You're Not Invited! - by Sylvia Rouss & David Titcher (Paperback)

About the Book

Insect belle Queen Bea loudly declares that the Ooey-Gooeys are not invited to her party-but when a human begins wreaking havoc on the yard, only this slimy trio of friends can save the day!

Book Synopsis

A trio of undesirable Ooey-Gooeys-a wisecracking worm, a swift centipede, and a charming snail- share a yard with Queen Bea, the belle of the insect community, who makes it clear they are not invited to her party. When a "Bigfoot"-a human-arrives with his high-powered gardening tool, the Ooey-Gooeys become unlikely heroes as they use their skills and wits to save their community and worm their way into our hearts.

Review Quotes

"You're Not Invited! is an adorable picture book about diversity, acceptance, preconceptions, and how people can surprise us. Prolific author Sylvia Rouss has teamed up with accomplished screenwriter David Titcher to create a story about how three outcasts save the day.

When the Queen Bee invites all the insects to her party, those without six legs are not invited. Shelly Snail, Speedy Centipede, and Willy Worm are "Ooey Gooeys" who are not welcome. However, when a "Bigfoot" and his mechanical monster plow up the garden, it is those outcasts who have the ingenuity and ability to help save the rest of the bugs. The story is cute, and the methods the heroes use to help save everyone will make any reader laugh. The authors have also included a few jokes for the older reader. I got a giggle from the names of the party bands. The cute colorful illustrations by Rick Penn-Kraus were just as clever as the text." -Julie Ditton, "The Storybook Lady," prolific book reviewer

"So amazing! You're Not Invited! is a heartwarming story that explores the theme of social exclusion and the true value of acceptance, kindness, and helping others, even when they may not be worthy. The illustrations capture young readers' imaginations and bring the story to life with vibrant colors and inspired scenes, evoking all sorts of emotions. A beautiful and wonderful book!" -Katherine Choe, principal, Mar Vista Elementary School for Advanced Studies, Los Angeles

"You're Not Invited! is a well-illustrated children's book that educates, through a story, how people can benefit from being more inclusive and not excluding others simply because they are different. As a resolution expert, I have seen conflicts that could have been avoided or reduced if the people involved would have learned the lessons this book teaches." -Keith Schulner, MBA, Esq., Master of Dispute Resolution, Resolution and Improvement Expert

"You're Not Invited! is cleverly conceived and wittily worded! The story of hurt feelings, friendship, responsibility, and forgiveness comes to life in a fast-moving tale that is visually engaging and color-bursting on every page. Willy Worm, Speedy Centipede and Shelly Snail are a wonderful trio, who model for young readers creative problem-solving and initiative in a playfully told story. The book is adorable! I loved the characters, the humor (which keeps parents engaged with a book!), and the important values each character portrays. And the artist! The visuals are so engaging!" - Rabbi Lisa Hochberg-Miller, Temple Beth Torah, Ventura, California