Earth Day, Birthday!

PreS-Gr 1—Every animal in the jungle is set on celebrating Earth Day except Monkey, who insists: "It's not Earth Day! It's my birthday!" The creatures all make suggestions for helping the environment. Though there is no explanation as to how these actions better the world, the animals' willingness to help the planet remains commendable. Snake declares, "Let's go start a compost bin…/toss our rotten garbage in!" Finally, as an exasperated lion roars, "'Give me a break!'" Monkey's mom arrives with a birthday cake, causing all the animals to declare that one day can hold multiple significances. Kim's bright, mixed-media spreads include a sign on the lush, green grass that says, "Earth Day is April 22!" and another that reminds readers to "Reuse and Recycle." With outstretched ears, rosy cheeks, and a banana design on his T-shirt, the "silliest monkey ever seen" is a willing participant; he picks up trash and carries a cloth bag for groceries. His behavior merges animal and human qualities; he dangles from the tree by his tail and blows out his candles with gusto. Short rhymes move the story along, but the ending is somewhat abrupt.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC