Publisher's Weekly Review
When Jimmy's birthday rolls around, his mom decides to give him a goldfish and a party at SeaLand. Once they arrive, chaos reigns; Jimmy and his guests set off a tidal wave of crazy situations, carefully choreographed in text and art. It's all told by Jimmy's friend Meggie to her mom, who, in the opening spread, demands to know why Meggie has arrived home soaking wet. Their running conversation provides the captions for Kellogg's vibrant illustrations that almost burst off the page with youthful exuberance. The effect is much like a successful real-life birthday party: frenetic for onlookers but fabulous for the celebrators. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
Jimmy takes his enormous boa to a birthday celebration at SeaLand. Everyone will enjoy the zaniness of the adventure and Kellogg's wild imagination. Review, p. 763. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
In their third hilarious tall-tale adventure, Jimmy and crew move to an aquarium--where they hide from sharks in the whale's mouth and play keep-away with seals and penquins. The narrative style--Meggie tells what happened in response to her mother's astonished queries--adds to the fun. Kellogg is at his comically inspired best. A must. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Ages 5-8. Jimmy's boa is back--and what a romp! When Meggie returns home from Jimmy's birthday party at SeaLand, her mother wants to know why she is so wet. The answer to that question unravels a string of events involving an unexpected dip in the big tank where a lost goldfish, pushy seals, keep-away games with the penguins, and an uninvited octopus are only part of the escapade. It will be no surprise to fans of Jimmy and his boa, most recently in Jimmy's Boa Bounces Back [BKL Jl 84], that the lovable orange-and-green spotted constrictor plays a major part in the rescue and becomes fond friends with the octopus in the bargain. With a seeming flick of the pen and flash of color, Kellogg brings both comedy and fine composition to his spectacular spreads. Figures, cavorting animals, balloons, and other details escape from the frames, extending the visual energy and inviting the turn of the page. But especially noticeable are the sparkling hues that even in the underwater scenes retain their vitality. Both children and animals are individualized, giving viewers much to discover time and time again. A glorious bash, indeed. --Barbara Elleman