Finding the Birthday Cake: Helping Children Raise Their Self-Esteem

by Elizabeth Wagele, Judith Dome (consultant)

Based on the ancient Enneagram theory ("ennea" is Greek for nine; "gram" means drawing), this delightful book explores the nine styles of personalities and teaches children how to value differences, embrace diversity, and create a world of peace and acceptance. Walter, a most serious bird, has made a birthday cake for the most "perfect party" he is throwing for Ninosaur, his prehistoric pal. The only problem he seems to have lost it! With the celebration just hours away, Walter asks his many friends to help him, only to discover that everyone's methods are very different. Quick Timmy uses his optimism. Creative Franny longs to logically figure out the mystery. The adventurous 7 cows try anything, and Amy — strong, tough and determined — hopes to find it all on her own. Through their joint ministrations the cake is found in time and the party is a great success.

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2007

About the author

Elizabeth Wagele was an American artist, musician, and author best known for her engaging and accessible works on the Enneagram of Personality and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Raised in Salt Lake City before moving to Berkeley at age 10, she was drawn to creative expression early in life, spending her time drawing, playing piano, and inventing stories. A talented pianist and composer, she studied under Bernhard Abramowitsch and Andrew Imbrie, graduating cum laude from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1961. Music remained a central part of her life, both personally and professionally.
Wagele began writing books in her mid-fifties, often infusing humor and self-drawn cartoons into her work. Her 1994 collaboration with Renee Baron, The Enneagram Made Easy, became a bestseller and was translated into 17 languages. She continued to explore the Enneagram through various lenses, including parenting (The Enneagram of Parenting), relationships (Are You My Type, Am I Yours?), and even the experience of grief (The Enneagram of Death). A champion of introversion, she authored The Happy Introvert, blending psychological insight with personal reflection.
Beyond writing, Wagele produced music CDs like The Beethoven Enneagram and Enneagram Variations, where she interpreted personality types through musical performance. Her multidisciplinary approach brought psychological concepts to life in a uniquely creative and compassionate voice. She passed away in 2017 in Berkeley, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, insight, and wit through her books, music, and art.

Reviews

[Gabriel Dubransky · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm all the types."

Gabriel decided he was like all of the Enneagram types each characterized in this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, digestible summary of the Enneagram for parents, kids, and all!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great idea! It's a picture book you can read to little ones and, based on their reaction to the characters, you can get an idea as to their enneagram style. There is additional info for parents.