Benjamin's 365 Birthdays

by Judi Barrett, Ron Barrett (Illustrator)

Benjamin's 365 Birthdays is author Judi Barrett's story of a precocious youth making time work in his favor.

Between his ninth and tenth birthdays, Benjamin figures out how to have a birthday every single day of the year. Join him as he does so in this fantastically funny story.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Judi Barrett is an American author and art teacher best known for imaginative children’s picture books, most notably Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing. Raised in Brooklyn, she trained in advertising design before working as a freelance designer and later turning to education, teaching art and woodworking to young children while pursuing further studies in early childhood education and studio arts. She frequently collaborated with illustrator Ron Barrett, creating several popular titles together. Her whimsical storytelling, blending humor with inventive concepts, has made her books enduring favorites, some adapted for film, while she has continued teaching and writing.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: this book is now available on openlibrary.org. You can 'borrow' for free, to read a scanned copy online. Legal and available around the world. Easy to sign up for an account.

I'm going to assume you can't get a copy of this little old book from your library and just tell you our hero's idea. Because the thing is, I expected, from the blurb, that Benjamin would learn a lesson about greed, or about things being more special for being rare. Nope. Just the opposite. Every evening Benjamin wraps up something he *already owns* and every morning he unwraps it, and so he can appreciate it all over again like a brand new present. Very Eastern philosophy, if you ask me. Also brilliant. Also the pictures are charming. Also the ending is satisfying. If you actually can read this, do so. But at least think about the idea... what a terrific way to find more joy in life. And tonight, wrap a ribbon around your favorite coffee cup or bathrobe; see if you don't smile in the morning.

[Allegra · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I learned: It's fun to unwrap anything.

My mom just reminded me of this childhood gem. This book should return to print; Benjamin is adorable and sweetly reminds us that when you look anew at what you already have, a good time is had by all.

[Ani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for readers of all ages! Reminder of how much there is to be grateful for and how the ordinary, the familiar and everyday in our lives can be greeted as gifts.

[Lillian Slater · Rating 2 out of 5]

The artwork was kinda weird/creepy?

[Jeani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to have a conversation about gratitude!

[Rob Loper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is charming and also hilarious. I don't want to give away Benjamin's antics but it gave my kids belly laughs. Well written and the illustration style is unique and pleasant.

[Angela Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a lovely story - and Gwen squealed all the way through. :)