• Age: 5 to 7
• Grade: k to 2

Priya puts together the perfect puppy picnic and raises money to help African wild dogs, in the fourth installment of this full-color early chapter book series!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Priya is planning a puppy picnic for her friend Dola! It has a fairy-tale theme because Dola's adorable puppy is named Prince! Priya starts her party-prep to-do list. She makes castle invitations, creates DIY crowns, and bakes cupcakes (and pupcakes!). But as the puppy picnic gets closer, it looks like it might rain. Priya tries not to worry, but the weather is not something she can check off her to-do list. Will she have to cancel the picnic?

With color-coded speech bubbles, an engaging diary format, plenty of humor, and vibrant artwork on every page, this series is perfect for newly independent readers! There's even a fun DIY activity at the back of the book, encouraging kids to make their own fabric ribbon garland at home!

MITALI BANERJEE RUTHS grew up in Houston, Texas, and dreamed of becoming an astronaut someday. She has worked as a babysitter, an ice cream seller, and a medical doctor. She is the author of the picture book Archie Celebrates Diwali, the Scholastic Branches early chapter book series, The Party Diaries, and the Scholastic Acorn early reader series, The Inside Scouts. Mitali lives in Canada with her husband, three kids, and their dog, Tux.

Mitali Banerjee Ruths' profile page

Aaliya Jaleel is a freelance illustrator, designer, and visual development artist. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a BA in Arts & Technology. She is the illustrator of Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, Under My Hijab, Muslim Girls Rise, and the Scholastic Branches series, The Party Diaries.

Aaliya Jaleel's profile page

Praise for Awesome Orange Birthday (The Party Diaries #1):

“This series debut aimed at newly independent readers provides short, colorful, diary-style entries with a sweet central character. Strongly recommended.” — School Library Journal

“Priya is a well-rounded, nuanced protagonist whose enthusiasm and anxiety will resonate with readers, and the narrative, peppered with bright images, is fast-moving . . . A layered, upbeat tale starring a determined, relatable protagonist.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Priya’s infectious enthusiasm shines through the diary format . . . This series opener gets an enjoyable party started for beginning readers.” — Booklist

Praise for Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths:

“This sweet picture book about sharing Diwali will ring true in many households.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A reassuring portrayal of childhood anxieties.” — Booklist