PreSchool-Grade 1 - The playful, self-assured mouse first introduced in Contrary Mary (Candlewick, 1995) is turning four years old. "Much you very thank," she says as she opens the presents from her parents, helps to make the party food (inside-out sandwiches and cupcakes frosted upside down), and dances and plays hide-and-seek with her guests. Her day is complete when everyone sings "You to birthday happy!" Starting with the festive endpapers, the cheerful ink-and-watercolor illustrations are full of energy and reveal a happy, loving family celebrating a special day. The characters' penchant for stripes and polka-dots adds to the lightheartedness of the text, and the large print will appeal to beginning readers. This tale is charming and Mary's antics will capture and hold the attention of young children.