Birthdays Books

A colleague gave me Gardens of Light as a gift. She said its poetic prose and soothing art gave her such a sense of spiritual peace that she wanted to share it with all of her friends. I was not only touched by the book's insight, but I could also almost feel the artist's hand lead me to a more beautiful place within myself.

The presentation of thoughts & their connections to the Arts is very interesting. My favorite was "The Treasures of the Garden". She made me feel that being on the downhill side of life isn't so bad after all.The lovely paintings really emphasised what the artist felt & portrayed. The butterflys, the flowers & the swans were beautiful. I will watch for her next book.

This small treasure of a book should be read by anyone who is reaching deeper within themselves, their relationships, and the world. The art is wonderful, and one can see how the artwork inspired the artist to create a beautiful message to share with others.

The illustrations are beautiful. The grace and use of color is very soothing to ones' soul. Her art speaks to me. I find the book dear and quite lovely. It is a great gift book. The design of the book is very user friendly. The writing is thought provoking. I highly recommend this book.

Caroline Uff's books are simply terrific. I am a librarian and often read Lulu to preschoolers. They love everything, from her name, to her family, to her sunshine smile and perfect braids. The artwork is vivacious and the text simple, but expressive. We can't wait for the next Lulu to be published.

Happy Birthday, Lulu! is a wonderful book for preschool through early school age children. From beginning to end it contains large, bold words to catch the young readers attention as well as those just beginning to recognize words. Also the positioning of the words at the top of the page makes it easy for the child to find. Another great aspect of this book is its vibrant colors. Uff uses many different bright shades to make her pictures stand out. When I first saw them I thought of a pack of crayons. Some light, some bright, but all of them bursting off the page. I thought it was clever how she used a double-page spread. Combined with her use of large pictures and sentimental meaning, I find it hard to look away or loose attention. This is a wonderful book that any preschooler would love to look at, read, or just point out the large array of colors and familiarity.

This is the third in the superb Lulu series from Caroline Uff. Each book is an idealised story of childhood.

My child is completely captivated by the vibrant colours. Each page has lovely illustrations with a simple dialogue or narrative. The story is easy to follow. The characters are diverse and appealing. My little daughter is excited each time she sees the book, and is not content until she has been read it and shown the pictures. She has longer periods of concentration reading Lulu than she has with any of her other toys or books.

I am now a fan of Caroline Uff's books, and can sincerely recommend her books to any parent.

Lulu is a charming, colourful character brought to life with vibrant illustrations. The pictures really appeal to my little girl, and she never tires of being read it.

In this offering of the highly popular American Girls Series, Samantha Parkington learns more about her Uncle Gard's new wife after a new birthday present named Jip gets loose and leads the girls to City Park.

Remembering her strict Grandmother's earlier admonitions to stay away from radical suffragist activities, being caught in the park is a major concern, but Samantha and her cousins are in for a suprise feminist organizing crash course when they learn Grandmary has decided to listen to the lecture herself.

The prospect of American Women voting is no longer exotic or automatically radical, but the book implies connection between the 19th century "first wave" of feminism (suffragettes and reformers) with today's "second" and "third wave" counterparts who are able to enjoy political rights, the real life counterparts to Aunt Cornelia could only dream of using. Instead of being demonized or trivalized, women's political activity organizing on behalf of their own rights is something all women (regardless of age) should become involved in.

Even until the late 1990's, the numbers of American women participating in politics as office holders themselves remained pittably small compared to the percentage of potential elgible officeholders. Reccenty however, the question has shifted from if the United States will have a woman president to when and who that canidate will be.

The book is also notable because it suggests the inevitability of one time opponents eventually embracing feminism themselves as a result of respectful dialouge between both sides. This title technically is a children's book, but the lesson from the encounter between Samantha's beloved Grandmary (who has long expressed sentiments hostile to many progressive reforms) and Cornelia (herself ironically responsible for those same reforms) indicates women of initially different politics can work together and find common ground, if only they listen to eachother's concern's and needs.

I was however bothered the book did not mention women of color this increased climate of mutuality and respect. Although part of this was due to the very real biases of suffragists themselves (glossed over in the book)it also gives the impression of first wave feminists being more guilt-free of bias than they actually were. Having been raised by the same dominant society that freely proclaimed segregation and African American inferiority, these first wave feminists were unware of how it affected their work, or understood and placed potential southern support (whose elected officials were determined to avoid enfranchising black women) above earlier anti-racist committments.

I LIKE BOOK. IT GIVE MORE SUPRISED WHEN I START TO READ IT. ITS A
GREAT BOOK. I TITED YOU THIS BOOK.

This is another in the American Girls series about Samantha Parkington, a (now) ten-year-old orphan girl living with her grandmother in the America of 1904. In this book, it is Samantha's birthday, and a great party for her and her friends is followed by a special surprise; she is going to the metropolis of New York City, to visit with her aunt and uncle, and her aunt's vivacious young sisters. This is a time of learning about new ways of doing things...especially when Samantha learns her aunt's secret - she is a Suffragist!

The final chapter of this book is a fascinating look at growing up in the America of 1904. As always, the illustrations provided by Nancy Niles and Robert Grace are wonderful, and add a lot to the experience of reading this wonderful book. This is another great Samantha book, one that my daughter and I both highly recommend to you!

That brat Eddie Ryland ruined Samantha's perfect birthday party! Sam is so disappointed, until Agatha and Abigail get an idea! Read about Sam's trip to New York, where she chases a dog, sees a new side of Aunt Cornelia, and learns about women's rights.

this book was REALLY good. Kirsten is way pretty! and she and her family are in a tornado!! I am 12 yearsold and i really enjoy this! It really feels like your in the tornado too! my cuz has all of her books i only have one but i wish i had all of her books I will probabbly soon but all fans who love adventures and american girl collection will go nuts over kirstens 4th book so good job Janet shaw for writing this!
you really did a good job!!

"Happy Birthday, Kirsten!" takes place on the Minnesota frontier in 1854, where a 9-year-old girl named Kirsten Larson lives with her Swedish immigrant family. In this book, she and her friends plan on making a quilt for their teacher, Miss Winston. However, Kirsten is much too busy with her added chores to be an active part of the group. Not only that, but she's uncertain about whether or not she'll be able to celebrate her upcoming tenth birthday (she was unable to do so the previous year), because of her mother's pregnancy. Despite Kirsten's dilemmas, the story has a happy ending for everyone, involving a new sibling, a litter of kittens, and a barn-raising party.

For being such a small book (59 pages), "Happy Birthday, Kirsten!" has quite a bit of historical info, mainly in the last six pages, titled "Growing up in 1854." In addition, there are numerous bright and colorful photos and pictures on practically every page in this book, drawn by the talented Renée Graef. This is an ideal book/series for preteen girls who like historical settings. If you liked this book, then you'll probably enjoy the other Kirsten books in this American Girls series as well.

It is springtime. Kirsten and her cousin Anna were beating rugs when they saw tornado clouds start to form. Everyone went into their cellar. Kirsten is turning ten in one month. She has to stay home from school because her mom is having a baby and needs help around the house. Kirsten is sad and angry because she thinks she will miss out on all the fun at school, especially making a quilt for their teacher. Find out what happens by reading the rest of this book.

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kirsten Larson, a nine-year-old girl from Sweden, whose family has moved to frontier Minnesota of 1854. In this book, Kirsten's mother is pregnant, and that means that Kirsten must do her own chores, plus those that her mother can no longer perform. With her birthday coming up, and all of her friends having fun working on a quilt for their teacher, Kirsten finds that she must concentrate on the work that must be done. How will it work out for Kirsten?

This is another wonderful story, with an important lesson. In it, Kirsten (and the reader) learns about responsibility and working together. As always, Renee Graef's illustrations are wonderful, and the final chapter (on growing up in 1854) is interesting and informative.

[For those adults interested in reading adult historical fiction about Swedish immigrants, please consider reading The Emigrants by Vilhelm Moberg.]

We love all Maisy books but this one is by far the best, tons of flaps and pull tabs make this book a favorite w/ my three yr old AND her 3 month old little brother! This book is so much fun, anytime! If your not familiar w/Lucy Cousins, she hits it right on target w/ her simple, bold primary colored illustrations and simple stories, kids just love!

We all love this one. It's our favorite of all the Maisy books we've read so far. Unlike many others that just have flaps this one does so much more. My daughter loves to blow out the birthday candles, (while I pull the tab), and slurp the juice, (while I again make it disappear.) I think my husband was won over by the happy birthday underwear under the party dress. All and all, a lot of fun and the mini version does the same as the bigger one for such a low price.

Cousins "has it down" when it comes to the perfect books for children ages 0-4. Simple stories, two-dimensional drawings and bright primary colors. The subtle "lessons" that she passes on are a refreshing break from the sledgehammer approach to teaching taken by Barney, etc. No wonder Maisy is so popular!

My 2-year old daughter received this on her 2nd birthday and loved the simple, bright pictures and the moving features. We've read it to her at least twice a day for 3 weeks now. Not much text. the Happy Birthday song in big letters really gets her going.

great book, and my daughter loves the "if you're bananas and you know it" variation. very fun addition to the home book collection!!

My sister is a principal and highly recommeded this book for my grandchildren. THey love to read and sing so what better gift than to have it all wrapped into one.

Fun book with familiar song, but the pictures are not the best.

Kids always find it easier to read when they already hear the song in their head, so this one will be a surefire hit for threes and fours who desperately want to learn to read. Music score is included.

This book was great. Very enjoyable. I have many friends that are leap day babies involved with The Quadrennial Council and they all loved it also. [..]

The book is very cute, but LONG and for kids who already understand the concept of leap year! It's really just a silly, cute story. I have a leap day child from 2000 who just turned "6" (Kindergarten) and this book is way over his head. I'm trying to help him understand why he doesn't have a birthday this year or next year, and have found NOTHING available! So.... I'm writing my own!!

I was born on Leap Day. This is a great book. The author really captures the boys Leapness with accuracy and humor. I enjoyed this book so much. It would have been so cool to have a book like this when I was a kid. And the illustrations are comfortable and delightful.

A book about someone born on Leap Day... FINALLY!
Every library should have one. Home, school and city!

Finally, a children's book about being born on February 29th (Leap Year). I've looked for years to find such a book and here it is. This is a great story about Miles' finally getting to celebrate his birthday on the 29th of February. The author did a wonder job on this book and the illustrations are great. Recommended for parents and teachers alike.

We love this book. There is beautiful poetry and fabulous artwork. This has been our #1 babygift.

What a beautiful book for children of all ages! Each birthday month is celebrated and explored with wonderful, catchy, wording and unbelievable illustrations. A wonderful book for a family to read together, celebrating each child. Also would be great for a classroom to celebrate student's birthday month.
Love this book. Highly recommend it to you!

This book is not only beautiful to look at but also to read and listen to. The words are inspiring and has something to make each child feel special. The illustrations are so vibrant and colorful, but uncomplicated so that it is easy for a child to appreciate and enjoy. This book is perfect for a birthday or shower gift. I have a few teacher friends and I will be recommending this to them for their classes, to celebrate their students birthday months.

January's Child's lyrical and soothing poetry creates the feeling that each individual child is celebrated, adored and unique. The vibrant illustrations bring each month to life with amazing colors and images that enhance the feeling of well-being created by the rhythmic chant of the text. The book evokes a sense of peace and serenity; curling up with your little one is the perfect way to enjoy this lovely work!

These kipper books are just SOO great! My daughter absolutely loves him and they are great first reading books.

Kipper decides to get rid of his smelly old blanket, threadbare toy rabbit and soggy ball and bone, only to discover that they are what makes his basket so special and comfortable. My 18 month old daughter takes great pleasure in Kipper's attempts at imitating ducks sleeping on one leg; wrens nesting in a garden pot; squirrels building stick nests; etc. which all end in failure of course! The simple yet lively text holds even the youngest of attention spans and Mick Inkpen's humorous pictures are a joy for children and adults alike.

Kipper is a pudgy, brown and white dog, with a twist to his smile. He decides to clean out his dog bed. He learns that by making changes of what is around him, he finds that a new change, makes a big change in how he feels.

Kipper tries several new and different places to hang out. By trying to be where other critters live, Kipper finds he is just not comfortable with those new changes, and he goes back to his messy dog bed, that he had in the first place.

Kipper learned that he really cared about what he had in the first place! There are 22 cute animated large illustrations. Kipper is a smart dog to get to know!

The Kipper books are wonderful! The length is perfect for young ones with short attention spans. With the colorful illustrations and delightful story, Kipper has quickly become my son's favorite book. Great for a bedtime story since Kipper is in search of a new bed!

We first checked this out of the library and it was so wonderful that I requested it by name as a Christmas gift from family. I agree with everything that's been said here--this book is a treasure!

Let me begin by saying they have got the age range wrong. I think any child 5 and under would enjoy this book. (My eldest just turned 5 and she certainly likes it.) The artwork is colorful and pleasant and as you turn the pages the pictures become increasingly dense with added characters and action. Certainly there is enough activity to keep older children occupied. And because of the repetitiveness they might even *read* it themselves.

We adore this book. It has humor and warmth and it extends the old short rhyme with an even better story. In this version, Little Miss Muffett's spider doesn't chase her away, instead he asks her to stay. Then come lemurs with streamers, magpies with bowties, foxes with boxes, pussycats with partyhats, poodles with oodles of noodles, bears with chairs, puffins with muffins, gibbons with ribbons and crocodiles with 10 greedy smiles. But to what end? Surprise! It's a birthday party.

There is so much to this book. It teaches counting and rhyming. It introduces animals that are not typical in young children's' reading: puffins, lemurs and gibbons. For my children, it elicited in them the desire to memorize the poem (it was so much fun). To me this indicates that they are learning to love literature and reading.

I think it would make a great birthday gift, but don't buy it just for that. Think of all that your child could learn.

...I have seen quite a few books cross my children's hands. Little Miss Muffet's Count Along Surprise was an immediate hit with all. They read it and reread it aloud to each other constantly. The imaginative words are cleverly knit together and flow with an ingenious rhythm almost completely absent in much of modern children's monosyllabic literature. It is a PLEASURE to hear--even over and over.

The illustrations are imaginative and full of vibrant color and action. They ably embrace the counting element of the book but more importantly, I think, they appeal to children's taste for inventive combinations of related bits of information: "Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, eating her curds and whey, when along came three magpies with taffeta bow-ties and silk vests of very pale grey." Or, "Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, eating her curds and whey, when along came nine gibbons with balloons tied with ribbons and bananas arranged on a tray."...

This book was a huge surprise: it has everything in it a great children's book must have. The elements found in this book include:

1. Counting. My son greatly enjoys how the numbers of Miss Muffet's visitors keep growing.

2. Rhyming. One thing that really grabs my son's attention is rhyming. The rhyming in this book is very clever and definitely rivals Dr. Seuss's best works.

3. Rhythm. This book is easy to read quickly. Not that the book is short, but that the words flow extremely well. As a result, even an 18 month old doesn't have time for attention to wander.

4. Color. The illustrations are full of color and wonderfully illustrate the story. Looking at the pictures is as much fun as reading the story.

5. Story. The story is interesting! My son is excited by each page every time we read the book.

This book, on it's first reading, became one of my son's favorites. I even look forward to reading it!