I Got You a Present! by Mike Erksine-Kellie and SusanMcLennan

Synopsis:

“A quest for the perfect birthday present leads to ever grander (and ever more imperfect) gift ideas in this clever metafiction story that’s hilarious any day of the year. “I wanted to get you the greatest present ever,” our narrator tells us. But somehow, none of the best ideas seemed to pan out. First, there was the pair of hand-knitted birthday socks (have you ever tried knitting birthday socks?). Then, the ten-scoop ice cream cone (a disaster to carry), the magic kit (it disappeared, just like magic!), the apple juice-fueled jet pack (still a few kinks to work out) and the dinosaur (I couldn’t find one anywhere). And now, time has run out, and our narrator still has nothing to give. Or, maybe there is something after all. Something that contains all those awesome gifts in one. Something that can be enjoyed again and again, just by turning the pages…

In their debut picture book, Emmy Award-winning children’s television writers Mike Erskine-Kellie and Susan McLennan have created a laugh-out-loud story filled with heart. The metafiction approach (speaking directly to “you”) and fun story together with the antic exuberance of Cale Atkinson’s bold and colorful illustrations make this a lively read-aloud that will keep even the youngest children engaged. Though a book about finding the perfect birthday present is itself the perfect birthday present, it’s also simply a delightful read for any time of year. It also offers an excellent character education lesson on perseverance.”

Review:

I Got You a Present! by Mike Erksine-Kellie and SusanMcLennan would make the most amazing birthday present for any kid! It’s the perfect blend of silly and story. It’s also a great teaching tool for kids that if you can’t solve a problem the first time, try, try again. And that sometimes a thoughtful, homemade present is better than anything you could buy.

Duck is trying to find the perfect present, but something is wrong with each present he picks out for you, the reader. I love Duck’s excitement as he searches high and low for the perfect gift. I think it matches the excitement that kids have for their birthdays! My favorite gift Duck buys has got to the magic set that magically disappears – if you look close enough as a reader, you might just be able to find it!

I also adore the illustrations – Cale Atkinson is probably one of my favorite children’s book illustrators and this story does not disappoint. I love when the text and art work so seamlessly together that you couldn’t imagine one without the other. And I think that Mike, Susan, and Cale do this perfectly!

If you’re looking for a perfect picture book AND birthday present rolled into one – this is a must-have story!

Need to Know:

Title: I Got You a Present!
Author: Mike Erksine and Susan McLennan
Illustrator: Cale Atkinson
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: April 7, 2020
Page Number: 32 pgs.

Check out more great birthday titles with my list – 12 Titles for Birthdays!