Hey, do you know what time it is?
That’s right, it’s yay o’clock!
And you know what that means, don’t you?
It’s time to meet the SUPER HAPPY PARTY BEARS!
Welcome to the Grumpy Woods!
Just kidding. No one is welcome here.
No, I’m just kidding again. That’s how these brand-spanking new chapter books begin. See, you’re already laughing three sentences in.
So let me present a more welcoming welcome.
The SUPER HAPPY PARTY BEARS are unlike anything you’ve seen in a chapter book series. Firstly, they are not some formula regurgitated in rainbow, written by an illusive nom-de-plume. No! These are the first books by up-and-coming author Marcie Colleen. In addition to this series, Marcie has the picture book LOVE, TRIANGLE releasing next year with Bob Shea (BOB SHEA, PEOPLE!!!) and THE ADVENTURE OF THE PENGUINAUT is blasting off soon, too.
Next, these books feature adorable, full color illustrations by Steve James. OMG, you do not know how SUPER HAPPY that makes me!
I have a reluctant reader at home (I know, can you believe it?!) and the thing she dislikes about chapter books are the black-and-white line drawings. She clings to picture books and their boundless art. With SUPER HAPPY PARTY BEARS, which she has SWIPED FROM ME to take to the first day of school, she doesn’t even realize she’s reading a chapter book because every page features a color illustration. Not only that, but there’s a flip-book animation in the corner of every title. In KNOCK KNOCK ON WOOD, Bubs shimmies with a hula hoop.
So let’s get back to the story. Every morning in the Grumpy Woods, where the SUPER HAPPY PARTY BEARS live, the other residents don their cranky pants (really, a whole outfit).
Mayor Quill and his devoted subjects relish their grumpiness. They thrive on it. And the SUPER HAPPY PARTY BEARS? They are ecstatic, dancing, blissful bears no matter what the forest folk throw at them. Nothing can dampen their desire to party. They just wanna bear hug everyone. They see the positive in everything. And you know, what a great attitude to share.
Now, even though the Mayor, Humphrey Hedgehog, Dawn Fawn and the others make their harumphs for the bears loud and clear, the whole party crew, from Littlest Bear to Big Puff, fail to notice. In fact, they worship Mayor Quill. This, of course, annoys the prickly politician to no pointy end.
Therein lies the humor. But that’s not ALL the humor! For parents reading along, there are clever asides and pop-culture nods.
Meet Ziggy. Ziggy plays guitar. ‘Nuff said.
Then there’s the famous SUPER HAPPY PARTY BEARS dance.
You wanna dance with me? Well, grab yourself a copy and shimmy, shimmy, shake!
Actually, you can grab TWO copies right here, one GNAWING AROUND and one KNOCK KNOCK ON WOOD, the first two books in the series from Macmillan’s new imprint, imprint. (So nice I said it twice.)
Just leave a comment to enter. PLUS, if you TWEET, FACEBOOK, REBLOG or otherwise share this review, you gain an extra entry, WOO-HOO! Just leave one comment per each method so I can tally your extra entries.
This will be a PARTY TO REMEMBER! GOOD LUCK!
135 comments
Comments feed for this article
September 6, 2016 at 8:20 am
jodimckay
Love these! We all need a few Super Happy Party Bears in our lives. Big congrats to Marcie!!
September 6, 2016 at 8:21 am
writerjodimoore
These books sound so adorable! Can’t wait to “party” with Marcie and her bears! ❤
September 6, 2016 at 8:26 am
thislittlebirdie
Yay for Marcie! Can’t wait to add these to our chapter book collection!
September 6, 2016 at 8:26 am
kirsticall
I can’t wait to get my hands on these books! Yay Marcie!!!!
September 6, 2016 at 8:29 am
Anita Banks
Looking forward to reading these fun books! Congrats to Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 8:29 am
Karen Kane
Love the humor!
September 6, 2016 at 8:30 am
paulinetso
Congrats, Marcie! SO. MUCH. FUN!
September 6, 2016 at 8:35 am
Jennifer Phillips
Oh my. I need these books for our reluctant, struggling reader. Of course, I’ll just have to read them first to make sure they’re suitable, wink wink. They look so enticing! Congratulations.
September 6, 2016 at 8:38 am
darlene koppel
Love those colorful characters and the concept of these books. Congratulations!
September 6, 2016 at 8:41 am
darlene koppel
I also did a tweet on the giveaway: https://twitter.com/koppelstudio/status/773138804643430400
September 6, 2016 at 8:43 am
Tina Cho
Congratulations, Marcie! I like these bears’ attitude!
September 6, 2016 at 8:46 am
meganleewrites
So much fun! Thanks for sharing this and best of luck, Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 8:47 am
supermario6
I’ve already ordered these! Would LOVE to win the giveaway so I can donate them to my read-aloud classroom!
September 6, 2016 at 8:51 am
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
I’m so happy to meet the Super Happy Party Bears! Thanks for a great introduction.
September 6, 2016 at 8:53 am
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
I also tweeted about the giveaway
September 6, 2016 at 8:57 am
Elizabeth Metz
Hooray for Marcie and the PARTY BEARS! Can’t wait to read these.
September 6, 2016 at 9:03 am
Caroline
Fun! Thanks for highlighting these, and congrats to Marcie, too!
September 6, 2016 at 9:04 am
Nadine Gamble
Looks super cute, hooray, Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 9:06 am
ptnozell
Super Happy Party Bears = Super Happy Readers & Parents! Congratulations Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 9:08 am
Jenny Bagan
Super Adorable! Congrats Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 9:17 am
Melissa Stoller
Congratulations, Marcie! Super super happy for you and can’t wait to read these adorable books!
September 6, 2016 at 9:17 am
katmaz2012
These look like so much fun. I am thinking holiday gifts for kids, I know. Yeah!
September 6, 2016 at 9:22 am
Carleen M. Tjader
My kind of chapter books…love that they’re colorfully illustrated!
September 6, 2016 at 9:53 am
Danielle Dufayet
This looks like an incredibly fun book! Doing a happy dance for you, Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 9:53 am
David McMullin
How fun! Looks different and exciting. I had trouble giving up the colored pictures when I was young too.
September 6, 2016 at 9:59 am
Teresa Robeson
Everything Marcie touches turns to gold! So thrilled for all her books coming out!
September 6, 2016 at 10:00 am
winemama
Exciting! I retweeted @lindsayfouts
September 6, 2016 at 10:05 am
McCourt
I’m always on the look out for new chapter book series! Thanks for the heads up about this one.
September 6, 2016 at 10:13 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Love the review, Tara! And Woohoo Congratulations, Marcie-well done and well deserved!!!
September 6, 2016 at 10:24 am
laura516
Congrats, Marcie! These look so fun.
September 6, 2016 at 10:26 am
barbara kupetz
Happy party bears? Whooppeee! Congrats, Marcie. Can’t wait to read them all!
September 6, 2016 at 10:26 am
laura516
Had to tweet this one! https://twitter.com/laura_renauld/status/773165309758959616
September 6, 2016 at 10:38 am
Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
Happy yay o’clock, Marcie Colleen! I can’t wait to get my paws on these books.
September 6, 2016 at 10:44 am
Wendy
I pre-ordered the books so take me out of the drawing, but I have to join the crowd yelling YAAYYY Marcie!!
September 6, 2016 at 10:46 am
writeknit
I would NOT be cranky if I won one of these books – they look hysterically funny. Thanks for the opportunity! 🙂
September 6, 2016 at 11:01 am
jdewdropsofink
Sounds like my neighbors. Oops, I guess that makes us the grumpy pants. 🙂
September 6, 2016 at 11:05 am
kathalsey
Dance on bears and Marcie! I want to win one of these books. I’ll shimmy and shake for it.
September 6, 2016 at 11:12 am
Anne Iverson
I can’t wait to read these! The titles are “morning smile givers”!
September 6, 2016 at 11:29 am
LaurenKerstein
I’m so excited to read these books! Yayyyy, Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 11:29 am
Margo Sorenson (@ipapaverison)
So much fun — can’t wait for our Adorables to read them for extra hugs and smiles! This made for a fun Tweet!
September 6, 2016 at 11:47 am
Kathy Doherty
I’m SOOOO ready to dance with these bears!
September 6, 2016 at 11:49 am
laurameressa
Every time I see these books on Social Media it makes me happy. The titles make me happy. The covers make me happy. I can’t even imagine how happy I will feel when I actually read them! Marcie, huge congrats!
September 6, 2016 at 11:58 am
Kathleen Wilcox
What fun books! Looking forward to reading them with my granddaughter.
September 6, 2016 at 11:59 am
KatyD
These look adorable! Congrats, Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 12:10 pm
Pat
Such a fun series! Would love to read them with my son.
September 6, 2016 at 12:10 pm
Santiago Casares
I am so happy for Marcie. She’s so amazing and these books look like are going to take her to new heights!
September 6, 2016 at 12:15 pm
rgstones
Wahooo Marcie! Can’t wait to read them. 🙂
September 6, 2016 at 12:20 pm
Lori Alexander
Yay o’clock, indeed! Congrats, Marcie. These books look adorable 🙂
September 6, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Katie Giorgio
Looks like fun! Thanks for sharing!
September 6, 2016 at 12:25 pm
Lynne Marie
Wishing you all the best with this series, Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 12:30 pm
Kristi
Excited to read these! So fun and grumpy, which can be kinda fun sometimes!
September 6, 2016 at 12:31 pm
Kellie DuBay Gillis
I’m in! These will so be up my kiddos’ book alleys. Can’t wait. Congrats, Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 12:34 pm
Charlotte Dixon
I can’t wait to read these new books by Marcie Colleen! Congrats, Marcie 🙂
September 6, 2016 at 12:34 pm
Charlotte Dixon
I tweeted about Marcie and the giveaway! https://twitter.com/chardixon1
September 6, 2016 at 12:38 pm
claireannette1
These look fabulous! These party bears are certainly welcome at my house.
September 6, 2016 at 12:45 pm
Mary Worley
I hear Marcie’s voice in my head when I read these. Fabulous!
September 6, 2016 at 12:45 pm
csheer18
Super happy to learn about Marcie’s quirky new chapter book adventurerers hitting the shelves just in time for the new school year! These are sure to be the ones that kids tote with them everywhere… to look at the fabulous visuals, and to read, again and again!
September 6, 2016 at 12:52 pm
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner
You had me at Grumpy Pants!
September 6, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Emmie R Werner
SOUNDS WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!
September 6, 2016 at 1:05 pm
julielacombeauthor
These look like such fun books! Can’t wait to read them.
September 6, 2016 at 1:06 pm
Gabi Snyder
There are a couple of kids (and an adult or two) in this house who need to get their hands on this chapter book series. Sounds hilarious!
September 6, 2016 at 1:08 pm
julielacombeauthor
Tweeted about this fun book and the giveaway!
https://twitter.com/Madkatmom0305
September 6, 2016 at 1:12 pm
Nancy Kotkin
Congrats, Marcie! And thanks for sharing, Tara. Not enough attention is given to chapter books. Yet they are so important for young readers.
September 6, 2016 at 1:28 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
NOW I know what I heard Marcie talking about in that webinar way back when. These look really cute! I have a reluctant reader too. Maybe these will do the trick!
September 6, 2016 at 1:41 pm
Keila Dawson
Can’t wait to read Marcie’s books. Super happy release day had arrived!
September 6, 2016 at 1:49 pm
Cathy Ogren
Congratulations, Marcie! These books look “funtastic.” I tweeted @CathySOgren.
September 6, 2016 at 1:57 pm
Judy Sobanski
Really looking forward to reading Marcie’s new chapter books! Congrats, Marcie!
I posted on twitter also! https://taralazar.com/2016/09/06/new-chapter-books-to-get-super-happy-about-plus-a-giveaway/ via @taralazar
September 6, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Erika Hitchcock
I love the humor in the writing, and these characters are adorable!
September 6, 2016 at 2:37 pm
Joanna
Hooray for so much happy and telent!
September 6, 2016 at 2:47 pm
Jen
Look so fun!
September 6, 2016 at 3:01 pm
Lilly Fluger
omg, yay oclock, I love the party bears!!!!!!!!
September 6, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Dorothy Wiese
I hope your reluctant reader keeps reading picture books as well as the new “colorful” chapter books.
September 6, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Angela Turner
I cannot wait to read about these bears!!!
September 6, 2016 at 3:39 pm
Sandy Perlic
So glad to hear more about this series! Looks like Marcie and her publisher have done a lot to hook their readers, and I can’t wait to check out these books.
September 6, 2016 at 3:41 pm
laurielyoung
These are awesome! I cannot wait to get my hands on them!
September 6, 2016 at 3:54 pm
danielle hammelef
I love these bears! And the colors are so eye-catching. I tweeted about the giveaway:https://twitter.com/dhammelef/status/773247779376291840
September 6, 2016 at 3:57 pm
danielle hammelef
I placed the giveaway on my tumblr blog: http://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/150041980942/new-chapter-books-to-get-super-happy-about-plus-a
September 6, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Adorable, colorful and fun.
September 6, 2016 at 4:49 pm
angkunkel
Ooh! These look so colorful and fun!
September 6, 2016 at 5:15 pm
mariagianferrari
The bears are so cute!! And I love the idea of a penguinaut! Will eagerly await that one! Congrats, Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 5:15 pm
kdveiten
Congratulation, Marcie! I’m so excited for you. These books look like such fun!
September 6, 2016 at 5:16 pm
kdveiten
I tweeted about the giveaway! https://twitter.com/kdveiten/status/773268587163201536
September 6, 2016 at 5:18 pm
kdveiten
I also shared on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/kristideeveitenheimer/posts/701823823300062
September 6, 2016 at 5:28 pm
kayt663
These sound uber cute! Congrats, Marvie!!
September 6, 2016 at 5:34 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
Yay! Can’t wait to get a copy of these! Congratulations, Marcie!
September 6, 2016 at 5:36 pm
Pam Miller
Problems in Grumpy Woods? Party on, Happy Bears. WhooHoo Marcie Colleen.
September 6, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Michelle Cardillo
Congratulations Marcie. Can’t wait to read them…I mean…for my daughter to read them!
September 6, 2016 at 6:07 pm
Gregory E Bray
I’m picking this up based on the Ziggy reference alone. 😉
September 6, 2016 at 6:37 pm
Natasha Wing
Finally, happy is in!
September 6, 2016 at 6:47 pm
Jannie Ho
Yay Marcie! Super cute!
September 6, 2016 at 6:53 pm
andreesantini
So fun, love it!
September 6, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Reena Balding
What a lift-you-up, happy, colourful idea for chapter books! Love it! Congrats to Marcie Colleen!
September 6, 2016 at 8:50 pm
Marty McCormick Bellis
Great sounding series. Love the bright colors and funny tone.
September 6, 2016 at 8:51 pm
martymi6
Great sounding series. Love the bright colors and the humor.
September 6, 2016 at 9:28 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Super happy to see this new series. Hope it knocks the cranky-pants offa grouchy folks who need to jiggle and jive and loosen up a bit!
September 6, 2016 at 11:13 pm
waengel2002
Congratulations Marcie. Wow you are off and running on your career. Good for you. Love, love the humour.
September 7, 2016 at 1:03 am
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Will definitely have to check these out for the reluctant reader in my family.
September 7, 2016 at 7:06 am
aliciaminor
Congrats Marcie! I am super happy that another bear story came along. I wish you more success!
September 7, 2016 at 8:20 am
laurensoloy
Wow, I love the idea of these! And my kids will, too!
September 7, 2016 at 8:28 am
Kristen Browning
I can’t wait to read these books with my daughter. They look hilarious!! Congratulations, Marcie, on all of your upcoming books.
September 7, 2016 at 8:47 am
Juliana Lee
I’m super excited since meeting Marcie in Columbus last month! Can’t wait to get my hands on these books!
September 7, 2016 at 9:34 am
Lauri Meyers
I didn’t know the illustrations were going to be in color! Holy Schmoley! This might be the ticket for my 8 year old reluctant reader who likes to regularly have disco parties in our basement.
September 7, 2016 at 10:35 am
MickiGinsberg
Woo hoo! Sounds like a super series!
September 7, 2016 at 10:39 am
marlainagray
These look so funny! Congrats to Marcie!
September 7, 2016 at 11:13 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
Super-Happy to see a chapter book in color! I have a classroom full of reluctant readers who just might exchange their grumpy pants in order to party with these bears!
September 7, 2016 at 11:38 am
Rebecca E. Guzinski
Sounds like a good time. This is also a great way to attract the reluctant reader.
September 7, 2016 at 12:00 pm
Sheri Radovich
Can’t wait to share these with a 6 year old new reader. Christmas gifts for a bunch of kids.
September 7, 2016 at 3:15 pm
Gail Hedrick
Also, can’t wait-so fresh-sounding, yes? Congrats! !
September 7, 2016 at 5:45 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
The Purple One rules!
September 7, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Kirsten Bock
So excited to see these books!
September 8, 2016 at 12:08 am
Andre Khrisna
Love the cuteness overload of this chapter books! ❤ ❤ ❤
September 8, 2016 at 10:43 am
Angie
What a fun idea for chapter books! I think I know a 2nd grader who would love them!
September 8, 2016 at 9:27 pm
Pamela Haskin
What fun books! Can’t wait to read them.
September 8, 2016 at 11:25 pm
Stephen Martin
Sound like real winners to me!
September 9, 2016 at 9:17 am
Betsy Devany
Yay for Super Happy Party Bears! Huge congrats to the super terrific and super talented Marcie Colleen!
September 9, 2016 at 9:49 am
R
Yes, I have a young reader who likes the color pictures and is getting into series. This sounds great.
September 9, 2016 at 10:56 am
joanwatsonmartin
I go with a group of volunteers to the women’s prison at Dayton, TX every 3rd Sat. in the month. We take new books, computers, CDs and padded envelopes to record mothers in prison reading to their children. Then we mail the book and CD to their children. Sooo affirming. Even incarerated mothers love their children.
September 9, 2016 at 10:57 am
joanwatsonmartin
It sent before I asked, If you have extra books we can use them???
September 9, 2016 at 11:21 am
Dana Atnip
Wow, these books look super-fun, I can’t wait for Yay-O-Clock! 😀
September 9, 2016 at 11:35 am
angelcat2014
Pictures in a chapter book full of cute little bears – what could be better?
September 9, 2016 at 11:42 am
angelcat2014
Reblogged this on Sunny Side Up and commented:
This new series sounds super cute and as a writer for children I can’t wait to check them out.
September 9, 2016 at 2:34 pm
writersideup
Marcie, this looks fanTAStic! Congrats in a BIG way! 😀 😀 😀
September 9, 2016 at 2:34 pm
writersideup
And, for sure, I’ll be tweeting, Tara 😀
September 9, 2016 at 3:32 pm
Nicole Strangman
We all can use a little positive energy!
September 11, 2016 at 9:11 pm
Candy
Whoo Hoo, let’s party!
September 12, 2016 at 6:56 am
Norah
These books sound awesome, Tara. Thanks for sharing them. Your post had me in stitches as it was. I can’t imagine what the books themselves will do!
September 14, 2016 at 9:40 am
carolmunrojww
You make my shimmy shake with eagerness to have these books, Tara! And Marcie, it’s making me crazy having to wait for Love, Triangle.
September 14, 2016 at 12:40 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Love this! Cannot wait to get my paws on these books. Can’t bear to wait any longer! 😉
September 14, 2016 at 12:47 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
I tweeted too!
September 17, 2016 at 4:18 pm
Caryn Caldwell
These look amazing! I bet my first-grade daughter would love to read them, as would my second-grade students. I think I would love them, too.
September 18, 2016 at 10:17 am
Sharon Coffey
Marcie is always fun and I know these books are going to reflect that. So happy for her. Would love to share these with grandkids.
February 15, 2017 at 11:22 pm
Ryan Swanson
These look great! Can’t wait to check them out!!
February 16, 2017 at 1:04 am
Shanah Salter
Can’t wait to read these!
February 16, 2017 at 3:06 am
jtfan24wordnerd153
Looks like a series my students will love!
February 16, 2017 at 4:57 am
Liebet Jooste
Listened to your interview on the All the Wonders podcast and it was very inspiring! Thank you!