Anne Wynter

Patrick likes everything to be "perfect. No mistakes. No messes. And no mix-ups." His brother Russ, in contrast, is a little sloppier, so when Russ is put in charge of typing Patrick's birthday invitations, there is definitely a mix-up: instead of asking guests to come dressed as their favorite food, they're asked to come dressed as their favorite foot. And the costumes are elaborate! After the giant mix-up of the party, Patrick starts concentrating on making his own tea, so when next year show more rolls around, he has a tea party birthday. Once again, Russ introduces an funny typo that changes the instructions from "wear a fancy hat" to "wear a fancy cat." Gamely, the guests play along, and this time, Patrick rolls with it.

I love the concept (perfectionist child, inevitable mess) and the text reads aloud well, but I quibble with the idea that someone who likes "no mistakes, no messes, and no mix-ups" would really love cooking so much - no matter how careful the cook, the kitchen is a messy place! It also seems unlikely a second typo would slip through, and there's no real indication of how Patrick changes so that he reacts differently the second time from the first. show less

A perfect candidate for storytime, and I am thinking of ways to make this a felt story, too! A series of sounds wakes children in the red brick building, then softer, more soothing sounds lull them back to sleep. I love how the Wynter builds to a cacophony in the middle of the book, then allows the characters to build their way back to sleep. Mora is a superstar illustrator (and author in her own right) and I am delighted at all of her work. Brava!

A mother and daughter hurry hurry hurry, from home to the train through what looks like Central Park, only to find....the remains of a birthday party that occurred the day before. The mother tempers their disappointment: "We'll head back home, / but while we're here, / let's take turns / rolling down the hill." They enjoy all the park has to offer on their leisurely way home; after all, "We have nowhere to be."

See also: Saturday by Oge Mora

When their family prepares for a picnic, our little toddler tries to help. They want to do everything the grownups are doing, but the results are...not ideal. Mud, lemon juice, and water end up everywhere! But this little one isn't the only one making a mess-being "just like you" runs in the family!