Some Birthday!

September 30, 1991
The entire family has forgotten Patricia's birthday. And to make matters worse, Dad has proposed an evening trip to the Clay Pit at the edge of town--``one of the scariest places on earth.'' Armed with campfire provisions and outfitted in rain gear and galoshes, Dad, Patricia, her brother Rich and cousin Billy embark on the eerie adventure. But when Dad walks off to investigate a mysterious rustling, the children are certain they've spotted the notorious Clay Pit Monster and run screaming all the way home. Belly laughs abound as Dad reveals the monster's true identity, and then the real fun begins--a party for the birthday girl complete with cake and presents. Polacco's ( Rechenka's Eggs ; The Keeping Quilt ) warm illustrations are bursting with homey details, from sweaters frayed at the elbows and worn armchairs to miniature framed snapshots and overloaded electrical outlets. Her particularly emotive faces come alive with fear and anticipation, and a skillful blend of bold, moonlit night scenes and the ample white space of day provides an exciting sense of motion. Polacco has served up a delicious slice of family life. Ages 4-7.

October 1, 1991
PreS-Gr 2- Polacco recalls a memorable birthday celebration from her young life-a summer nighttime cookout with her father, brother, and cousin Billy at the spooky Clay Pit Bottoms, rumored home of a monster. The scary creature sighted turns out to be her dripping Dad, who has fallen into the water. Patricia's birthday is celebrated properly, at last, with cake and a present, but it's the memory of the Clay Pit adventure that lingers. Polacco's inimitable illustrations perfectly accompany this playful tale. From the surprised faces of the quartet on the cover to her father's gleeful glance over the rubber-monster-topped, whipped-cream cake, she has deftly evoked both story and personality in her familiar pencil, colored marker, and acrylic paintings. A tender look at a loving extended family and a great read-aloud as well.- Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Starred review from January 1, 1992
Ages 5-8. From morning till nightfall, Patricia waits expectantly for birthday greetings and presents, but Dad, Gramma, and brother Richie seem to have forgotten all about her special day. That evening, when Dad announces, "Tonight we're going to get the very first photograph ever taken of the Monster at Clay Pit Bottoms," Patricia is still feeling disappointed, but also excited and scared. The spooky campfire, climaxed by the apparent appearance of the monster, will rivet young listeners' attention and the surprise birthday party will be just the twist they've been waiting for. A good storyteller, Polacco creates a first-person narrative that's convincing and entertaining--no mean feat when the narrator's just turned six. The well-composed, full-color illustrations portray a wonderfully homey cast of characters in a diverting series of lively scenes. It's particularly refreshing to see a well-drawn, individualized father larking about, teasing, adventuring, and loving in his own idiosyncratic way. An appealing choice for reading aloud, from its spooky jacket art right down to its happy ending. ((Reviewed Jan 1, 1992))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1992, American Library Association.)