Horrid Henry's Birthday Party

Horrid Henry's Birthday Party February was Horrid Henry's favourite month. His birthday was in February. “ It’s my birthday soon! " said Henry every day after Christmas. “ And my birthday party! Hurray! ” February was Horrid Henry's parents’ least favourite month. “ It's Henry's birthday soon, " said Dad, groaning. “ And his birthday party, " said Mum, groaning even louder.

Every year they thought Henry's birthday parties could not get worse. But they always did. Every year Henry's parents said they would never ever let Henry have a birthday party again. But every year they gave Henry one absolutely last final chance. Henry had big plans for this year's party. " I want to go to Lazer Zap, " said Henry. He'd been to Lazer Zap for Tough Toby's party. They'd had a great time dressing up as spacemen and blasting each other in dark tunnels all afternoon. “ NO! ” said Mum. “ Too violent. ” “ I agree, " said Dad. “ And too expensive, " said Mum. “ I agree, ” said Dad. There was a moment's silence. “ However, ” said Dad, “ it does mean the party wouldn't be here. "

Mum looked at Dad. Dad looked at Mum. “ How do I book?" said Mum. “ Hurray! " shrieked Henry. “ Zap! Zap! Zap! " Horrid Henry sat in his fort holding a pad of paper. On the front cover in big capital letters Henry wrote: HENRY'S PARTY PLANS. TOP SECRET! ! ! ! At the top of the first page Henry had written: GUESTS A long list followed. Then Henry stared at the names and chewed his pencil. Actually, I don't want Margaret, thought Henry. Too moody. He crossed out Moody Margaret's name.

And I definitely don't want Susan. Too crabby. In fact, I don't want any girls at all, thought Henry. He crossed out Clever Clare and Lazy Linda. Then there was Anxious Andrew. Nope, thought Henry, crossing him off. He's no fun. Toby was possible, but Henry didn't really like him. Out went Tough Toby. William? No way, thought Henry. He'll be crying the second he gets zapped. Out went Weepy William. Ralph? Henry considered. Ralph would be good because he was sure to get into trouble. On the other hand, he hadn't invited Henry to his party.

Rude Ralph was struck off. So were Babbling Bob, Jolly Josh, Greedy Graham and Dizzy Dave. And absolutely no way was Peter coming anywhere near him on his birthday. Ahh, that was better. No horrid kids would be coming to his party. There was only one problem. Every single name was crossed off. No guests meant no presents. Henry looked at his list. Margaret was a moody old grouch and he hated her, but she did sometimes give good gifts. He still had the jumbo box of day-glo slime she'd given him last year. And Toby had invited Henry to his party.