Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish

A joyful picture book that celebrates every kid's favorite day of the year, full of adorable art from the illustrator of Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site and I Wish You More.

The most important rule is #1: It must be your birthday.

After that's been established, a crew of hilarious animals help picture book pros Tom Lichtenheld and Beth Ferry take readers through a joyous romp that covers the most important elements of every year's most essential holiday, including singing; closing your eyes and making a wish; blowing out candles on a cake, then settling into bed and dreaming of your wish coming true.

PreS-K–Every child longs for their birthday and spends hours dreaming about the big day, and the rules in this joyful book will feel completely familiar to many ("Rule no. 2: You must have a PARTY!"; "Rule no. 8: You must make a Wish"). Children will especially love reading and rereading this book to laugh about the exceptions to the 10 birthday rules and to point out fun details of Lichtenheld's anthropomorphic animal drawings. Every birthday rule has at least one exception, and each one is silly, charming, or both. For example, food, streamers, confetti, and balloons are great for a party unless you are an animal that is "pointy in any way." If so, author Ferry observes that these animals might want to "skip the balloons," and Lichtenheld's illustrations of a rhino, swordfish, and sea urchin all popping balloons are wonderful, as are their short apologetic commentaries ("oopsie," "sorry," "my bad"). Along with the rules and the humorous exceptions, the story has a pervading sweetness, reminding grown-ups to cherish the days of birthday wishes and to celebrate the optimism and hopefulness of young children. VERDICT This celebratory book will appeal to children and parents alike—a wonderful read-aloud for any time of year.—Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, CA

"A treat that will make any birthday (or storytime) a little happier."--Booklist

"Satisfyingly humorous and sure to gift readers with guffaws...a gift of a book to open again and again."--Kirkus Reviews

"It's a buoyantly told tale, and the digitally enhanced pencil, watercolor, colored-pencil, and pastel illustrations featuring an all-animal cast capture the festive mood of a party where friends are in abundance and wishes always come true."--The Horn Book

"Lichtenheld’s exuberant mixed-media illustrations offer all the fun of a birthday fete, and images of cartoon critters partying in their own way fortify Ferry’s droll message that there are no intractable rules for celebration."--Publishers Weekly

"The story has a pervading sweetness, reminding grown-ups to cherish the days of birthday wishes and to celebrate the optimism and hopefulness of young children...a wonderful read-aloud for any time of year."--School Library Journal

Beth Ferry is the author of many picture books including the New York Times bestseller, Stick and Stone, also illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. She has celebrated all but four of her birthdays in New Jersey where she lives and writes by the beach. Her favorite birthday dessert is chocolate cake with chocolate icing, but she also enjoys cannoli and cream puffs and churros. Since her birthday is in the winter, she almost always wishes for summer. You can learn more at www.bethferry.com.

Tom Lichtenheld doodled his way through school then worked as a sign painter, set designer, printer and art director. After a long career in advertising he accidentally stumbled into the job he was always meant to do - creating children's books. Tom's books are noted for their humor, expressive characters and rich - sometimes hidden - detail. He's known for creating books that appeal to children and adults alike, and his wide portfolio offers something for every age. In his spare time Tom enjoys riding his bike, eating chocolate, and getting other peoples' kids all wound up then sending them home. You can find him at tomlichtenheld.com and @tlichtenheld.