Pout Party

A story that playfully portrays how difficult it can be to put your best foot forward when you've woken up on the wrong side of the bed. 

"Mom said, "Cheer up!" and gave her a kiss, but Rue stomped off to school with a growl and a hiss." 

It all begins on the day Rue wakes up in a foul mood. Everything seems gray, her cereal isn't crunchy, and even her socks don't feel right. At school, her funk continues, and even though her friends try to cheer her up, she's prickly. "No one understands! I just want to pout!" she cries.  At lunch she makes a sign, letting everyone know she is having a pout party, and smiles are not allowed! At first, no one wants to join her, which is just fine by Rue, but then Joy notices that she seems a little lonely. Joy joins the party, and to get into the spirit of things, she twists her face into a grump that rivals her host. It isn't long before others notice this strange game and wants to join in. Before Rue knows it, she is surrounded by friends who think being grouchy is fun, and a competition for who can look like they are in the worst mood begins.  When Rue sees who silly she's being, a smile replaces her foul mood. Pout Party examines the complicated emotions of childhood and how friendships can turn a gray day into sunshine. 

Poor Rue wakes up on the wrong side of the bed. Nothing makes her happy. Even her socks aren't cooperating. When she gets to school all her friends want to play, but she's not in the mood. Instead, she invites everyone to join her in a pout party. "Absolutely no smiles are allowed!" Unfortunately, everyone thinks Rue's party sound fun and they all come to show off their biggest pouts. In no time at all, everyone is laughing, but will Rue find the humor when all she wants to do is grumble? 

Illustrated in beautiful, bright pastels, Pout Party is a sweet, funny story for every kid who has ever felt out of sorts and needs a smile.