Frances has a difficult time when her little sister Gloria's birthday arrives, and all the attention and presents go to her. Frances isn't sure whether to give Gloria her present or keep it for herself, but ultimately her better angels win out. ( )

Frances is jealous of her sister's birthday, but the birthday spirit moves her reluctantly to give a coveted gift.

One of the best children's books. ( )

I enjoyed the book “A Birthday For Frances” by Russell Hoban. I believe that the characters, the illustrations and the writing contribute to this. Frances is the main character. In the main story she has an imaginary friend and discusses what it is like to have a little sister you have to share with. I believe that Frances’ character development is extremely important because it allows the reader to understand how she feels as the big sister. Additionally, I enjoyed the illustrations. I liked that that the characters were shown as bears in this story, even though it never specifies that in the text. Lastly, the format of the song “Happy Birthday” is used throughout the story to show how Frances is feeling. I think that this is a cool, creative way to incorporate a familiar song into a book and keep the plot going. The message of this book is that it is good to accept apologies and share with your siblings. This is when Gloria wishes that Frances would stop being mad about losing the stand toys, and when Frances gives Gloria the Chompo Bar.

This book is about Frances having to exert self control and not eat her sister's birthday gift, a chompo bar. Frances has to spend her allowances on this gift, and in the end sings her sister happy birthday and lets her eat the whole candy bar. ( )