Rukhsana Khan

As the older of two sisters, I not only loved this, but totally identified with the main character--a little girl whose mom makes her take her li'l sis to a friend's birthday party. Ugh, Mom! Why?!

The mom in this story actually doesn't know about the custom of celebrating birthdays in the United States, which should be an intriguing point for most young American readers. Some people don't celebrate birthdays? Really?

The central conflict in this occurs when the middle sister eats most of the oldest sister's birthday party lollipop. The illustrations hilariously show the angry chase that ensues, culminating in the oldest sister throwing the lollipop under the couch in frustration. Then the middle sister fishes it out and eats the rest. Gross! Funny!

In a move not often seen in picture books, the story elapses over an entire year (maybe two--we see the youngest sister grow up noticeably) which allows us to see the development of the characters. When the middle sister is told she has to take the youngest to a birthday party, you'll be surprised what happens.

A fantastic book about fairness, maturity, and sibling relations.… (mere)