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Chato and the Party Animals is a tale of friendship in a multicultural setting, where dogs, cats, and mice all
attend the same birthday party. In the story, Chato the cat learns that his good cat buddy Novio Boy doesn't know when
his birthday is because he is from the pound. He never knew his mother and birthdays always make him a bit sad
-- so Chato decides to throw a bash for his good friend.
Chato and the Party Animals takes place in a neighborhood setting that has a rough look to it - which is a contrast
to the friendship between the animals in the story. The illustrations and the text convey how they look out for each
other and become a family of their own. When it comes time for the party Chato has planned for Novio Boy, Chato realizes
Novio Boy was never invited. When the party goes to find Novio Boy, he is nowhere to be seen and the group fears the
worst.
Susan Guevara's illustrations are acrylic on scratchboard. The illustrations are strikingly beautiful and rich,
coveying the Hispanic culture of the story. The colors are bright and deep, and the details enrich the text. When
the attendees at the party all fear for Novio Boy's safety, for example, they each remember what they enjoyed most about this
cool cat. In an extension of the animal's heads, there is a small picture above them which portrays the memory they
have of Novio Boy. Small details convey the closeness of the animal gang. Guevara's illustrations are nothing
if not fun. The cats create a "catfish pinata" that Novio Boy breaks open once he is found, revealing wind up mouse
toys, dog bones, and cat nip as the prizes. As Debbie Lymar noted in a review in Library Talk, "Her [Guevara's] bold
art is so good, in fact, that it deserves to be seen on the walls of an art gallery" (Lymar 2001).
This multicultural tale of friendship is a fun read with a positive message behind it. Spanish words are
incorporated throughout the text, with a glossary included for reference. Even in a picturebook, the closeness of characters
is well portrayed and realistic, making this story of friendship a good read.
Soto, Gary. Chato and the Party Animals. Illus. by Susan Guevara. New York: G.P. Putnam's
Sons, 2000.
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