The Birthday Solution

Have you had a birthday that hasn’t quite gone as you expected? Eugene has as he finds himself moving to an island on his birthday. The birthday Solution is the first in a new series of books – Eugene's Island. Although aimed at emergent readers it still delivers real emotion and problems that readers will understand and identify with. Eugene is an admirable, likeable character, coming up with a solution to a problem and young readers will relate to his highs and lows.

Large font with short chapters makes this an accessible story with the feeling of reading a story more substantial than a school reader. The whimsical black and white line illustrations by Anna McKessar have a real kiwi feel, featuring NZ icons such as kowhai flowers and a Kiwi and they help break up the text for readers.

My copy was accompanied by teacher notes with activities, these are a fabulous extra resource. You can find the teacher's notes for all the books here: https://eugenes-island.com/pages/trade

I am always on the lookout for books that are aimed at younger readers, quality ones that are not just about popular culture or written overseas. Eugene's Island is an exciting new series that fills that gap.

Title: The Birthday Solution

Author: Elizabeth Kirkby-Mcleod

Illustrator: Anna McKessar

Publisher: Eugene’s Island

ISBN: 9780473582470

RRP: $9.99

Format: Paperback

Publication: September 2021

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Resilience

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book? No

Would this book work as a read aloud? Yes

Is there a particular part of the country that it’s set in? No

Reviewer: Louana McCormack, Librarian, Opaheke School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended

Opening sentence: Eugene had a problem.

You can buy this book here