Buzzy's Birthday
It's the day of Buzzy's birthday party, and he can't wait for the fun to get started!
Readers will empathize with the titular donkey-child in this sweet book. Both the text and the bright, whimsical illustrations totally capture the almost unbearable eagerness a small child feels as his birthday approaches, and the fun lift-the-flap format heightens the anticipatory tone even more.
The story begins with an illustration of Buzzy, who looks to have just leaped out of bed and flung off his pajama top, and his mother, whose arms are open wide for a hug. "Buzzy is having a birthday party," the text says. "And he wants it now!" Readers follow Buzzy through his day, as he helps his mommy and daddy get ready--blowing up balloons (his is face hilariously scrunched-up), decorating the cake, setting the table--and asking, over and over, variations on "Is it time now?" His parents remain cheerful and patient ("Not yet. Can you wait just a little longer?", and Buzzy keeps his spirits up too. Finally, after one false alarm (the mail carrier, who brings letters for Buzzy), the doorbell rings and the guests arrive! "Buzzy doesn't have to wait anymore!" the text says, and readers will feel Buzzy's jubilance as his friends and family sing "Happy Birthday to you" and he blows out the birthday candles. The final page shows Buzzy happily ensconced in present-time, with two of his grinning friends standing by.
My three-year-old's excitement builds along with Buzzy's as we lift the flaps and turn the pages, and he loves singing "Happy Birthday" along with the party guests. "Remember my birthday?" he invariably asks. It's great fun for toddlers and preschoolers--and a pleasure for bigger folks to read aloud.
