Amanda Panda and the Bigger, Better Birthday

Amanda Panda is ecstatic about having the first birthday in her kindergarten, but when her best friend’s birthday threatens to outshine hers, they must find a way to work it out.

Amanda Panda is “special” because she has the first birthday in her class, and she will be “famous” for being the first to turn 6. Her birthday is tomorrow, but when she goes out to the bus with her party invitations in hand, she discovers that Bitsy’s birthday is today! Throughout Bitsy’s birthday celebration at school, Amanda broods—she does not want a “leftover song” or “leftover cupcakes” on “her special day.” Their birthday parties are planned for the same day, too—Saturday—which makes things so bad that they stop speaking to each other. But Amanda and Bitsy quickly find that they miss each other and don’t want to miss each other’s birthday parties. They find a solution that pleases both of them as well as all their friends. Grove’s illustrations in watercolor and ink create endearing pandas in festive scenes with a pastel palette. Amanda Panda’s emotional roller coaster rings true, and the revived friendship is delightful. It may not be the most original story, but as long as children’s emotions run high, it is one that doesn’t get old.

Copyright 2018 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--In this follow-up to Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten, Amanda is about to be the first in her class to turn six. Since "that makes her famous," she can't wait to go to school and invite everyone to her party. Her excitement is extinguished when she finds out it's already her best friend Bitsy's birthday. Bitsy has a special day at school while Amanda sulks. The crisis continues when Bitsy invites the whole class to her birthday party on the same day as Amanda's. The friends stop talking until recess when they compromise and decide to throw a joint party. Grove's pastel watercolors are lighthearted and detailed, and perfectly reveal Amanda and Bitsy's personalities. Young children will understand Amanda's emotions when her "tummy feels lower than her toes." Her easy-to-read facial expressions expertly reinforce the feeling of being overshadowed. The tension in the story is relieved by the soft illustrations, and the well-designed layout encourages readers to turn the page. Text and illustrations work harmoniously to capture the feelings of disappointment when faced with the sticky situation of having a birthday party on the same day as a classmate, and all the worries that come with it. Ransom addresses some of these challenges with a satisfying ending that demonstrates a birthday might not go exactly as planned, but having a friend by your side is all that matters. VERDICT A sweet story on a familiar birthday party conundrum faced by many school-age children and their parents. An excellent addition for most picture book collections.--Lauren White, Wake County Public Libraries, NC