Oscar's Half Birthday

By Bob Graham

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.

Categories: Picture Books

For readers aged: 3+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781406306866
  • Published: 03 Nov 2008
  • Price: £5.99
  •  
  • Size: 230 x 270 mm
  • Pages: 32

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'Bob Graham's depiction of a slightly offbeat, interracial family is right on target.' Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

'The characters' happiness is contagious.' Booklist

'It's the detail of everything that seems so right, like the way Oscar, at six months, isn't quite perfect at this sitting-up game yet (he tilts). A world seen so clearly and deliberately that we're happy with every minute of it.' Chicago Tribune

'By including cozy details and warm humor, Graham crafts a sunny story brimming with love.' Publishers Weekly

'Amusingly detailed watercolors depict very real family relationships in an urban environment.' Nick Jr. Magazine

'An endearing family sure to warm hearts and possibly spark a new tradition.' Kirkus Reviews

'Dad, Mom, and 3-year-old Millie can't wait for Oscar's whole birthday.' Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Books of the Year

'A quiet, love-filled book.' Miami Herald

'A beautifully nuanced story about the cozy pleasures of family life.' Parenting

'This is an effortlessly multicultural story, full of the joy of childhood, family, and community as the whole hillside joins in singing happy birthday. A delightful addition to all collections.' School Library Journal, starred review

'Just right for little ones on laps.' Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, The

'Featured in Samantha Critchell's children's books column' Associated Press

'Joyful…Graham’s illustrations are full of marvelous details to pore over, and the text is perfect for reading aloud.' School Library Journal, included in “The Ones that Got Away"

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Paperback
£5.99

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