Today is the Birthday of the World (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Alison Jay (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: Little Elephant, Little Beaver

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

God is the voice in this whimsical picture book that imagines a celebration of the world’s birthday. In an affectionate address to each animal, from a giraffe to a cow, God points out everyone’s unique gifts and the ways that each contributes to the world’s well-being, whether it is the bee who spreads pollen, the cow who provides milk to feed children, or the tiny worm: “Did you tunnel about, / Happy that I’d chosen you to bring rain underground?” God’s final words are aimed at a child: “Did you laugh and have fun, / Happy that I’d chosen you to lift the world’s spirit?” The loving words, organized into rhymed couplets that scan easily, partner well with the glowing, colorful illustrations that show a smiling Earth populated with fancifully oversized animals. Shifts in scale and perspectives, which move from intimate close-ups to expansive vistas, add to the visual playfulness. Together, the text and art create an inspirational, whimsical offering that emphasizes kindness, individual purpose, and the interconnections among all beings. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Shelle Rosenfeld

Product Description

Today is a special day: the birthday of the world, when God and all God’s creatures celebrate the beauty of life. As God asks each dear creature in turn whether it has been the best that it can be, this simple affirmation of life and goodness applauds the contribution that each and every one of us— from the mightiest elephant to the smallest child— can make. The whimsical animals in Alison Jay’s perfectly composed crackled paintings will make this a favorite book on the family shelf.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (April 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525479058
• ISBN-13: 978-0525479055
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #604,775 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and inspiring, October 3, 2009

By	Daisy Mae "Daisy Mae" - See all my reviews

A touching, thoughtful read-aloud book for children of all ages. It's inspiring, enchanting, and visually beautiful. A perfect gift for a young child.

5.0 out of 5 stars Today is the Birthday of the World, September 14, 2009

By	Jewish Book World Magazine (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

"Today is the birthday of the world. Today all of God's creatures pass before God..." Thus begins this picture book in which God asks a series of creatures if they have been the best that they could be. In each case God points out a helpful skill each creature possesses which makes the world a better place ("my dear little elephant, did you move the downed tree, happy that I'd chosen you to keep the road clear? This year...were you the best little elephant that you could be?"). Finally, God asks a child the same question, and upon hearing that all of his creatures have been the best they could be, God is happy and declares that their goodness is what makes the world a better place. Although clearly non-denominational, the reference to self-reflection on the occasion of the birthday of the world ties in with the themes of the Jewish High Holy Days. Still, the simple repetitive text teeters toward the didactic, and is redeemed only by interest generated in discovering what special contribution each creature makes to the world. What makes this book noteworthy are the charming illustrations painted in oil with the artist's characteristic crackle finish. Simple shapes define a landscape of gently rolling hills, bulbous trees and deep blue seas. Featured animals have a whimsical quality enhanced by their tiny eyes and exaggerated proportions. A rich warm palette of gold, orange, green and blue brings a calm spiritual feel to the whole while celebrating the good things that shared effort brings to all. Finally, a personified planet Earth plays host to God's creatures while blowing out the candles on a tall pink cake. Given the book's visual charm, it is a bit unfortunate that the message feels so weighty. This is a perfect world in which creatures large and small, animal and human, are asked not to atone, but to be good all the time, and in this regard the book itself might have just missed the mark. Ages 3-6. Teri Markson

5.0 out of 5 stars AN INSPIRING STORY WHICH IS BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT, July 13, 2009

By	Joyce Washor (Riverdale NY) - See all my reviews

This is a very sweet and thoughtful story with a wise teaching which is beneficial for both the reader and the one read to. How wonderful of is to be reminded that all we have to do is what comes naturally for us.As an artist myself I find the book very beautiful to look at. I look forward to reading this book over and over again to each of my grandchildren.