Happy Birthday, Sam: A Classic Picture Book About Growing Up Too Short for Kids

by Pat Hutchins

"A preschooler on his birthday finds he is still too short to reach many things....The storytelling in words and poster-color pictures is wholly in tune."--Horn Book.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, 1st Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Pat Hutchins is an English illustrator and writer of children's books.

She won the 1974 Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject. The work was The Wind Blew, a picture book in rhyme which she also wrote. It shows how "a crowd of people anxiously chase their belongings" in the wind.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

All primary grades.

"Sam's birthday brings a solution to several of his problems."

An adorable story of a boy who is still too little to do the things he wants to do, until his grandpa's present arrives. A story all small children can relate to.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam gets a little chair for his birthday. Alissa could relate to that; she has a favorite wooden chair she loves.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Sam, who recently had a birthday, quite enjoyed this.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Pat Hutchins picture book is “You’ll Soon Grow Into Them, Titch.” I just ran across this one yesterday at the library. I wasn’t familiar with it. What a lovely story!

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about the joys of gaining independence.

The small chair Grandpa gives Sam for his birthday allows him to do numerous everyday tasks (getting dressed, turning the lights on, etc) without calling for help. I expect that many parents would distinctly remember a similar feeling after getting their driving licence!

The one thing I don't get is why did Grandpa send the chair via the post when he was going to turn up later that day for the birthday party?

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this story of how a boy receives a present that allows him more independence. 1/9/12

This went over really well! I had to turn my MLK program into more of a birthday program, because the classes didn't make it due to rain and I had mostly toddlers. 1/16/13

Used again for birthday/MLK Story Time and had 2 Sams attending. 1/20/15

Used in Preschool Story Time since it has turned into more of a Family Story Time.

[Ashlin Edmisten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for kids who don't quite understand that a birthday doesn't exactly mean they've grown up overnight. But the best thing about this book is that Sam doesn't get discouraged, instead he uses his intellect to solve his problems, which is definitely something I can get behind.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pat Hutchins is a great illustrator. The story is simple but it's rung true for every kid I've read it to. I suppose that's why I liked it so much as a kid.

[Allegra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I ever read aloud. I was so pleased, and so fitting with the content.

[Liliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to do a picture walk with. In this story, Sam is not tall enough to do things. On his birthday, his grandpa gives him a chair and he uses this chair to his advantage.

[Emma M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the story itself. It is definitely something all children can eventually relate to. Didn't love the illustrations.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Sam's is not happy about being so small and when his Grandpa gave him a gift, which was a little chair he was so happy

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book about being just a little too small and someone who understands.