It's My Birthday

On Bear's birthday, Grandma and Grandpa bring him a special present: a photo album about his early life, including his first three birthdays. Bear sees pictures of himself in the hospital, his first bath, his first Sunday out, learning to walk, throwing toys out of his stroller and riding a toy elephant. When he turns to a blank page, Bear learns that he is in for a new birthday surprise: a picnic at the river with his family and friends. At the end of the day, they take a picture, to be added to the album. Watanabe and Ohtomo, who have collaborated previously on the I Can Do It All by Myself books, bring the same warmth and intuitiveness to the first book in their new I Love Special Days series. The text is simple, clear and concise while the softly colored illustrations add a special touch to Bear's birthday celebration. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)