9 A Wild Party

A Wild Party written by Jack Gabolinscy illustrated by Jo Thapa

Our Grandmother turned eighty years old yesterday. We had a wonderful party to celebrate her special birthday. Before she arrived, everyone told us how to behave well so that we wouldn't spoil her day. "Please be on your very best behaviour," said Mum. "You must wear your best clothes, but don't choose anything bright or shiny, because Grandma won't like bright colours. You will have to play quietly because old people don't like too much noise."

"You will need to turn the music down," Dad told us, "because Grandma won't want loud music. She likes slow, gentle dancing, so don't dance like wild things. use your best manners. Grandma likes people who say please and thank you and excuse me." "Remember your table manners at supper time," said Mum. "Grandma doesn't like children who spill their food or eat too much."

All of Grandma's children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to the party. They brought presents, birthday cards, and plenty of delicious food. Grandma flew all the way from Timbuktu in Africa. She drove from the airport in a shiny, silver sports car. Honk! Honk! She tooted loudly when she arrived. Bang! She slammed the car door and skipped along the path. "Shhh!" said Mum. "Be on your best behaviour now."

We met Grandma at the front door. She was wearing an enormous yellow and black bumble bee hat. Her bright green dress was covered with huge orange and blue flowers. She wore purple stockings and red shoes with yellow bows. She looked like a bright flower garden with legs. Grandma laughed when Dad led her to the rocking chair. "Hey, that chair is for old people. I don't want to sit down at my party." Mum brought Grandma a small glass of juice, "Hey, this glass is too small for a thirsty traveller," she said. "May I have a large glass, please?"

"Turn the music up, please!" called Grandma. "It's far too quiet." She grabbed Uncle Peter's hand. "Come on, Pete. Let's rock! Let's sing as we swing!" Grandma danced like a wild thing. Her dress flew out as she kicked up her heels and waved her arms like windmills. "Yippee!" she yelled. When Uncle Peter got tired, she danced with Uncle Jack, and then with Uncle Tom and all our other uncles. Next she danced with all our aunts, too, singing, "Dance, baby, dance!" Her silver hair flew, her feet stomped, and her fingers clicked.