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Library | Material Type | Item Barcode | Shelf Number | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Avon-Washington Township Public Library | Juvenile Picture Book Hardback | 120704176943011 | J P KEL | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Relates the disappointments and joys of Henry's birthday party.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-- Henry, who last celebrated Henry's Fourth of July (Greenwillow, 1985), observes a frustrating birthday. His cake is vanilla, not the requested chocolate. The presents don't look promising; one kid even leaves his gift at home. Henry takes his disappointments with some grace, for as long as he can. Blowing out the candles he wishes ``that this were someone else's birthday.'' But the day turns around. He loves his presents and the cake, he has to admit, is quite good. Later Mama comforts and assures him that he can spend a whole year thinking of a better wish. Even with the cozy ending, this story of clouds with silver linings seems awry. Unlike Shirley Hughes' Alfie Gives a Hand (Lothrop, 1984), in which the child acts out on the special day, here the family and friends heap too much turmoil on Henry. Full-color watercolor and black ink are used in Keller's familiar spare style. Pages have lots of white space and there is a deft use of line to bring humor and personality to the mice characters. The typeface is easy to read, large, and graceful. Solid first-grade readers can manage the text. --Jacqueline Elsner, Athens Regional Library, GA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Nothing is going right at Henry's party, and when the time comes to make his wish, Henry unhappily wishes that 'this were someone else's birthday.' Of course, the party does improve, and Henry has a fine time. A refreshingly honest approach to the traditional birthday-party story. From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Nothing seems to go right on Henry's birthday: the cake isn't chocolate, he's not allowed to wear old clothes, and his best friend's present doesn't seem to be what was promised. Fortunately, it all turns out well: vanilla does taste good, and the giant crocodile could fit in the little box only because it wasn't blown up yet. Again, Keller captures one of childhood's real experiences, her simply drawn animal/preschoolers adroitly capturing Henry's consternation and subsequent pleasure. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Ages 3-6. Little Henry is forced to make painful concessions for his fifth birthday party. Not only does Mom bake white cake instead of chocolate, but also the put-upon Henry is forced to wear a shirt and tie, give his candy basket to his cousin, and endure losing the party game. Keller understands how trivial events can loom large in a child's mind, and she emphasizes the phenomenon in her sprightly color washes, which use simple shapes and eye-catching colors to suggest, for example, just how small Cousin Gertie's present really is. But reality isn't only what's right in front of our eyes, and before the big day ends, Henry has a comeback and learns a few gentle lessons. ~--Linda Callaghan