Some Birthday!: with audio recording

by Patricia Polacco, Patricia Polacco (Illustrator)

Overview

"Anything special happening today, Daddy?" Patricia asked, hoping it would help him remember. "Nope, honey. Today's about the same as any other day, I'd say."
Some birthday! Where was the cake with all the candles, the brightly wrapped present, and the family singing "happy birthday" all together? Not only had the festivities apparently been forgotten, but Dad suggests a trip to one of the scariest places on earth -- home of the Clay Pit Bottoms Monster!
With a sparkle of mischief, Patricia Polacco's bold, expressive pictures tell how a certain little girl has the spookiest, most exciting, funniest, and best birthday ever.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442497962
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Publication date:	11/26/2013
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
Lexile:	590L (what's this?)
File size:	38 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Patricia Polacco belongs to a family of storytellers, poets, farmers, teachers, and artists. They came from many parts of the world, but mainly Russia. She grew up to be an illustrator, a designer, and creator of many beloved children’s books, including The Keeping Quilt, The Blessing Cup, Fiona’s Lace, The Trees of the Dancing Goats, Babushka’s Doll, My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother, Sticks and Stones, and Palace of Books. She lives in Union City, Michigan. Visit her at PatriciaPolacco.com and follow her on Facebook.

Editorial Reviews

The entire family has forgotten Patricia's birthday. And to make matters worse, Dad has proposed an evening trip to the Clay Pit at the edge of town--``one of the scariest places on earth.'' Armed with campfire provisions and outfitted in rain gear and galoshes, Dad, Patricia, her brother Rich and cousin Billy embark on the eerie adventure. But when Dad walks off to investigate a mysterious rustling, the children are certain they've spotted the notorious Clay Pit Monster and run screaming all the way home. Belly laughs abound as Dad reveals the monster's true identity, and then the real fun begins--a party for the birthday girl complete with cake and presents. Polacco's ( Rechenka's Eggs ; The Keeping Quilt ) warm illustrations are bursting with homey details, from sweaters frayed at the elbows and worn armchairs to miniature framed snapshots and overloaded electrical outlets. Her particularly emotive faces come alive with fear and anticipation, and a skillful blend of bold, moonlit night scenes and the ample white space of day provides an exciting sense of motion. Polacco has served up a delicious slice of family life. Ages 4-7. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

PreS-Gr 2-- Polacco recalls a memorable birthday celebration from her young life--a summer nighttime cookout with her father, brother, and cousin Billy at the spooky Clay Pit Bottoms, rumored home of a monster. The scary creature sighted turns out to be her dripping Dad, who has fallen into the water. Patricia's birthday is celebrated properly, at last, with cake and a present, but it's the memory of the Clay Pit adventure that lingers. Polacco's inimitable illustrations perfectly accompany this playful tale. From the surprised faces of the quartet on the cover to her father's gleeful glance over the rubber-monster-topped, whipped-cream cake, she has deftly evoked both story and personality in her familiar pencil, colored marker, and acrylic paintings. A tender look at a loving extended family and a great read-aloud as well.-- Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

School Library Journal