Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish

A series of animals demonstrate how to observe a birthday properly through 10 rules in this tale by the creators of Stick and Stone. Yet it immediately--and amusingly--becomes clear that every rule has exceptions. "It must be your birthday" and "your age should have increased by one," doesn't apply to certain creatures: "If your life cycle is a month or a week or sniff, sniff, only a single day, please celebrate immediately!" A party is necessary and balloons suggested unless "you are a rhinoceros, a swordfish, a sea urchin, or pointy in any way." "Combining rules" is okay, too, so "If you are a frog, consider using fireflies as your candles AND your dessert." Lichtenheld's exuberant mixed-media illustrations offer all the fun of a birthday fete, and images of cartoon critters partying in their own way (an aloof moose blows bubbles on the back of an elephant) fortify Ferry's droll message that there are no intractable rules for celebration. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. Illustrator's agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Agency. (Feb.)

PreS-K-Every child longs for their birthday and spends hours dreaming about the big day, and the rules in this joyful book will feel completely familiar to many ("Rule no. 2: You must have a PARTY!"; "Rule no. 8: You must make a Wish"). Children will especially love reading and rereading this book to laugh about the exceptions to the 10 birthday rules and to point out fun details of Lichtenheld's anthropomorphic animal drawings. Every birthday rule has at least one exception, and each one is silly, charming, or both. For example, food, streamers, confetti, and balloons are great for a party unless you are an animal that is "pointy in any way." If so, author Ferry observes that these animals might want to "skip the balloons," and Lichtenheld's illustrations of a rhino, swordfish, and sea urchin all popping balloons are wonderful, as are their short apologetic commentaries ("oopsie," "sorry," "my bad"). Along with the rules and the humorous exceptions, the story has a pervading sweetness, reminding grown-ups to cherish the days of birthday wishes and to celebrate the optimism and hopefulness of young children. VERDICT This celebratory book will appeal to children and parents alike--a wonderful read-aloud for any time of year.--Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, CA