Happy Birthday to Me

February 27, 2023
Colorful, intricate cut-paper collages and brief “I am” statements by Lam (The Line in the Sand) capture the high-flying, many-layered feelings of a kid at the center of a birthday celebration. “I am excited,” for example, accompanies an image of the brown-skinned child protagonist providing a wake-up call by tickling the nose of their sleeping parent with a party horn. “I am... ready” attends vignettes of the youth cycling through eight elaborate outfits before landing on a perfect ensemble. When party guests arrive, the phrases begin to reflect moments of emotional and sensory overload that lead to an eventual comedown. Following cake, “I am being re-donkey-liss!” appears in a striking bird’s-eye view composition of the now hyped-up child making snow angels in a pile of craft supplies while guests, portrayed as intersectionally diverse, work away on a floor-based art activity. After feelings of curiosity and disappointment, “I am sad” heralds a full-out meltdown triggered when others prove more adept at blowing bubbles. The guests depart, and a snuggle on the parent’s lap, free from recrimination, sets the world to rights. Readers should appreciate this accurate and compassionate portrayal—after all, birthdays are a big deal, and not without their ups and downs. Ages 3–6.

Starred review from April 28, 2023

PreS-K-Lam's literal take on the emotional roller-coaster that is a birthday in the life of a young child is rooted in "I am." "I am impatient," "I am sad," "I am jealous," "I am excited," "I am...not feeling so well (after eating a large piece of cake)," are just a few of the expressions that take readers along on the journey of chaos, curiosity, shyness at being the center of attention, and more. Cut-outs of the child, with construction-paper brown skin and black hair, create dynamic displays of these emotions, and her diverse peer group, wearing hijab, using a wheelchair, with glasses, without glasses, contribute to the celebration that opens on a hilarious calendar markdown of days to the event (the day after is marked as "365 days to..."). VERDICT Lam, as usual, has a finger on the pulse of a child's life, and this self-centric version is absolutely spot-on in corralling just how important a birthday is to a preschooler.-Kimberly Olson Fakih

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 15, 2023
Birthdays bring wishes, fun, and so many emotions. A young child with brown skin and straight black hair is celebrating their birthday today. A group of friends diverse in skin color, size, and ability arrive, and the day includes games, crafts, and, of course, cake. With each new activity, the protagonist makes a few declarative statements about their emotional or physical state. When attempting to blow bubbles with their friends, the child states, "I am jealous" because their bubbles are subpar. Eager to blow a big bubble, the child adds, "I am impatient" and "I am sad" when they cannot do what their friends easily can. When served a huge slice of cake, the child declares, "I am hungry"; after devouring it all, they groan, "I am ... not feeling so well." Ultimately, the statements lead to "I am ... overwhelmed?"--a sentence that perfectly encapsulates the day and the mental state of many children experiencing big events. The book's direct language and subdued tone are perfect, and caregivers will appreciate how the statements are made without judgment or embarrassment. The cut-paper collage art enhances the text, making for a deeply personal and honest look at the myriad emotions that fill our days. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Worthy of a celebration, this is a multifaceted yet child-friendly exploration of the big emotions associated with birthdays. (Picture book. 3-6)

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