Birthdays Around the World, by Margriet Ruurs and illustrated by Ashley Barron. Kids Can, 2017. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"Shhh ... Delroy is coming! Today is his birthday, and I am hiding behind the breadfruit tree that was planted for him on the day he was born. I jump out and dump flour all over Delroy. He roars with laughter, and we wrestle in the grass. When Delroy's friends and the rest of our family get here, we all sing "Happy Birthday, Everyone!" Then we eat ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken ... "

Don't worry! They will get to Delroy's favorite part of the celebration: chocolate cake! Just so you know, the flour dumping will continue following the meal. Poor Delroy!

In this fourth book in a series that includes Children Around the World, Families Around the World, and School Days Around the World, Margriet Ruurs introduces her readers to 17 children in 17 different countries. Each is celebrating a birthday in the traditional ways of their home country. She celebrates diversity, and honors the children themselves as she pens their stories.

A world map is a welcome addition placed right at the beginning. It gives readers a chance to see the children themselves and where in the world they live. Each new double page spread gives the birthday greeting in their native language, and goes on to discuss in first person narration (not always by the birthday boy or girl) the events that make each celebration so special.

Many children think of their birthday as the best day of the year, and children in our classrooms who come from diverse countries will be happy to find their own celebrations here. If not included, perhaps they could create an additional page to explain the way birthdays are observed in their home.

Ashley Barron creates lovely collage artwork to add an international flavor and honor the children and their families, while also including familiar backgrounds and cultural specialties. Colorful and detailed they add impact and context to the writing. Those who can't yet read the text will surely learn from the illustrations that accompany it.

"Athom and Arunny live in
Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Reek reay thngai kamnaet!

In my country, we don't usually
celebrate birthdays. My grandparents
don't even know when they were born.
Instead, we celebrate Pro Kok Kun, when a baby
turns one month old. Today is the celebration for
my new sister. Our parents chose the perfect name
for her - Arunny means "morning sun."
Our relatives gather for a party with
lots of dancing to welcome the new baby.
Then, a monk blesses Arunny
with holy water, and I tie a red
cotton string around her wrist
to bring her good luck."

Back matter invites parents and teachers to follow up with extensions that make this book more enjoyable and informative for their children. Ms. Ruurs provides a link to her website, where videos of birthday songs from around the world can be seen. A glossary is useful and helps with pronunciation.