BIRTHDAY BLIZZARD
by Bonnie Pryor & illustrated by Molly Delaney
It's disappointing: a record snow comes the night before Jamie's birthday, and so the party she's looked forward to is impossible. Fortunately, Daddy's exhortation to look on the bright side—``Think of it as an adventure''—proves prophetic. He and Jamie go next door to help, and their elderly neighbors come home with them, first of a group that by nightfall includes a stranded couple (with baby) from the highway, another entire family, and even a plow driver (he got stuck) to share balloons and birthday cake, play games, and even come up with impromptu gifts—crowned with a stray pup for Jamie to keep. Delaney's bright illustrations, brimming with energy, make a fine complement to a likable story that should be equally popular for sharing or independent reading. (Picture book. 4-8)