SOMETIMES CAKE

On regular days, two pals find reasons to celebrate.

Audrey, a little White girl, likes birthdays; but it isn’t hers. Not to worry; her outsize but eminently benign friend Lion is celebrating Tuesdays and coconuts, and she likes Thursdays, so they’ll just celebrate those. Lion is a masterful party host, producing luscious coconut-frosted cakes. On another occasion, Lion is celebrating orange and yellow; Audrey likes purple, so the pair have fun making streamers and a jaunty party hat in those three colors. One day, a forlorn Lion doesn’t have anything to celebrate because “today is just an ordinary day.” Now it’s Audrey’s turn to spread some cheer. She plans a celebration in honor of ordinary days, monkeys (Lion likes them), and lions. The duo play with confetti, then enjoy a game of “monkeys and lions,” followed by hide-and-seek, before striking up some music on toy instruments. Wyatt’s text shows an appreciation of both the drollness and profundity of children’s thinking, and the story’s message about appreciating the little, everyday things is welcome and timely. Children may be inspired to re-create Audrey and Lion’s music jamboree, make confetti poppers, and paint pictures for their own guests of honor. Ainslie’s illustrations, rendered in pencil and gentle watercolors, are airy and sweet, communicating a sense of childlike joy and lightsomeness.

A charmer that reminds readers to cultivate simple pleasures, recognize life’s commonplace gifts, and enjoy a little cake.