Only Six More Days

Ben talks of little but his coming birthdaymuch to his older sister's dismay. She meets his growing excitement with increasingly disparaging remarks: ""Who cares?'' and ``So what?'' and, finally, ``By the way, I can't come to your party.'' Her mother wisely intervenes, helping Molly count the days until her birthday; and Molly at last joins Ben's celebration wholeheartedly. An unusual and telling slant distinguishes this look at birthdays. Understated, childlike text accompanies bold, expressive graphics; the work sympathetically conveys the anticipation and exhilaration of the birthday child as well as the understandable jealousy of the sibling who feels left out. Ages 4-up. (April)