Happy Birthday, America!

by Marsha Wilson Chall, Guy Porfirio (Illustrator)

A family reunion, a parade, a Jell-O mold in the shape of the United States, fireworks-- it must be the Fourth of July! From picnic preparations to the final starburst floating down through a midnight blue sky, Marsha Wilson Chall and Guy Porfirio serve up a happy, hometown Independence Day celebration with all the trimmings. So grab a sparkler and come join the fun!

Genres: Picture Books, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2000

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conjures up lots of summertime, 4th of July fun--cook-outs, relatives visiting, fireworks, swimming... Nice "ambiance" but I am not really a fan of the illustrations and the writing didn't really sparkle for me.

[Briana Petersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. It felt choppy but I can see where it could bring memories back from family summer times.

[Lisa George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it was fun remembering my 4th of July traditions as I was reading this family's 4th of July traditions. I liked how it went through the whole day of the 4th of July for this big family. I liked and thought that everyone should when celebrating the 4th of July, that we all should remember to celebrate USA's birthday too. I think that from now on, I should sing happy birthday to USA when it is the 4th of July. It was cool to read how grand this family celebrates the 4th of July. This book gave a whole new meaning of why we (Americans) celebrate and what the 4th of July means.

[Kadie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, I did. I read it to my son and I kept thinking it was a little choppy. I can see that it might bring back memories of family traditions for some but the writing just did not capture me.

[Stephen Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice, mellow story. Great artwork.

Thank you for the loan Franklin Public Library.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me feel very sentimental for family picnics and fireworks.