What if Marty Doesn’t Like My Party?

by Katie Arthur

Genres: Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 18, 2025

About the author

Canadian author/illustrator of books for young readers.

Reviews

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED.
Talk about the perfect way to explore a child's feelings of anxiety- we see the thought process of Henry, as he lies in bed and ruminates about all the things that could go wrong about his birthday party and all the things that his new friend Marty might not like. His sister, Sam, has the perfect responses, as she turns his worries back on him in a loving way, and says "but what if....." and explores all the good things that could happen.

I love how Sam encourages her brother, without belittling his worries. I love how she listens patiently and attentively, and lets him voice all his concerns. And I love her honest answer, when he asks "But how do you know?" and the way he is comforted in the end.

What a great story to explore anxiety and worry with young readers, in kid-friendly terms & graphic novel format.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids through Edelweiss+.
Henry is worried is best friend, Marty, won't have fun at his birthday party. He runs through all the "what if's" with his older sister, Sam, and she turns them around into positive interactions. Readers will relate to these worries and gain from the positive rephrasing. This book can start dialogue for families facing similar concerns. The illustrations show readers the characters' emotions and capture the joy of the party itself. I particularly like the two pages where Henry is thinking and then smiles in his sleep.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Henry has a bad case of the “What Ifs.” He’s having a birthday party and his new best friend is coming but fears that a whole of bad things will happen and Marty won’t like his party are keeping him awake. Fortunately, big sister Sam has just the right way to soothe his fears and encourage him to stop worrying about things that might not happen. Great picture book choice for PK-grade 2 with graphic novel type panels showing kids with a variety of skin tones in a realistic manner.

Thanks, Owl Kids, for sharing arcs at the 2025 Texas Library Association annual conference.

[Katherine Pogatshnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good, solid picture book that touches on a theme that I feel a lot of kids go through.

[Lysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic first-graphic novel for a beginner reader! Art is perfect for the story.

[Rebecca]

An important book on how to counter negative thinking with a more positive outlook.

[Liz Benbow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the message is good, but I don’t think the illustrations will appeal to kids.