Oliver and his family had been busy preparing for the party. They decorated the living room with black and orange balloons and snaky party streamers, made goody bags for the guests to take home (with real pet tarantulas for everyone), decided on the games, and cooked lots of scrummy party food.
“We’ll have a great time,” Mr Moon declared, the night before Oliver’s birthday. “You wait, Ol.”
“I hope so, Dad,” he replied, crossing his fingers. “I really hope so.” He tried his best to smile, but he couldn’t shake his nervous feelings. Bully Bogeywort had been going on and on at school about how much he was looking forward to the party, with a mean glint in his eye. Oliver was sure he could try to cause trouble…