Birthday – Keep in the Sunlight

How to Have a Birthday (2021)
words by Mary Lyn Ray
illustrated by Cindy Derby

“On the morning of your birthday, you can tell already that the day is not like others.”

I’m always on the lookout for good books to read every year on our birthdays, and this one is definitely a winner! It encapsulates the excitement and specialness of a birthday. This picture book goes through a day in the life of a birthday. The author hints at some things that may happen — people singing to you, having a birthday tradition — but she also leaves it open that you can always sing to yourself or that your tradition may be trying something new each year or just being surprised by the day. I happened upon this book right before my birthday, and I strongly feel that it is a message full of magic and sweetness, no matter your age. The illustrations fit perfectly, and I’m so looking forward to adding this to our birthday book collection.

The Twelve Gifts of Birth (2001)
By Charlene Costanzo

“At the wondrous moment you were born, as you took your first breath, a great celebration was held in the heavens and twelve magnificent gifts were granted to you.”

I picked this book up years ago, before having children, and I immediately fell in love with it. I wanted to buy a copy for every new parent I could find. This simple, heartfelt book lists twelve gifts granted to us all—hope, courage, love, etc.—and how those gifts will help guide us through life. Each page is accompanied by a hand-colored photograph of children. Every time I read it now, I think not only of our daughter and how much each of these “gifts” resonates with what I want for her as a parent, but also the fact that these are gifts I possess as well. It’s an uplifting, powerful and simple book. The Twelve Gifts of Birth would make a great gift for a new parent, but also for a teen about to venture out into the world.

Ms. Costanzo’s website is amazing! I highly recommend a visit. She has posted inspirational stories, quotes, and ideas. She has a downloadable poster, which I adore. There are reading suggestions, coloring pages, activity ideas, and wonderful ideas for nurturing our children. Free of any ads or links, this is truly just a gift to anyone out there. Her messages and ideas are pure and inspirational.