Birthday Presents

by Cynthia Rylant, Suçie Stevenson (Illustrator)

An almost six-year-old girl listens as her mother and father describe her six previous birthday celebrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family

Hardcover

First published August 1, 1987

About the author

Cynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.

Reviews

[Madison Ramsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story about family. The parents of a young daughter recall all of the birthdays of her life. She was born, spent her third birthday sick, and took care of her parents when they had their birthdays.

I liked this story. I might use it in my classroom to learn about birthdays. However, I don't know if I would use it in any lessons. I do think I would have it in my classroom library.

[Alyssa Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a great book to read to children in showing them to be grateful. It shows that simple things could make someones day. Shows kids they should do simple things for their parents.

[Charli Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birthday Presents by Cynthia Rylant is about a young girl who is told about all of her birthdays, from the time she was born all the way until she is six. This fun book is very colorful and fun. It combines family history and memories, making this book full of love. This book is full of very fun stories that all would enjoy! When I was reading this book I could not stop thinking about my birthday's in the past and relating them to this little girl's birthdays that she was describing. Honestly, I wish most of my birthdays were as fun as hers! I'm almost a little jealous of all the fun she had! Each poem was very fun and had a lot of creativity and detail that all readers would really appreciate! I would suggest using this book in a classroom for younger readers so that they can be introduced to more books like this because each story is very interesting that all would enjoy!

[Olivia Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its a birthday book. Teacher can red on a students birthday.
It shows sequencing- the child remembering birth to 6th birthday. CAn lead into a sequencing activity. Students can connect to this (text-to-self) with a personal experience of a birthday. This is used a book mentor.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little ho-hum to me, but my daughter loved reading it right before her own birthday. It was more interesting as a springboard for discussions about how we have celebrated our own childrens' previous birthdays.

[Laura Trombley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is the simple yet beautiful story of watching your child grow from her first breath to her 5th birthday. It is poignant and can bring tears to an adult's eyes. It makes a wonderful keepsake gift. The story itself birthday celebrations aside is probably less enjoyable for the child.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book recounts a little girl's first six birthdays including her true birth day. Before the girl turns six, she gives each of her parents a birthday complete with homemade cards, and birthday cakes.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[lye · Rating 5 out of 5]

super cute book about a family celebrating their daughter!

it was a fun read to a child on their birthday. you can definitely feel the love between the parents and child.

the illustrations were lovely as well!

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I'm a sentimental cheeseball. This book totally made me weepy by the time I got to the last page. Love it.

[zomgliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sentimental to me. Nice book about life and growing up. Reminded me of my family. :)

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books as a little girl. I loved getting birthday presents :-)