My Happy Birthday Book CL

The moody narrator of Alicia Has a Bad Day has a much better day in this greeting-card-size birthday announcement. Delighted by presents, party guests and a ""yummy"" cake with five candles, the girl dances and leads her friends in a parade. ""I sing. Tra-la-la-la! Happy, happy, happy birthday to . . . ME!"" she exclaims. Alicia's name is not mentioned, but readers of the previous book will recognize her blonde bob and round glasses, choppily sketched in crayony black outlines and frosting-thick paint; smeary brushstrokes suggest antic movement. Chances are that this picture book will see double duty as a birthday card and as reading material. Its five-inch-square trim makes it just the right size for the child graduating from board books (or for the older birthday celebrant who has everything). All ages. (Mar.)