The well-worn theme of finding the right birthday gift for one's mother is revisited in Thomas's first book. Jason is eager...

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UH-OH! IT'S MAMA'S BIRTHDAY!

The well-worn theme of finding the right birthday gift for one's mother is revisited in Thomas's first book. Jason is eager to spend his dollar. When he realizes it's his mother's birthday, he sets out with high hopes of finding just the right gift. The dollar won't pay for a new dress, a bag of jelly bears ends up in Jason's tummy, and a blue balloon--bought with his last quarter--gets away. His mother warmly reassures him that he's got the gift she wants most--a hug. From a child's vantage point, Jason's dilemma is real, but there's not enough drama to make it compelling. While the message is laudable, it lacks originality. Acrylic paintings in bold colors make strong use of light and shadow, but the focus on faces highlights the fact that many of the characters are wearing the same blank smile. Wholesome yet predictable.

Pub Date: March 1, 1997

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Whitman

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1997

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