How to Have a Birthday

Praise

Using radiant, translucent pastels, pencil, watercolor, and gouache to show celebrations in different seasons, Derby (Two Many Birds) centers three children throughout this book’s spreads. . . this is a fitting, visually luxuriant tribute to one of the greatest days on the kid calendar.
—Publishers Weekly

A delightful conversation starter on a topic of perennial interest to young children.
—Kirkus Reviews

Derby’s gleaming mixed-media illustrations follow three different kids celebrating in different families with different ways. . . audiences will also thrill to the sequence of glorious birthday cakes and an epic pile of presents (plus a birthday crown). . . a tender way to articulate why, beyond the loot and treats, birthdays feel special; youngsters will enjoy recognizing “that shivery feeling that belongs only to a birthday.”
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Ray’s lyrical text showcases everyone’s choices, no matter how they celebrate. Derby’s watercolor and pastel illustrations are gentle and warm, showing stars streaking across a beautiful indigo sky. . . lovely.
—School Library Journal