Do you look forward to your birthday? Perhaps a better question… Is there a child in your life that looks forward to his/her birthday? I would like to suggest a juvenile fiction book that offers a fun birthday theme and contains wonderful illustrations.

If you are familiar with Eric Carle, then you know that the illustrations within his children’s books are delightful. This holds true in The Secret Birthday Message. The story is simplistic to understand, is enjoyed by children toddler through age 8, and those reading at a 1st grade level will read the text. This book offers fun cut outs and a fun ending. I recommend checking this book out from your local library or including it within your in-home selections.

The Secret Birthday Message
Eric Carle
Reading level: Ages 4-8

This story begins with Tim (the birthday boy) reading a letter that he found underneath his bedroom pillow. A secret message is contained in this letter. The message has code that will help lead him in search of his birthday gift.

Within this code there is:
Half Circle = moon
Star = Star
Oval = Rock
Triangle = Entrance to Cave
Circle = Round Opening
Stair Shape = Stairs
Tall Rectangle = Door
Long Rectangle = Opening

As they explore the book, your child will take delight in the multiple shaped pages. Also they will enjoy the wonderful illustrations that are typical from Eric Carle. Are you wondering what the surprise is? Good! Be sure to check out The Secret Birthday Message! It is a cute book that children adore listening to and reading.

This publication is available in hard cover, paperback, and board book version. I will mention that this book might be hard to find locally, so I do recommend an Internet purchase.

Shared Sentiments
There are a handful of books that I like to read prior to taking my youngest, and/or day care/preschool children on adventurous walks. It delights me to watch children explore the world around them. There is comfort derived at letting young kids take the lead on nature walks. Us adults gain tremendously by following their lead, slowing down, and recognizing each pebble.

As an Early Childhood Educator, I adore working with young children. My mother-in-law made a wonderful statement a few weeks back … She said that Moms would always remember the moment their children begin to read and the first time they tie their shoes. I do agree, but I believe there are numerous other moments that are impressionable as well. One of those occurs during outdoor adventures. And one particular child author provides fabulous tales that captivate the beauty of those profound moments!

Other Eric Carle Splendor
This wonderful authors provides an assortment of child-appreciated / mother-approved reading splendor! His adoration for the learning process and fun-filled times of childhood are evident in all publications. I highly recommend them for your in-home library.

Does A Kangaroo Have A Mother Too?
Roosters off to See the World... but hen should've packed
Little Cloud
Brown Bear, Brown Bear (by Bill Martin, Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle )
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
A House for Hermit Crab
The Very Quiet Cricket
The Mixed-Up Chameleon
Draw Me a Star
Do You Want to Be My Friend?

Author Tidbits
Eric maintains a heart desire for children to enjoy school more than he did. He was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929 and was moved to Germany at 6 years of age. Saddened by the authoritative structure of schools, he longed to return to the United States of America. He dreamed of constructing a bridge from Germany to America. Upon completion of this bridge, he would take his Grandmother’s hand and walk back to the land he yearned for.

In 1952 he returned to the United States of America, bringing with him memories that would later serve to launch many remarkable publications. Initially working as a graphic designer and art director of an advertising agency, Carle eventually combined forces with Bill Martin, Jr. to offer Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? One of the most profound reasons for this fabulous authors plunge into juvenile fiction stems from his personal fascination of the period in a child’s life when he/she leaves home for school, and feels his books provide a good bridge for this precious time.

Truly, this author is one of my favorite child fiction writers/illustrators. His books captivate the young audience 16 months and up. Adults tend to admire his colorful illustrations nearly as much as that of the younger crowd.

This illustrator provides beautiful, full-color, collage pictures. Using paints, Eric paints over colored tissue paper with acrylic paint. The method of application varies from brushes, to fingertips, or sponges and such. Upon drying, these pieces are stored in color-coded drawers. He then cuts out shapes from the colored papers to create the scenes and characters.

Happy Reading and Learning!
© 2002 Lisa_J


Recommended: Yes