In celebration of her fifth birthday, Dinah’s buddy arranges an impromptu, animal-filled fiesta for her. Guests include a horn-playing rabbit, a flower-bearing lemur, a huggable crocodile, and more. The frenzy of merrymaking culminates in a towering confection presented to the honoree that is straight out of the eyes-bigger-than-tummy school of thought. Freeman’s fanciful tale captures the sheer exuberance with which preschoolers anticipate their birthday, or any special holiday. She adeptly infuses both the tale and illustrations with whimsical imaginings that will appeal to small fry. Pencil-and-gouache illustrations are a bright palette of pastel hues; crisp lemon-sherbet walls and tangerine-colored floors provide a cheery backdrop for the festivities. Simply written, this happy tale sparkles with pure fun that will have readers yearning for their own special day to arrive. (Picture book. 3-6)
