By Cynthia Lord, Derek Anderson
Scholastic Press, $16.99, 32 pages
ISBN 9780545255226

If the splashy colors and humongous birthday cake on the cover don’t capture your attention, the resourceful rhymes will in Cynthia Lord’s children’s picture book Happy Birthday, Hamster. Open the book and you’ll find your invitation to the festive celebration. When Hamster asks his friend, Dog, if he knows what today is, Dog replies enthusiastically and takes his little friend on a shopping trip. At each stop, Hamster tells Dog what he likes, but Dog always selects another option. A despondent Hamster believes his friend has forgotten his birthday and heads home. Will his friends forget his birthday?

“You are invited to Hamster’s birthday party! But shhhhhhh, it’s a surprise.”

Cynthia Lord has created an amusing tale about friendship and surprises. Repetitive rhyme schemes will help young readers follow the action and keep their attention focused on the story. Illustrations, courtesy of Derek Anderson, are vivid and filled with details. The main characters’ facial expressions, along with the supporting cast of mice, made my grandson laugh. We both especially liked the foil print on the front cover, which resembles a birthday banner. The final product is just the icing. The story and illustrations make a delish treat for young readers.

Reviewed by LuAnn Schindler