The invitation is the treasure map. Torn parchment edges, islands with palm trees, a dotted trail to a gold star, a brass compass in the corner and layered blue paper waves rolling across the bottom. To the right a ginger kitten in a navy captain’s coat and tricorn hat looks through a spyglass from a wooden ship, a scarlet parrot perched on the sail. Treasure Awaits is pressed into the map in brown and gold.
Oliver is turning 6 in bold navy, then July 18, 2 to 4 PM and Harbor Playhouse in brown capitals with gold stars between them. Put your own captain’s name in. For something saltier under the name, “Ahoy, matey!”, “X marks the party” and “Arr you ready?” are the three that pirate parents reach for.
Mostly boys, three to eight, though the kitten wins over a lot of girls. Paper hats and eye patches at the door, a treasure hunt with a hand-drawn map, a chest of chocolate coins and a cake with a sugar ship on top. Send it a couple of weeks ahead so the crew can find their hats.
