The Birthday Door - Hardcover

PreSchool-Grade 1 Few children can resist fantasizing about their birthdays and birthday surprises, and, although the text is somewhat unimaginative, Merriam's book will hold appeal for young audiences as they follow Helen and her cat Clio from clue to clue on the morning of her birthday. When an envelope appears inside her door, Helen's treasure hunt begins. Each clue leads her to another door and another message, and the final clue sends her to the dining room where she finds her birthday cake and a huge box. Helen soon discovers a dollhouse just like her own house with "lots and lots of doors." Full-page illustrations are muted colored pencil drawings that complement the simple text nicely. Both illustrations and text have a touch of nostalgia and an old-fashioned charm. Nevertheless, some children may wonder about the "clunk thunk" of the garage door or the "chig choog whoosh" of the dishwasher. In any case, the rhythm and rhyme of the clues will delight listeners and pique their imaginations, and trying to unravel the clues should keep readers engaged until the last page. Janice L. Amicone, Downingtown Area School District, Uwchland, Pa.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.