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, NBCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.



"This sprightly story in rhyme also incorporates a counting lesson [and] closes on a warm, satisfying note."



"Unforced, funny quatrains are reinforced with hilarious illustrations full of perfect details."


Book Description
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.


Card catalog description
Mr. Panda, owner of the Panda Palace restaurant, manages to find seating for all of his animal patrons on a very busy night.


About the Author
Stephanie Calmenson grew up in Brooklyn, New York, never imagining she would someday become a writer. She began her professional life as an early childhood teacher where she says she had the pleasure of reading to children and discovering which books captivate them. When budget cuts left her looking for work, she became a children's book editor and had the pleasure of seeing how a book is made. Planning to go back to teaching, she enrolled in a Master's Program in Education at New York University where she took a course called, "Writing for Children." Her very first story was published in a children's magazine. She was off and writing! Though she now spends her days at home in front of a computer instead of in a classroom, Stephanie still considers herself a teacher, speaking to children through her books. Before beginning a book, she always asks herself the same question: What will this book give to a child? Will it be a love of language? A feeling of being valued? A trip to a new place? An introduction to numbers or letters? A belly laugh to ease a difficult growing-up day? When she is satisfied with the answer, she begins to write. Her next task is to be sure her book will bring joy in the reading. Humor is her best ally. Check out books like, Dinner at the Panda Palace, The Principal's New Clothes, The Frog Principal, The Teeny Tiny Teacher, for a sampling. Even Rosie, A Visiting Dog's Story, has a healthy dose of humor thanks to the book's irresistible shaggy star. Stephanie Calmenson divides her time between New York City and Long Island. She loves children, language and laughter and her work brings together all three in books that have been described as "marvelous" (Publishers Weekly), "lyrical" (School Library Journal), "sweet, funny, and right on the mark" (Booklist).

ANNOTATION

Mr. Panda, owner of the Panda Palace restaurant, manages to find seating for all of his animal patrons on a very busy night.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Carol A. Flowers