Some Birthday!

by Patricia Polacco

"Anything special happening today, Daddy?" Patricia asked, hoping it would help him remember. "Nope, honey. Today's about the same as any other day, I'd say."

Some birthday! Where was the cake with all the candles, the brightly wrapped present, and the family singing "happy birthday" all together? Not only had the festivities apparently been forgotten, but Dad suggests a trip to one of the scariest places on earth -- home of the Clay Pit Bottoms Monster!

With a sparkle of mischief, Patricia Polacco's bold, expressive pictures tell how a certain little girl has the spookiest, most exciting, funniest, and best birthday ever.

A Child Study Association Children's Book of the Year
An IRA/CBC Children's Choices Book
A Parents' Choice Awards Picture Honor Book

Genres: Picture Books, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Family, Divorce, Kids

40 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

About the author

Patricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

"My mom and dad were divorced," begins this engaging family tale from the prolific Patricia Polacco, which follows the story of one special birthday in the author's childhood. Staying with her traveling-salesman father and her paternal grandmother in Michigan for the summer - the school-year being spent with her mother, in California - Patricia looks forward to her birthday, only to find that no one seems to remember it! "Anything special happening today, Daddy?" asks Patricia on the all-important morning, hoping to spark his memory - but to no avail. When he arrives home from work that evening, however, and suggests that he and Patricia, along with her brother Richie and cousin Billy, have a late-night cook-out at the Clay Pit - home of the area's very own monster - a chain of events is set in motion, leading to a satisfying birthday celebration after all...

Although I wouldn't describe Some Birthday! as a particular favorite, when it comes to Patricia Polacco's picture-books - somehow, her more lighthearted stories just don't win me over, in quite the same way that her more poignant ones do - I did appreciate it as a tale of a matter-of-factly divorced family (ie: one in which the divorce is not the central issue for the family), something I don't always see in picture-books. I also liked that it offered a glimpse of Polacco's father, as he doesn't seem to feature in very many of her books - although admittedly, I've yet to read her My Ol' Man . The artwork is appealing, in that vintage Polacco style, with plenty of color and motion. Definitely worth reading, especially for kids who worry that their birthdays will be overlooked, and for fans of the author/artist.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn’t one of Polacco’s best, but it’s relatively entertaining. To tell the truth, I think her father would have driven me nuts but maybe it takes a member of that family to appreciate the humor fully.

Once again I’m in a quandary about whether to add this to my non-fiction shelf. Many of Polacco’s books are either based on her childhood or are even straight non-fiction.

The illustrations really fit the story well. Patricia thinks her father and grandmother and family have forgotten her birthday and her father cooks up quite a birthday surprise, and she’s not the only one who gets surprised.

This might make a good birthday gift for a 5-8 year old.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We really enjoy Patricia Polacco's stories and so we look for them often at our local library. Lucky for us, she is a very prolific writer, so we still have several more of her books to discover.

This is an entertaining story about an unusual birthday. As with many of her books, I'm sure much of this story is based on fact, although it's listed as fiction.

The narrative is short and fun to read aloud and the illustrations are typical for her books. We enjoyed reading this book together; I chose to read this book tonight in honor of our youngest daughter's birthday.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Polacco has a wealth of stories from her childhood, and thankfully she's sharing them with all of us. The story of this birthday that got completely out of hand with strange monsters and lots of thrills and chills was a story that I laughed to read. I love being invited in to the author's family and feel like she's become a friend over the course of several picture books.

[Shynetta Hicks (EDUC 378)]

Text to Self Connection
How does the story connect to you personal experience?
My personal experience with my Birthday. My Birthday is often forgot. Because my mother is just recovering from paying her Christmas bills. Although my Birthday is in the month of April. She will come up with many excuses why she did not buy a cake and ice cream. Some time I would receive an outfit from time to time. One year she surprise me she cooked my favorite dishes grilled pig feet, collard, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and sweet tea. I did not get a cake but, this was the best birthday. I celebrate every year with a cake and friends.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Polacco's simple story telling style and her unique artistry are ground in tales from her childhood. In this book, the young girl (Patricia) is spending time with her father. A child of divorce, this reality is not over stated or presented as a terrible thing.

In this tale, she visits her traveling salesman father who lives with her grandmother. There is obvious affection for both. Because it is her birthday, she wants it to be a special day. It appears that her father has forgotten.

At nighttime, her father takes her and her brother on an adventure where they roast hot dogs and hear scary stories of the clay pit monster. His present to her creates a wonderful memory.

Once again, there is nothing grand about Polacco's stories, but in their simplicity, they elicit warm feelings and smiles.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to believe that any of Patricia Polacco's books are great reads for kids! This book demonstrates how family should be defined as loved ones who you enjoy spending time with. The first page mentions that Patricia's parents are divorced, so she lives with her dad and grandma and possibly an uncle. Although this seems to be an unconventional family, the family members still laugh, play jokes on each other, and celebrate birthdays. It is a "feel good" book that shares the special bond between a father and daughter. I would recommend reading this book for students between grades 2-5 because it does have a large amount of text and touches on some more complex topics, such as divorce. I enjoyed reading this book and think students would too!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good read and deals with many of the issues our generations families are experiencing. Polacco is known for writing stories that are slightly biographical. I'm not completely sure if this book is one of them, but as stated it deals with real life issues. Polacco addresses a divorced family in this book. I personally can't relate, but I've observed several students in my class who are living with one parent during the week and another over the weekend. This would make for a good read aloud in showing students that they are still special and can enjoy an important day even without a traditional family. Nice read.

[Christine Turner]

"Anything special happening today, Daddy?" Patricia asked, hoping it would help him remember. "Nope, honey. Today's about the same as any other day, I'd say." Some birthday! Where was the cake with all the candles, the brightly wrapped present, and the family singing "happy birthday" all together? Not only had the festivities apparently been forgotten, but Dad suggests a trip to one of the scariest places on earth -- home of the Clay Pit Bottoms Monster! With a sparkle of mischief, Patricia Polacco's bold, expressive pictures tell how a certain little girl has the spookiest, most exciting, funniest, and best birthday ever.

[Ashley B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorable story about how a family surprised a girl for her birthday. The story starts off with the girl thinking everyone forgot about her birthday. She thinks that after work there is going to be cake and presents, but she is mistaken and her father and brothers take her to the river instead. She thinks she sees a monster and her and her brothers run back to the house where her grandmother is waiting with her birthday cake. The pictures and story worked well together and made for a fun reading experience.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia is about to have a birthday, but she thinks that her father forgot it. When he gets home from work he doesn't say anything about her birthday but suggests that they go out to a supposedly haunted area close to home where a monster is said to have been seen. They have a picnic and then see something rise from the water so the children run home followed by a very wet father. When they get settled at home Patricia finds that her birthday had not been forgotten.

[Anne Robertson]

The little girl is at her dad's house for her birthday. She thinks he has forgotten her birthday and becomes upset. He makes up for it in the end with cake and presents after taking them down to the lake to look for monsters. Good for students dealing with divorced parents. Also has lots of good descriptive words in it.

[Jacquelyn Arbegast · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a young girl on her birthday. She wakes up and goes about her day, as if it were any other. She thinks everyone has forgotten about her birthday, but her father, brother, and cousin take her on an adventure. When they get back, everyone wishes her a happy birthday and she remembers how loved she is!

[Darleen Roche · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of my favorite Patricia Polacco books! Some Birthday takes place at her fathers house when she thinks that he has forgotten her birthday. He takes her on many adventures only to find out this surprise. Read it for yourself! Once you start reading - you will not put it down.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started reading, I was a little taken aback since a book about having one's birthday ignored was odd but it ended up so cute.

One of the few that addresses color-blindness as just another loveable trait.

[The Children · Rating 3 out of 5]

I personally didn't care for this one, but the girls asked for it to be read over and over

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's really by Patricia Polacco, not Ernest Polacco.

[Brenna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should have a birthday like this!

[LeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing is not as strong as the delightful pictures. Autobiographical.

[Amanda Simmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Unique Features: Patricia Polacco has a way of telling stories like no one else. They seem so real and are so inviting you really get invested in them.
Grade: K-5

[Stephanie Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun story from Patricia Polacco's childhood.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia Polacco, picture book author/illustrator, has blessed teachers, readers and listeners with historical fiction like Pink and Say, Remembering Vera & Tucky Jo and Little Heart, heart-warmers from her own personal and family history such as Thank You, Mr. Falker, Fiona’s Lace and My Rotten, Red Haired Older Brother plus books that will make you cry including my favorites, The Lemonade Club and Junkyard Wonders. SOME BIRTHDAY falls into that middle categories of titles that stem from real life family history and tells of Patricia and her brother’s summer visit to their father’s house, focusing on how he seemingly forgot her birthday, choosing instead to take the two of them to the boggy area near his home to spend the night searching for the Clay Pit monster. From the beginning, Polacco establishes the close relationship between her and her father, despite her parents’ divorce, and includes some quirks and established habits of behavior. Even the packing for the evening camp out includes details of items needed and creates clear feelings of both excited anticipation and a sense of foreboding. By the time the trio sets up their campsite, readers will be eagerly ready for whatever may crawl out of the water! When the whole adventure turns out to be a hilarious set up and a part of the birthday celebration that Patricia’s dad absolutely did not forget. Polacco’s words alone will allow readers to visualize exactly what is happening, but her illustrations beautifully augment the telling and in her distinctive and easily recognizable style.

Wonderful story to share with a wide range of children for the sheer enjoyment, as a part of Halloween-focused reading, or a mentor text for teaching objectives in the areas of setting, mood and elements of a plot diagram. Recommended for libraries serving PK-grade 3 with use as a mentor text in older elementary as well.

[Lagobond · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a child of divorce, I like that this book isn't about your typical "perfect" traditional two-parent family, and also that it avoids the tired orphan trope. Kudos.

The story is ok, and the family is nice, but I didn't connect with the book. The illustrations have character, and they're actually kind of charming, just not my cup of tea. I can see why someone might love this, but I just don't.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know it’s a good book when you can’t read fast enough for your eager page-turning! Another adventure, excitedly written by Polacco. When I read her stories, I always feel like an observer of the story actually happening in front of me. Silly, light-hearted excitement. Excellent illustrations as well.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patricia Polacco tells the story of a trick her father played on her, her brother and her cousin on one of her birthdays. Kind of funny but I'm not sure I would have appreciated her dad's tactics, though its clear he loved her. It is accompanied by beautiful illustrations in Polacco's signature style.

[Stephanie Littig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so funny and cute to read. She thinks everyone forgot her birthday but she soon finds out she gets to go on a journey for her birthday with the ones she loves most in life. Ended with such a grand birthday celebration.

[Kate Matheis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was pretty silly. I think a class of kids would have a great reaction to the dad falling in the lake. Very cute. It does not seem like something most dads would do with their kids and that is what makes it a good story.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of Polacco's best. Features a girl whose parents are divorced.

[Haaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was silly. I was not expecting where it was going, which made it that more fun.