BECKY'S BIRTHDAY

BECKY'S BIRTHDAY by Tasha Tudor

Don't let the banged up, stained up, discarded by the library cover of this book fool you. This book is a true treasure to me.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home with a mother that read out loud to us. My mother introduced us to the great writings of C.S. Lewis, Richard Scarry, E.B. White, Carolyn Haywood, Mercer Mayer, and so many more. One of her all time favorites, to this day, is Tasha Tudor.

Becky's Birthday by Tudor is a very endearing story of a farm family preparing for their daughter Becky's 10th birthday. The family is very hardworking, but throughout the day of completing chores there are preparations for a special birthday celebration. Becky is allowed special privileges because she is now 10. She is now old enough to go with father to town to get the family's groceries. However, the most beautiful, breath-taking part of the book is when the family gathers with friends at the river for Becky's celebration. It is almost Secret Gardenish (actually Tudor did the illustrations for one of the versions of this great classic). It is priceless. This book may very well have been what cemented my love for picnics in the woods in quiet places.

Tasha Tudor's illustrations are some of the greatest of all time. Her sweet pictures are normally centered around people, farm animals, and nature. Warm and inviting, they draw you right into the story and make you wish you were there.

Unfortunately, this book is no longer in print, but I believe you should be able to get it through the library. Try for it. It is so worth it!