IT'S MY BIRTHDAY
by Helen Oxenbury & illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
A sweet young epicene sets out to bake a birthday cake. The little one is aided by a parade of animal friends—a chicken, a cat, a bear, a pig, a dog, a monkey—all of whom scurry about to pull together the various ingredients and then lend their expertise to the baking. The odd company gather on the last page to share and celebrate in typically cheerful Oxenbury (Tom and Pippo on the Beach, 1993) style. The pencil and pale wash illustrations are also distinctive Oxenbury: amiable, affectionate, and like old pals by the end of the story. (Picture book. 2+)