A birthday invitation readers can remove from an envelope cleverly ushers them into Today Show
host Gifford's chirpy story about finicky Lucy Goosy, who “wanted her party to be simply the best,/ so she had to be careful when choosing each guest.” It's no easy task: Pig will eat all the food, Goat is always in a bad mood, poky Turtle will be late, and Bee is too busy to leave his hive. The meter is on target, but the verse can be weak (“If I invite Ant, I'll get ants in my pants!”). Danish artist Alexandersen portrays the animals with comedic hyperbole. Self-indulgent Cat models a snazzy new gown, Cow wears a ruffled frock while eating hay with fork and knife, and cocky Rooster performs on stage while wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses. In a fairly treacly denouement, Owl chastises Lucy for being too critical and advises her to invite everyone: “Yes, each has a gift that no one else gives./ So let's celebrate how different each one of us is!” Gifford sings the lyrics on an accompanying CD. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)
