When Ray decides to throw a party for his ninth birthday, in competition with another boy with the same birthday and more money, he asks his best friend Herbie to help him find an idea that is new, exciting, and free.
Because nit-picking Aunt Belle and slapdash Aunt CeeCee help plan the surprise party for her mother's birthday, the young planner faces lots of frenzy and confusion.
Presents more than three hundred recipes for appetizers, brunches, grilling, sandwiches, main dishes, covered dishes, salads, and desserts that are suitable for summertime entertaining.
Holding tightly to his old bit of blanket as he attends his first birthday party, Alfie finds a way to be helpful, but it means putting down his blanket first.