Flook Helen - Beatrice More and the Perfect Party

Beatrice found her mother in the kitchen, taking something burned out of the oven.

Hi, Bee, she said cheerfully. Want a square? Theyre ready to go. A teensy bit overdone maybe. But Im sure we could chip them out of the pan

Mom, we need to plan Sophies birthday party, Beatrice exclaimed. Its in two weeks. Less than two weeks, if you dont count today and you dont count the actual day! Twelve days!

Gosh, said her mother, youre right! She chipped at the squares. Small burned pieces flew into the air. Their dog, Edison, gobbled them up as they fell and then licked the floor just to make sure. His tail wagged at this fun game.

Anyway, said Beatrices mother, seeing as we dont know many people yet, maybe we should just have a family party for Sophie. Something simple.

Beatrice took a deep breath. Mom, she said in a quiet voice, Sophie is the best sister in the whole world. I have a long list that proves this! She didnt mention that Sophie was also on her list of People Who Make Me Feel Like Exploding, because everyone was on that. She deserves a spectacular party, a perfect party!

Well, who am I to argue with one of your lists? Her mother smiled, but she looked a little worried. What do you have in mind, Bee?

I brought down a list I made several months ago. Its called Fantastic Birthday Party Ideas.

Uh, okay, lets hear it, said her mother.

Number one is Shuttle to the Moon. That would indeed be fantastic, Beatrice said, but it probably would take more than twelve days to arrange.

Probably.

Beatrice ran her finger down the list.

Deep Sea Diving?

Her mom shook her head. No sea around, Bee, deep or otherwise.

Hmmm. So, I guess Luxury Cruise is out too?

Lets think a little bit smaller, suggested her mom.

Hot Air Balloon Ride? Skydiving? Horse-Drawn Carriage? Private Circus? A Room Full of Puppies?

Even smaller, Bee. You know Sophie. She likes little things. Simple things. Shell be happy with a regular birthday party. She saw Beatrices face and said quickly, And by regular, I of course mean an extra-special birthday party, with all the usual birthday things.

Well, obviously itll be a surprise party with decorations, cake, balloons, games and prizes, right? Right?

Absolutely, Beatrices mom said, looking relieved. That sounds great. Ill make one of my famous birthday cakes! Her mother chipped more burned squares out of the pan.

Beatrice opened her mouth, then closed it again. She swallowed. Her mothers birthday cakes were famousfamous for being lumpy, burned messes. But she put a lot of love into baking them, and Beatrice felt a little sorry for her that they were never successful.

Excellent, Beatrice said bravely. Now we have to have a theme. You cant have a party without a theme. What should it be? Magic? Cats? Soccer? And a color. Well have to get matching decorations in Sophies favorite color.

Beatrice paused. Her own favorite color was purple. Everyone knew that. But Sophies?

Whats Sophies favorite color, Mom?

Hmmm. Im not sure, said her mother. I dont think shes ever picked one.

Everyone has a favorite color. Ill find Sophie and do some research, said Beatrice.

There was a crash in the living room.

Beatrice and her mom looked at each other.

Sophie? called her mom.

There was a loud thunk, thunk, thunk.

Its okay, everboddy! Sophie yelled. That big crash wasnt actually my body! Or even my head!

Beatrice closed her eyes.

Okay, Ill go find out about her favorite color and what she wants for her birthday, said Beatrice.

And Ill look for a new cake recipe! Beatrice and her mother high-fived.

Party planners on the job, Beatrice said. Her mother winked.