Mx requested multiple times. Ms never requested this one. At first it was a bit too scary for Mx. Long book and nothing special about it, so M & D decided to pass along.

I really like this author, I appreciate how she lets you in on her life. Polacco could be making this up or exaggerating things that happened in real life. I love how in this story Patricia shared that she grew up with her brothers, dad, and grandmother. Even though her birthday was seemingly forgotten about, it wasn’t. Who doesn’t love a good surprise at the end of the day? I really don’t know where I’d fit this in for incorporating it into a lesson. Maybe to show that people may be busy but don’t forget things, there could be a surprise just around the corner. ( )

It was Patricia's birthday but it seems like everyone forgot. They go on an adventure to find a monster! Then when they get back home, Gramma has the cake ready for everyone to sing happy birthday to her. She got exactly what she wanted. I like how she explains that her father is colorblind and then she says at the end that the two clothing items at the end do not match but it is okay. She is happy with the gift because it is from her father and she likes it anyways because he tried. Appreciate what you have because one day you won't have it. ( )

This story will make you laugh because of the events that take place on Trisha's birthday! She's hoping for birthday party but thinks her father has forgotten because he takes on a trip down to the lake to look for monsters!

Curricular connections: After the book is read aloud to the class there could be a lesson using text to text connections and text to self connections. This will helps students make connections and understand the story, the author's style, and theme of the story. Charts could be used to record the connections from the class. Students could also make their response in a writing/reading journal.

c. I liked this book because of its plot the daughter thinks her father forgets her birthday because he has plans to do something else, but in the end he did not forget, he just wanted an adventure. However, I did not like the pictures. I like the books plot because the children get a great adventure with their father but then come to find out that the “monster” was him all along. I did not like the pictures because it made adults look too old. The grandmother looked the right age, however the father who has young children, looks like he could be the grandfather of those children. I believe that the big picture of this book is that be patient your day will come, even if it’s not what you expect it to be, be patient and be grateful. Birthdays are just another year and there will be plenty more. ( )