In the manner of Watson's other engaging holiday books (A Valentine for You, 1991), a simple narrative of a small-town family's Fourth of July celebration (``Everything is red, white, and blue, even breakfast''), interspersed with lively traditional verse (``Strawberry, blueberry, cream of tartum,/ Tell me the initials of your sweetheartum''). A parade with everyone participating; speeches (``Republican rats, take off your hats, and make way for the Democrats!...Fried rats and pickled cats are good enough for Democrats!''); picnics, games, swimming (``Adam and Eve and Pinchme'' gets the perfect comeback--``and who?''), and fireworks--all add up to a perfect birthday party, while Watson's diminutive characters cavort charmingly across her skillfully designed pages. A pleasure. (Picture book. 4-8)
