Annabelle's Un-Birthday

Kroll, Steven

ISBN 10: 0027511715 ISBN 13: 9780027511710

Publisher: Atheneum, 1991

Synopsis

Eager to win friends at her new school, Annabelle tells everyone in the second grade that it is her birthday and that they are all invited to her grandmother's house for a party after school

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- A beginning chapter book, illustrated with black-and-white drawings. Annabelle and her parents have moved to a brownstone only a few blocks from her grandmother's apartment. She dreads the start of second grade at a new school, but her fears prove groundless. Her teacher is understanding; she finds a great friend instantly; a boy likes her; even the school lunch is delicious. Relieved and excited, Annabelle impulsively invites the entire class to an after-school birthday party at her grandmother's home, even though it isn't really her birthday. When telephoned, Grandma seconds the invitation. The impromptu party for 21 children proceeds without incident until some guests smash walnuts on the floor. Later, Grandma tells Annabelle that she will have to reveal the truth to her classmates the next day; even that trauma is completely averted. The plot seems to rest more on wish-fulfillment and fantasy than on real life. Even the smashed walnuts become useful. Perhaps children will appreciate a chance to visit this idealized world briefly, but young readers may crave some dramatic tension. Those familiar with Ramona Quimby's spontaneous party invitation and the subsequent chaos at her house will miss the humor and reality of Cleary's book. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Lucky Annabelle: she makes instant friends in her new school; then, in the euphoria at the end of her first day, she invites her entire class to Grandma's for an impromptu ``birthday'' party, Grandma rises handsomely to the occasion, providing not only ice cream but a cake in full regalia. Conscientiously trying to forestall objections, Kroll stretches credulity--mothers are consulted before these second graders go en masse to a stranger's apartment, but that's only possible because every mother arrives to pick up her child after school. Still, reality recurs when Grandma follows up the party with a thoughtful command: Annabelle must explain to her class that it wasn't her birthday. She tempers this stern requirement with cookies to share and some good advice about how to handle the confession, so that there are no recriminations or misunderstandings. With five brief, easily read chapters, this light, upbeat story makes good transitional fare. Owen's nicely observed b&w illustrations reinforce the wholesome good humor. (Fiction/Young reader. 6-9) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atheneum
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0027511715
• ISBN 13: 9780027511710
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Owens Gail