Lulu's Birthday

Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard is the author of several books that celebrate her extended family. The real Lulu is the author's great-aunt. Born in 1870, Lulu was an elementary school teacher for almost fifty years. She also rolled bandages for the Red Cross, worked a swing shift during World War II, learned to create books in Braille, and studied millinery, drafting, ceramics, Spanish, rug-hooking, and leather and metal tooling, and voted faithfully in all local elections. "Was Lulu your grandma?" children often ask the author. "Well, sure," replies Mrs. Howard. "Lulu was everybody's grandma." Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Ages 3-6. The joy of a surprise party, especially when you're in on the secret, is the center of this delightful picture book. Laurie and J. Matthew are with their favorite aunt Lulu on her birthday. She wants them to help her celebrate and she suggests they go back to a place they enjoyed during the summer. Should they go the zoo? The movies? A baseball game? The beach? The pictures of the kids whispering and scheming are as much fun as the scenes of the happy times they remember with their aunt. And then there's the climax, when they tell Aunt Lulu to close her eyes and lead her to a celebration party with friends and family. The words and bright pictures are simple, clear, and relaxed, showing an African American family across generations. Preschoolers will enjoy the suspense, and they'll want to hear the story again to be part of the loving trick. Hazel Rochman
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