Walker Oscar S Half Birthday

This is an enchanting early picture book from the creator of "Max", 2000 Smarties Gold Prize Winner and CBC Early Childhood Book of the Year Honour Book.The day Oscar turns six months old, Mum, Dad and Millie decide to celebrate. They take coat-hanger fairy wings, three tuna sandwiches and a chocolate cake with half a candle, and set off across the city for a picnic on Bellevue Hill. Once there, all the other people in the park join in for a rousing chorus of 'Happy Birthday' in this warm, gentle story of a family celebration on an urban, autumn day. Editorial Reviews From Booklist PreS-K. Graham, the author of Let's Get a Pup (2001), introduces a similarly unconventional family (both Mom and Dad wear their hair in braids), whose love for one another overflows the pages. The interracial family's star is Oscar; it's his half-year birthday. To celebrate, Oscar, his parents, and his older sister, Milly (complete with fairy wings made from hangers), head off to the park. The story ambles rather than actually takes off. The family crosses the bridge to the park. Traffic noise begins to drone, and birds can be heard. Once the blanket is down, Oscar attracts other picnickers with his cute looks, and everyone joins in a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday." Back at home, after baths, Milly falls asleep, knowing that her birthday will be next. More than in the events, the charm here lies in the ink-and-watercolor artwork, which highlights family close-ups and (literally) bird's-eye views of city life that subtly slide into a more bucolic setting. Equally important is the story's mood: the characters' happiness is contagious. Ilene Cooper Copyright å© American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. About the Author Bob Graham is Australia's leading picture-book-maker and winner of the Smarties Prize Gold Award and the Kate Greenaway Medal.