Birthdays Books

This book continues the lovely legacy of Patricia Polacco's wonderful family! Especially terrific illustrations, too.

This is a book about a dad and his daughter. It's the girl's birthday and the dad and the two brothers all forgot. Instead of celabrating her birthday, they go to a very scary place. If you want to know if they get to celebrate, go and read the book.

When Patricia woke up she knew that it was her birthday. She expected to find a cake, candles and gifts, but she did not. It seemed that every one had forgoton her birthday. When her father got home from work her brother and cousin Bill, planned to take Patricia down to The Clay Pit-- the scariest place on earth. Read this book to see what happens.

Polacco writes from her own past. While the trials and tribulations of growing up with divorced parents are presented realistically in Polacco's books, she is able to keep an upbeat perspective. Her relationship with her father shines through in this story. This book definitely tells the story of a very differnet birthday. Simple times can still have exciting experiences. This is a good way for children to be immersed in childhood from years past. Check out My Ol' Man for another wonderful, touching book by this author.

This yarn is about a young girl's presumably forgotten birthday, mixed in with a pseudo-scary hunt for the dreaded "Clay Pit Bottoms Monster." The girl, Patricia, and her brother visit their divorced dad, an interesting figure who suggests after work that they look for the monster and take the first ever picture of it. Patricia is disappointed that her birthday was apparently forgotten, but she, her dad, brother, and cousin experience fun, excitement, and the unmistakable strength of her father's love as they try to lure the creature out of the lake. There's a surprise birthday cake (decorated with a rubber monster on top!) waiting for Patricia after they run home thinking they've met the "monster." Polacco ends with a nice touch: Her protagonist reports "Then everyone sang `Happy Birthday' to me. My dad sang the loudest-and off-key, of course. That's my dad."

There's a bit too much narration in Polacco's story, and her inimitable illustrative style is not as fully realized as in "The Bee Tree " (1998), Casey at the Bat (1997), or some of her other best work. Still, this late 1950's period piece has all the elements that make this author/illustrator one of my favorites: Warmth, the building of memories, and a uniquely enjoyable illustrative style.

This is a cute book. I needed some kind of gag gift for a friend who was turning 50. This was perfect. We passed it around at the birthday party and it was a hit.

This is a funny little Q & A joke book -- with some cute little Q&A jokes/riddles . . . but since it's printed on both the front and back covers, I was expecting, "A Funny Birthday QUIZ."

A quiz normally invites input from the reader, and I was expecting more along the lines of -- quite frankly -- a QUIZ.

Nevertheless, it is a cute little book that would be a good gift for those turning 50 whom like Q&A jokes.

Just don't be expecting a funny birthday QUIZ!!

Not only is this book "laugh outloud funny," it is the perfect "stocking stuffer" gift for all of my baby-boomer friends who turn the big 5-0 this year!

Any true baby boomer will get a kick out of this book for its humor and quotability. Even those of us who haven't hit the big 5-0 have begun to say "You know, 50 ain't that old." This book makes it easier to accept what is now barely middle age.

I've read funnier quotes at a post-apocalypse planning meeting. I'd like to believe that as I get closer to 50 (not quite there yet--but soon) my sense of humor is growing more sophisticated. Why then a book filled with humor best appreciated by those with the most juvenile sense of humor? I don't know if the author's name really is Witte, but based upon this title, he should consider changing it to Hackneyed. After finishing this book, you won't be amused, only depressed.

BRAVO

LOVE THE BIRTHDDAY CAKE BOOK!!!!! BOUGHT IT TO SEND TO MY DAUGHTER
WHOSE HUSBAND LOVES GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE, WHICH SOUNDS WONDERFUL.
AM HOPING WHEN I VISIT THEM I WILL BE FETED WITH ESPRESSO HAZELNUT
DACQUOISE. OF COURSE THE KIDS WILL LOVE THE CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA
CUPCAKE TOWER. WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY TREATS FOR ALL TASTES.

this book was surprisingly small! Not that size matters...
the book wasn't up to my expectations. The format made it look like it was published in 1980. Pictures were grainy, cakes were old fashioned looking. I'll be honest, i didn't even try a recipe. The book is on it's way back to Amazon.

Dede Wilson has done it again! Her new cookbook, The Birthday Cake Book is an inspiration to anyone who has ever wondered what sort of cake to bake for a particular person. With 75 ideas that can be mixed and matched, Wilson will inspire you and instruct you in baking a delicious memory for even the most difficult birthday-boy (or girl) on your list. My personal favorite of the several I have tried from this book is the plain old-fashioned yellow cake with seven-minute frosting. You can dress it up, or tone it down, but it is sure to please. Wilson's instructions are clear and well-presented. The recipes are foolproof, and excellent. This is the perfect book for wedding showers, baby showers, or just plain old fun giving. Team it up with a couple of cake pans or piping supplies and a selection of gel food colorings. Your gift will be used and appreciated for many years to come.

I bought this book and made the Caramel-Walnut-Spice birthday cake for my girlfriend's birthday. I don't bake very often, but the author's instructions are very easy to follow and the cake was very good.

The 5 tips for frosting cakes in the introduction were helpful, and the photos make it difficult to decide which cake to choose when my birthday rolls around.

It's definitely nice to feel like I'm making something on my own that's as good as I'd get at a bakery.

This book provides some fresh and fun ideas for the cook who wants to try something new and different for that annual event - the birthday. After years of making birthday cakes for family members, one can fall into the routine of making the same old time-tested recipe. It's time to get enthusiastic again about birthdays!! This book gives the home cook glorious photographs of what they can create and recipes that are easy to follow. Even better, give the book to the kids and ask them to choose their birthday cake this year! The recipes are not all for the kids - there are some pretty elegant cakes for more sophisticated adult tastes. The book includes basic cake and frosting recipes for making cakes for any occasion - no need to limit it to birthdays. Your family will thank you for buying this book.

Cute illustrations and sweet story, but the text is way too long. Also, I'm not a huge fan of kids books where someone else solves the main character's problem. But another book by this author is GREAT: Monster Hug. Check that one out instead!

This book will delight all the little ones in your family. It's a heart-warming tale of friendship between a cowboy and his faithful horse, Andy. The cover catches your attention right away with the colorful illustration, and Andy's larger-than-life, emotional facial expressions keep you smiling all the way through.

An exceptional tale of friendship and how people can learn a lot from their pets. The art is truly appropriate to this author's wonderful way with words ... and description. No cliches here! What a writer!

Highly recommended ... for kids and grandparents too.

This picture book captures the narrative flow of a western tale, with words simple enough for a child to understand but complex enough to tell a detailed story. The art blends familiar cartoon characters against a western backdrop, connecting today's children with a cherished view of America's past.

I love the message of this book. Children are constantly being bombarded with messages of needing more and more stuff. This books lesson is that good friends are more important than stuff. The story full of magic moments and beautiful illustrations too.

Found this book by accident while browsing around Amazon. Ordered it and loved it!
Andy's devotion to his cowboy Ned is touching. Makes me want to get a horse ... like King, the pony I had as a child. In my imagination, I can just see King doing something "human and loving" like Andy.
The illustrations are perfect for this author's well-chosen words.
A good, entertaining book.

This book was awesome! But there were so many problems. First, Madison and Aimee are planning a surprise party for their BFF ( Fiona) and her twin brother. And it takes so much work. Also Madison's friend, Egg, is going to log off as her friend forever. And Madison and her Dad get in their first big fight. And Madison and Fiona enter a web page contest. And they compete aganist Egg and Fiona's brother (Chet). There was just so many things going on! But it was a great book! If you love Madison Finn then you should read this book. You should even read it if you aren't a Madison Finn fan.

This book is about when Madison Finn hears about a web contest. They have to create a web page that would be helpfull to others(w/school/ subjects). Maddie thinks this will be fun until Chet (Fiona's twin) and Egg( Maddie's Best Guy Friend) Double Dare her and Fiona to see who will win! Just some friendly competition, right? Wrong. 'Cuz when Madison's frienship w/Egg starts to get weird, is the contest really that important that she'll lose her BGF (best guy friend)? And Is Egg logging off as a friend forever? He wouldn't dare... would he? Read the book to find out!!!
Fiona and Chet's birthday is coming up(The Twins)! Maddie and Aimee plan a surprise party for them! But it starts turning into double trouble. Can they keep the secret? They sneak around and go in private chats to plan the party. Hope Fiona doesn't find out! Then the surprise will be ruined!! This is a cool book!! Can't wait for the 16th one, Three's A Crowd, and the Super Edition, To Have And To Hold!!! >^,,^<

I can't believe blew her off like that. I know that he might be better friends with Chet, but he could have at least talked to him and her about it. I did feel better when Fiona became her partner, even though that's all they thought about. But the way Aimee and her threw that party was awesome! Especially since Ivy dressed in a mini and almost let everyone see England and France!

i have read all the madison finn books,and this is not one of my favorites.its basically just about how madison and fiona r competing against egg and chet in this webpage contest.oh and then madison and her friends r planning a surprise b-day party 4 fiona and chet.it was kinda boring 2 me,but thats just my opion.i would reccomend # 9 and the super editon,those r my favs!

I have read and I own ALL of the Madison Finn book. This book is so cool!! Can't wait for the rest!! BYE AND BUY THIS BOOK IT'S AWESOME!!! It was really totally kewl!!!!! lol >^,,^<

We got this for our daugheter for her first birthday and she loved it instantly. Now at 18 months she still plays with it. Warning though - it is loud music! I would love a volume control option in the future.

We have a few of these singing books my son loves them but with everyone we have gotten they seem to be getting louder. You can't even read the book until the music stops forget it as a nap time book. I am disapointed as it is far to loud.

Bought this for my grandson who loved it. The frame around his picture lights up and musical happy birthday melody.

I loved the book and it did arrive very quickly and was in new condition but the battery is in the process of being replaced BEFORE I even give it to my grandson for his birthday. The battery is either defective or else has been played continuously as it is weak and barely audible. Too bad as the vendor's service was excellent.

My sister in law purchased this book for our babies first birthdays (my daughter is 4 weeks older than her son). The book was an istant hit with both of them and still is 6 months later. I cannot think of many books that are big hits with both of them. My nephew has played with his so much the battery has been replaced. In a tub of books, this is one my daughter will still seek out to look at. I even bought this book as a gag gift for my friend who loves tacky wacky adult birthday gifts such as these.

This book was touted as new. Shipping was as much as the book itself. Book came in the mail. edges are worn and it has the 'read" look to it. I am VERY disappointed a sthis was for a birthday present.

I am buying this book for my son and daughter (3 and 5 respectively). They both love Thomas and my son particularly loves this book. He can hardly wait to get to the end where Sir Topham Hatt and the gang yell "Surprise!"

He even presses his face against Thomas' on the last page and quietly whispers "Happy Birthday" to his favorite steamie.

A wonderful addition to any Thomas fan's library.

"Thomas does not want to work today. It is his birthday! He wants a party, with presents, balloons, and silly hats. But Sir Topham Hatt says, `Henry is busy. Gordon is busy. James is busy. You must work today, Thomas.'" -From the book

Even though it is his birthday, Thomas is sent out to work on the railway. He works hard all day long, and is sad that no one wishes him a happy birthday. Has everyone forgotten?

At the end of the day, a dejected Thomas chugs into the darkened shed. "Some birthday", he thinks.

Just then the lights go on-and Thomas is given a wonderful surprise from the other engines, railway employees, and Sir Topham Hatt!

Happy Birthday, Thomas! is a Step 1 "Step into Reading" book that is geared to children in Preschool to Grade 1. The type is large, the sentences are short, and the illustrations are bright and colorful. There are no insults traded among the trains in this book, unlike the Thomas the Tank Engine stories geared to older children.

I bought this book for my first grader to read to her 19 month old brother, and it has quickly become my little one's favorite book. The illustrations are beautiful, and the text is simple. The concepts are riveting for little ones - trains, birthday, surprises, and a cow on the train tracks. We all enjoy this book, but my toddler absolutely loves it.

My 3 year old son loves Thomas right now. In this book, Thomas is sad because he must work on his birthday. But, while he works, his friends plan a surprise party for him. The language is very simple, and the simple vocabulary repeats often. So it is very easy for young children to understand and enjoy. My 3 year old can tell the story page by page. My 22 month old son can tell parts of the story. They fight over the book. I rated the book 4 stars instead of 5 because children who don't know Thomas might not look at it right away. But it is a lovely story, with very nice illustrations. The book is short, so it keeps their attention until the end.

I thought it was stupid of her to even by the book in the first place

When Karen decides to have her first boy-girl party WITH kissing games, she and her best friend Janet decide to become experts first. They buy the book and practice the kisses--they'll be two steps ahead of everyone else! Can you prepare for the unexpected though? Lots of laughs and fun for the reader.

I read this when I was in sixth grade and loved it. I read it again recently, 15 years later, and it's even better than I remembered! It's a fun read, even for adults. And I love the fairy-tale ending...

I read this in Junior High so I believe I was even a little too old for this book. It was a quick read. I do remember, however, that it brought back memories of what is now a classic, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" because Margaret also has to deal with a kissing game at a friend's party.
This book is not as old as "Margaret" (which is from the 1970s)so it might interest younger readers more, as it will seem more contemporary, but it wasn't as deep, so they may prefer the substance of "Margaret" and empathize more with that character. Still, Karen is likable and her situations in and out of school are fun. What was touching was the relationship between Karen and her gran. I also loved those self-assertions, the goofiness of puberty, and Karen's make out sessions with her teddy bear.

Just before her 13th birthday, Karen Kepplewhite's best friend (Janet Hamm) surprises her with an early birthday present: a book entitled "How to Kiss Like an Expert". By memorizing and practicing beforehand, they hope their experience will pay off during the kissing games at Karen's party, especially since the two boys (Mark Ritchie and Danny DePuzo) they have crushes on will be there. However, the one complication they face is the new girl Karen reluctantly invites to the party, Star Sumner, the beautiful seventh grader who lives nearby. Both Karen and Janet think she'll be too much of a distraction for either girl to get anywhere with Mark and Danny, but it still won't stop them from trying.

The funniest part in the book is when Karen gets a straw stuck up her nose while she's out with Mark and their friends--and then later, absentmindedly, she drinks out of the same straw. This is just one of the few comical scenes in the book. It's really quick and fun to read (under 100 pages), and if you can relate to the girls' kissing dilemma, then you'll more than likely enjoy "Karen Kepplewhite Is the World's Best Kisser". Recommended for preteen girls.

Max and Ruby books are good for young toddlers. The stories are very vague and nothing ever really happens leaving the ending of the book a little dry. If you like Max and Ruby I suppose this book is along the lines of standard for this author. There is that red lobster that appears in this book (and others) that chases Max around and around and like always Ruby is trying to get him out of trouble...at the end Max wants to do it again.

Max's Bday is another wonderful little Max book for children and adults. They capture a young child's world with humor and empathy. As Max asserts his "needs," Ruby perceives them as "wants" much like parents. I am a child/family psychologist and I use the Max and Ruby books frequently.

Max and his sister Ruby are back. Max unwraps Ruby's gift - a large wind-up mechanical lobster - and is startled as it seems to chase him around the house. As always, Rosemary Wells delights young listeners with her surprise ending and simple dialog. I read this to my day care children and the 1 and 3 year olds love it. Adults will enjoy the details such as the party outfits decorated with cake and ice cream and Max's facial expressions. And when your children want to hear this book over and over, it's a quick read aloud.

The Max books are among my favorites for small children, and this one is no exception. While it explores concepts like "over," "under," etc., at the same time it includes interesting illustrations and a story line that preschoolers and their parents can relate to (Max is afraid of his birthday present -- a windup dragon -- at first, but after running away from it for several pages, in the end says, "Again!"). In all of the Max books that we have read so far, the author incorporates amusing common childhood traits into an entertaining story that everyone can relate to. This book gets my vote for one that parents and children will enjoy reading together, over and over.

I was disappointed with "Max's Birthday" because it wasn't about birthdays at all: it was all about Max getting a toy lobster that he was afraid of. Other than a wrapped present on the cover and a party hat and birthday-cake clothes throughout, a toddler would have a hard time knowing that this is a book about birthdays. When I bought this after a search of the Baby/Preschool category, looking under the keyword "birthday," my hope had been to obtain a couple of good books to help my two toddlers understand the concept of turning 2 and celebrating the event. To me, this just didn't cut it.

I purchased this book for my grand daughter's birthday. She enjoys the Spot books, and especially liked that Spot had a birthday at the same time as her birthday! Her 18 month old baby sister carries all the Spot books around the house, showing the hidden pictures to anyone who will explore with her. Love those Spot Books!!

Our names are Jacob Kwoka and Javeon Tomlinson. We LOVE all the Spot lift-the-flap books! Our Favorite books is Spot's Birthday Party. We like when Spot and his friends play hide-and-go-seek. We hope Eric Hill writes lots and lots of Spot lift-the-flap books!!!!!

its spots birthday every one and he is having some friends over and they decide to play hide and seek he finds bear be hind the curtin snake is hiding in the cabnit but he cant seem to find monkey then he finds him and they party Happy Birthday Spot

Spot plays hide and seek at his birthday party in Eric Hill's great series for both young and slightly older toddlers. The guests are hidden under flaps, but both Spot and your reader can find clues to who's hiding even before lifting the flap (e.g., a silhouette, a banana peel, his mom's tail sticking out from beneath a table). Bright colors and a variety of uncovered animals make this a fun book, though the title is a bit misleading. The book really has very little to do with Spot's birthday until the very last page, when all the animals are shown bringing presents. The bold black text also makes this a nice book for the beginning reader. 22 pages.

I was disappointed with "Spot's Birthday Party" because the format was totally inappropriate for the Baby/Preschool age-group I searched/purchased under. The inside pages are paper (which, believe it or not, isn't an issue even tho I have 2-year-old twins). The problem isn't the paper, per se, but that it's paper pages WITH FLAPS for the kids to open and close. My kids are gonna want to open those flaps, and since the pages/flaps are flimsy paper instead of cardboard, those flaps are going to stay on for only two or three readings--max. [Suggestion: the only lift-the-flap books that you recommend for this age-group should be cardboard books with cardboard pages.]