Giraffe is the most memorable character. Giraffe’s genuine concern for Chimpanzee’s birthday pulls readers into the story. When the party location gets harder to narrow down I felt the character’s growing distress and was then invested in the story. The other friends where helpful supporting characters because through their varied suggestions Giraffe was able to come up with a perfect solution. Tesha Bacon

Snake’s dialogue, with the extended ‘S’ sound was well done. Also the casting against type (usually snakes are the bad guys) was enjoyable and may help kids to enjoy and appreciate all animal groups. Deb Barwick

I enjoyed the character of Snake, who puts in an effort surely out of their comfort zone to do their part by writing a message for Chimpanzee, using her mouth to hold the crayon. Snake demonstrates a creative and innovative streak, overcoming a natural impediment and finding a way to make a difference. Snake is also willing to open her home to the others in order to host the party. This demonstrates generosity and thoughtfulness, even if it’s ultimately decided that the suggestion won’t be suitable for the needs of the group. Snake has the most distinctive speech amongst the characters, with sibilance used to evoke the animal’s hiss. This could provide an opportunity for amusement or even education between a young reader and helper. Snake also devises the plan to surprise the guest of honour by suggesting that the animals all hide in anticipation of her arrival. This idea provides a thrilling moment for her friends and for the birthday animal, helping set spirits into the mood for celebration. In summary, Snake is a generous innovator and problem-solver who’s interested in providing fun for their friends. Snake also happens to have the cutest depiction of a snake that I’ve seen before thanks to the illustrator! Tim Marshall

I enjoyed the character of Giraffe the most. He obviously cares deeply about his friend and their happiness and really wants them to enjoy their party. So much so, he is reduced to tears when he feels they will be unable to organise the party for Chimpanzee. He doesn’t remain downhearted for long though and instead of giving up completely, he proves his resilience by coming up with a new plan and getting to work on it. I think this shows that sensitivity and expressing your emotions isn’t a weakness. Perhaps it was the release of the negative feelings that allowed Giraffe to clear his head and then be freshly inspired! It’s him that leads his friends to the Hungle Bungle Jungle Park, the perfect place to hold their friend’s party. As someone who feels things deeply and is highly sensitive, I understand how it feels to be impacted by disappointments, especially if I feel I’m letting someone I care about down. I think it’s also a good trait to have though, as it makes you attuned to the needs of others. Showing Giraffe as a positive character in the book, may help children feel more comfortable about expressing their feelings. Michelle Marshall

Although I enjoyed the character of Giraffe who wants to do a kindness for a friend and give Chimpanzee a party, it is Snake who stood out the most for me in the story. We see two sides to snake, one where Snake is wishing to put his/her own preference first in a similar way that his friends do. But Snake goes on to make a good case as to why they should use his burrow to the benefit of all. Snake also is very creative in overcoming his/her handicap by finding a way to draw and contribute to the party preparations and suggests ideas to make this a surprise for Chimpanzee. This demonstrates adaptability and problem solving. Giraffe similarly demonstrates problem solving skills by finally coming up with a solution himself. I did feel sorry for Giraffe that when he started to cry his friends didn’t rally around to comfort him or reassure him that a solution would be found. Giraffe despite his upset did not give up, which highlights another important lesson. For parents reading to children, Snake makes for an interesting character read with the hissing sounds which children will enjoy copying, and thus make them more engaged with the story. Kirsty McKay

Slithering and slipping through the pages of book, Snake is the character that stood (although that may be the wrong verb given he’s a snake!) out for me; I was particularly amused by the elongation of the letter s in his words, for example, rainsss and sssoaked. I thought this was most in keeping with the personality of a snake and as a result, made him more believable throughout the book. I also thought it quite witty of the author to have ‘snake sliding down the slide’ and liked the subtle use of alliteration to add to the character overall. Later in the story, the author once again ensures the authenticity of the character in having him paint a sign by holding a paintbrush in his mouth, and slithering up a tree. Overall, I thought he was a quirky and comical character and one that children are bound to love voicing when reading the story aloud! Josephine Park

I like Giraffe as he was arranging the party. Arranging the party was what made him stand out though I felt he was over emotional when he couldn’t find a suitable place to hold it. Anne Rucroft