Dinner at the Panda Palace (A Public Television Storytime Book) [Paperback]

Stephanie Calmenson (Author), Nadine Bernard Wescott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 1995 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: A Public Television Storytime Book

Guess who's coming to dinner!

Join one hungry elephant, two carsick lions, three pigs running from a wolf, and dozens of other playful yet famished animals as they swing, bound, and bounce into the Panda Palace for a hearty meal.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

PW noted the "bouncy, rhyming verse" and "innovative cast of characters" in this culinary counting tale. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- As Mr. Panda graciously greets guests arriving at his restaurant, he also invites readers to enjoy a rollicking counting rhyme. A peanut-selling elephant shows up first, then two carsick lions, three pigs (carrying their building materials and pursued by a slavering wolf), and on through assorted critters until ten chickens bring seating to capacity. When a tiny mouse asks to come in, Mr. Panda hastily makes room because, "No matter how many,/ No matter how few,/ There will always be room/ At the Palace for you!" Unforced, funny quatrains are reinforced with hilarious illustrations full of perfect details. The party of penguins is served fish, five monkeys have bananas, the giraffes (who had been painting rooftops) nibble leaves and twigs, peacocks dine on snails. And, as the guests depart carrying doggie bags, and the alligator waiters sponge tables, readers will almost be able to hear Mr. Panda say, "Whew!" as he hangs the closed sign. Perfect company for Hogrogian's Always Room for One More (Holt, 1965) and De Regniers's May I Bring a Friend (Atheneum, 1964). --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NB
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (January 6, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064434087
• ISBN-13: 978-0064434089
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #276,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephanie Calmenson's books have been called "marvelous" (Publishers Weekly), "lyrical" (School Library Journal), "hilarious" (School Library Journal), "sweet, funny, and right on the mark" (Booklist). She writes for babies, toddlers, elementary school kids and for all ages about dogs, dogs, dogs! Among her most popular titles are THE PRINCIPAL'S NEW CLOTHES; DINNER AT THE PANDA PALACE; WELCOME, BABY!; JAZZMATAZZ!; LATE FOR SCHOOL!; MAY I PET YOUR DOG?; and ROSIE, A VISITING DOG'S STORY. A former teacher, children's book editor, and Editorial Director of the Parents Magazine Press Read-Aloud Book Club, Stephanie feels privileged to have found work that brings together her love of kids, words and laughter.

To read more, please visit www.stephaniecalmenson.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of our favorites!, March 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Dinner at the Panda Palace (A Public Television Storytime Book) (Paperback)

I love this book almost as much as my 2 year-old does. It has GREAT illustrations and fun rhymes, making it a pleasure to read. Even after months of reading this book nearly every day, I still like it. Aside from the obvious counting lessons, there are other things to be learned from this book for kids; my son is very interested in what all the animals are eating. It also gently teaches flexibility and kindness. Along with Goodnight Moon, I often give this book as a gift. Give yourself one and get this book!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Kids Want Me To Read This Again And Again!, June 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dinner at the Panda Palace (A Public Television Storytime Book) (Paperback)

A magical tale with children. Animals come alive in this bright and colorful book written in rhyme. Captivating to children, this book is appealing when introducing the concept of numbers and to those who already count.The finale warms the heart of every reader and listener. A sure winner in our family!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love my flowers in Toledo, Or, January 21, 2010

By 

Flower Lady (Toledo, OR, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dinner at the Panda Palace (A Public Television Storytime Book) (Paperback)

Very colorful pictures with a great story line. One book that when my children were young returned to many, many times. Any time I need a gift to give to a new parent or a young child this is one I always return to.
My youngest is 24 years and I still remember this book just about word for word.