Quick Booktalk
Audrey and Lion are two friends who find reasons to celebrate - sometimes with cake - even when it's not their birthdays.
About the Illustrations
Most of the pictures in this book portray the two main characters interacting with one another against a cream background. Both Audrey and Lion have eyes that are just dots, a style that is very prevalent but not my most favorite. The overall style does remind me a bit of Helen Oxenbury's work in that the illustrations are somewhat soft and subdued and create a gentle atmosphere. This is a quiet book about celebrating everyday moments, and the pictures reflect that.
Story Time Possibilities
The text is concise and includes a lot of dialogue, which makes it really fun to read aloud. Some of the pictures' details wouldn't translate well to those sitting at the back of a large group, but I do story time for 15-ish kids at a time in my own basement and it will be fine for that environment. Since the story is not about birthdays, it can work for any theme related to celebrations, cake, dessert, and/or friendship. I think I'm going to pair it with Phoebe Dupree is Coming to Tea for a story time about celebrations.
Readers Advisory
I found this to be a delightful read, somewhat reminiscent of Hooray for Amanda and her Alligator by Mo Willems, but with less snark and more affection between the characters. It's such a cheerful and cozy little book and I can't wait to read it aloud!
Disclosure
I received a finished copy of Sometimes Cake from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.
