The Happy Birthday Present

By Joan Heilbroner

Pictures by Mary Chalmers

Copyright 1962

This book was read to me many times during my early childhood, and read independently many times, too.  I can remember going along with little Davy and his brother Peter while they shopped for the perfect gift for their mother.  They had dreams of finding a wonderful gift at one of the shops in town. (Except the store that sells scrub brushes – Davy didn’t want to go in there.)  At each shop, they found that all the gifts cost too much.  However, along the way they collected little free treasures.  The lipstick at the drug store was too expensive, but Davy was given a free lollipop.  The beautiful hat was also too much, but the feather that fell out of it was free.  They were out of luck at the pet store too, but the man gave them a seashell for free.  

Fortunately, Peter had a great idea.  They made a birthday tree for their mother, from a branch adorned with all the treasures they picked up.  She was thrilled, of course, at the sight of her lovely tree.  

Forty-three years ago today, I woke up to see this birthday tree, draped with little presents chosen just for me (and found on sale, I’m sure!).  I know that I was just as delighted to see it as Davy’s mother was to see hers.  Just look at that grin.  That someone would take the time to let a child know she is loved and thought of on her special day means everything in the world!