Gilbert, the possum in Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink (1996) and Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet (1998, both Morrow), is back with his assorted animal buddies to take a look at birthday parties and hurt feelings. When Gilbert receives a party invitation from bossy Lewis, his reluctance turns to measured acceptance after his mother assures him that Lewis must want to be friends. Then Lewis declares, "My mother made me invite all the boys in the class. That's why you got an invitation." Gilbert's eagerness quickly turns to disappointment, and he doesn't "really want to give Lewis anything except maybe a smelly old shoe." When his mother encourages Gilbert to buy the latest "Martian Spaceship," he decides instead that a frying pan is just what Lewis needs. Gilbert attends the party, has a wonderful time, and realizes that his mean-spirited present is a major mistake. Fortunately, his mother has quietly substituted the spaceship for the frying pan, and Gilbert escapes embarrassment. DeGroat manages to present this rather unlikely scenario with complete sincerity and credibility. Children will sympathize with the child's frustration and sigh along in relief when he is rescued by his mother's wisdom. Appealingly bright watercolor illustrations add just the right amount of charm and detail. Alicia Eames, New York City Public Schools Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.