Brandon's Birthday Surprise

May 1, 2012

K-Gr 2-Brandon and his older brother, Riley, are preparing a party for their mother while she is out shopping. They bake a cake, make a birthday card, and construct a pinata. When she returns, the children are thrilled at her surprised expression, not realizing that she may be astonished at the mess they created. The whimsical illustrations have a lot going on, and young children will enjoy inspecting them in detail. Insets explain the history and traditions associated with birthday celebrations, including some traditions from other countries. In the next book, Chelsea and her parents are preparing for Chinese New Year. On the evening before the big day, they gather with extended family for a feast with all of the traditional foods. The cartoon illustrations are colorful and appealing. Insets explain the history and traditions associated with Chinese New Year, both in China and in the United States. A chart of the Chinese zodiac is included. In the third book, Emma and her family are preparing for Easter. They decorate eggs, go to church, eat jelly beans, have dinner with Emma's grandparents, and hunt for eggs. The illustrations, which feature a biracial family, are colorful and expressive. Instructions for making paper Easter flowers are included. Divided into short chapters, these volumes are primarily informational books with stories as backdrops.-Debbie Lewis, Alachua County Library District, FL

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