Five book inspired kid's parties {my picks}
Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 2:14PM 
There's many things I LOVE about being a Mumma. But one thing I must admit I really love about being a Mother: .....is planning & hosting parties for my kids.
Ryder is only 5 months old and I've already been searching the web for 1st party ideas & inspiration. I'm all for celebrating life, and making my kid's birthdays a HUGE day all about them! Gathering friends & family to enjoy food, cake, games & kiddie party fun....what's not to love?
Ella has caught onto the idea of party styling & anal OTT planning :) She's already onto me about her 5th Birthday Party {which is still 9 months away :) But, what can I say? The girl likes to party....she likes to dress up....she likes to do things BIG....and sister loves a theme :)
I too, like to have a theme when planning a party, as it gives me something to focus on & work with...whether it be a colour, an animal, a concept, a character, a book or a movie. I've had a few friends ask me to help them come up with ideas for their kid's parties.....themes that were a little different. It got me thinking about what kid's love, what gets them involved & how to incorporate that into their party. And it ocurred to me.....STORY BOOKS!!!
So...here is my Top 5 picks of BOOK INSPIRED KID'S PARTIES:
1. The Rainbow Fish. {by Marcus Mfister}

This colourful story is a big favourite amongst kids. As a teacher, I've used this story so many times to stimulate little imaginations. It's great for art activities, and also great for a party theme. The 'Under the Sea' theme is fairly easy to play with and you can be as creative as you wish....by using the Rainbow Fish throughout the whole party....or simply by just focusing on the main 'sea' colours. Check out this amazing 'Rainbow Fish' party printable kit, available on etsy;view & buy HERE.

2. Where the Wild Things Are. {by Maurice Sendak}

Come & attend a wild rumpus with this fabulous story :) A theme that can be equally enjoyed by the kids & adults. An oldie but a goodie, one that still captivates children today. This story could really inspire some monster fun and could be used at a variety of kid's ages.
Check out this awesome cake from a WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE themed party:

I love the way they entwined a fun & bright colour theme in with the WILD THINGS story theme....very cool.
3. Where is the Green Sheep? {by Mem Fox}

Another much LOVED story, by one of my favourite Authors; the talented Mem Fox. My best friend actually planted the seed in my mind about a 'Green Sheep' theme, and once I started thinking about it & researching it, the ideas starting flowing. For starters, you could play with the 'green' theme or go with a 'sheep' or animal theme. Just flick through the book to gain all kinds of ideas from the colourful, fun scenes & characteristic sheep.
I found this beautiful party table {Green Sheep theme} on Mon Tresor's blog:

I love the colour combos, with green being the main focus....and I think the grass mats are fabulous.
4. The Jungle Book. {by Rudyard Kipling}

I considered a 'jungle' theme for Ryder's first birthday. I love the idea of the greens & natural browns. My mind started buzzing with the jungle-packed invitations and the fun that all the animals would bring to the day. I started thinking of pot plants & vines, hanging mesh and plastic pythons. I think this would be a really versatile theme to play with. And so fun too, for that little special someone in your life....
Once I started Googling the theme, I found even more great ideas & inspiration. Here is a sample of how this story book was incorporated into a party theme. SO FUN!!! {image found here...and there's more too...check them out}

5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. {by Eric Carle}

Another book that most kids {and I} LOVE. I'm leaning towards this for Ryder's 1st Birthday in November, as we often joke about him being a 'hungry little caterpillar'. It's become quite a popular party theme over the past few years & there are lots of ideas out there, as well as printables & pre-made invitations....YAY....makes life much easier :)
I don't know what I love more about this theme.....the cuteness, the food, the colours, the simplicity, the age appropriateness....it all. I love it all!!!
What do you think?
I found this adorable inspiration board of a little girl's 'The Very hungry Caterpillar' Party here:

Cute hey?!
So, there you have it!
If you're stumped for a party theme for your kid/s, simply look on their bookshelf for inspiration or ideas. A party themed around a children's story book is a great way to throw them a fun, fabulous & memorable party that gets them not only involved, but assists their love of reading & imaginations.
What other story books do you think would make a good party theme?

Claire Chadwick,
book inspired parties,
first birthday theme,
kids party themes,
party blog,
scissors paper rock party,
the jungle book party,
the rainbow fish party,
the very hungry caterpillar party,
themes,
where is the green sheep party,
where the wild things are party in
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Reader Comments (2)
You sounds like me at the moment, trawling the Internet for party ideas. Grace's 3rd birthday isn't far away (15th May) and as I've been searching, I'm keeping aside idea's for Soph's party too :) Maybe it's the teachers in us who like to be nice and organised early :) I think we're going with the rainbow party for Grace, for Sophie, I was thinking of making one of those cute cupcake caterpillar but tying it in with a picnic theme... still undecided. I love all your ideas above. How cool is that green sheep cake?! Love it as a theme! The Hungry Caterpillar would be great for a party, I've actually got a few images saved here so when the girls are napping, will email them to you for ideas for Ryder's party. I just thought of an idea for the Rainbow fish party - you could have a big fish with one missing scale and have a 'pin the shiny scale on the fish' game :) I too think it's fun to put together special celebrations for our children on their birthdays. Can't wait to see what you go with for Ryder and Ella. Enjoy your day luv xx
Kid's parties these days are often not complete without having balloons and streamers, although they can be utilized to supplement the other decorations.