Birthday Rules

December 15, 2014
Percy Isaac Gifford shares his rules for maximizing birthday fun. In a stuttering rhythm, Friedman's rhyming verses describe how Percy goes about preparing for and then enjoying his birthday. "The first thing you should know: / This day comes just once a year. / So enjoy every moment! It's filled with birthday cheer." Most parents will be chagrined to notice that Percy's initials dance uncomfortably close to his actions: "This rule is my mantra: / Today is all about you!"; "There's no time like the present for a present"; "Anything is good that comes wrapped in a bow!" Happily, he does note that kids should say thank you to each gift-giver and help clean up after the festivities. Otherwise, though, his rules are nothing earth-shattering or surprising, and at best, they can be considered slightly strange-look your best, eat every bite of cake, it's not a party until the birthday song's been sung. Ultimately readers will be left feeling slightly cheated, as there's nothing here they couldn't figure out for themselves. Patterned-paper backgrounds and found objects collaged in to the illustrations add textural interest to Murfin's artwork, which is filled with rosy-cheeked characters with oddly placed (and shaped) noses. Other birthday-themed books present more realistic versions of these annual celebrations, acknowledging that most parties are not all fun and games and that a little rain falls on every parade. (Picture book. 4-7)

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February 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-Who knew that birthdays could be so complicated? Young Percy Isaac Gifford, introduced in Thanksgiving Rules (Carolrhoda, 2009) is back and celebrating his day by providing some detailed instructions for other kids who might follow in his birthday shoes. Tips for a birthday bash include "Shake and shimmy. Hop and roll and skip. Twirl and tap and tango. Leap and bounce and flip!" Official birthday rules like "Rule #7: It ain't over till there's singing" can be found interwoven throughout the narrative. The text is fun and lyrical, but the rhythm is often forced and inconsistent. The full-bleed mixed-media illustrations are engaging and draw readers along through use of vibrant colors and eye-popping texture. The typeface adds a celebratory feel but fluctuates in size, color, and font so often that it can feel extremely busy when mixed with collage artwork. VERDICT A nice choice for a birthday gift or a special read for birthdays in classrooms or daycares.-Megan Egbert, Meridian Library District, ID

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