021
I’m cool cause I read this and you didn’t‼️‼️But highly recommended!! #momlife#readforfun#findyourbooktoday
July 13, 2018
Is it just me or is creative listening always funny? I though the story was funny, but when I read aloud each example of creative listening my son asked me to stop using my yelling voice - I wasn't yelling - I thought I was implying yelling. I think it would be a fun read aloud with some other kids. Maybe not my kid.
April 15, 2017
Reviewed: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
Oh, Blobfish. He is the most lovable sad little fish. All alone in the bottom of the sea, all he wants is someone to spend time with. But his plan to throw a party just doesn’t go as planned. The hilarity that follows, in words and illustrations, will make anyone laugh. And like Toucans, Too the word play in this one make it a perfect read aloud and the basis for a rhyming teaching opportunity. So many kids are going to love Blobfish; it is going to be a majorly requested read aloud!
Oh, Blobfish. He is the most lovable sad little fish. All alone in the bottom of the sea, all he wants is someone to spend time with. But his plan to throw a party just doesn’t go as planned. The hilarity that follows, in words and illustrations, will make anyone laugh. And like Toucans, Too the word play in this one make it a perfect read aloud and the basis for a rhyming teaching opportunity. So many kids are going to love Blobfish; it is going to be a majorly requested read aloud!
August 9, 2017
Blobfish lived deep in the ocean where it was dark and there weren't any treats. One day he decides to have a party to liven things up. But when he makes the announcement everyone misunderstands him. So everyone up on land is partying in their own way when aliens come to steal all of the treats. But the kids who heard "fling your underwear" saved the day by throwing their underwear on the spaceship and scaring the aliens away. Blobfish finally gets credit and a party and all the treats he can eat!
Cut book introducing an animal not typically found in children's books.
Cut book introducing an animal not typically found in children's books.
March 8, 2017
Lonely Blobfish wants to throw a party; but unfortunately, his announcement is misunderstood and turns reminiscent of a wacky game of telephone. In the end, misunderstandings turn around and Blobfish gets a sweeter turnout than he could have ever expected. Sure to elicit laughs at storytime... and a great debut for illustrator Maggie Caton.
March 20, 2017
It’s wonderful to see the pitied Blobfish turn hero in a story of “telephone” gone so wrong it rights the world. Caton’s color palate harks of Lisa Frank journals from years past keeping the story busy and bright despite a deep sea setting.
A little Blobfish non-fiction backmatter would make a great addition to this pop-pink portrayal of Psychrolutes marcidus.
A little Blobfish non-fiction backmatter would make a great addition to this pop-pink portrayal of Psychrolutes marcidus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews