posted on 22 Aug 2024

Two Birthdays by Tim Hopgood

Unconventional animal friendships are a mainstay of picture books for young children, so it was no big surprise to see the cover of this one showing Cedric the crocodile and Boo the elephant playing together as they smile out at the reader. I am a big fan of this author/illustrator with his distinctively vibrant colour palette.

The subject of birthdays is usually one that children will connect with and offer lots of information about their own happy memories - and the presents that they might covet for the next one!

I read this one with a group of three year olds who shared Boo’s evident delight in receiving lots of lovely cards - including a huge one from his best friend Cedric who also gives him a fantastically long hand knitted scarf which stretches beyond the pages. We particularly liked the double page illustration that shows them eating ice cream with Cedric’s mouth open very wide.

The next big event is Cedric's birthday and, of course, it's his turn to open and enjoy many cards and presents - but nothing has arrived from Boo. The tension mounts as he waits and waits: ‘He might be too ill’ suggested one thoughtful little girl but her friend sighed saying: ‘He could still get someone to bring it or at least whatsapp him!’

We were distressed to see that on the turn of the page Cedric is shown all alone and crying. He at least has a splendid looking cake with candles blazing but has to hum the Happy Birthday tune quietly to himself! He tries phoning his friend but Boo seems to be completely unaware of his faux pas. More heartbreaking tears from Cedric as he sits in his bath obviously feeling abandoned. We wondered if their friendship could ever be adequately repaired.

We were pleased to see that Boo is suitably apologetic and puts things right by offering a big surprise party with his friends and all is forgiven.

One of the boys suggested that they should both write important dates down somewhere. Another sensible boy pointed out that they might need to save up some present money for a few weeks beforehand. The story concludes with a song about unconditional friendship which we all agreed was very important. I am wondering whether this might be the first book in a series that would lend itself to short TV episodes?

I recommend this feel-good picture book which is published by Walker Books and should be available from your local independent bookshop.

 

Karen Argent

August 2024