The winner of the 2003 Kate Greenaway Medal for "Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child" creates an endearing, unconventional family who can't wait for little Oscar's first birthday. So they decide to celebrate his "half-birthday" with an urban family outing. Full color.

"Graham (Max) serves up a slice of urban family life — and of birthday cake — in this picture book celebration of Oscar's first half-year. Mom, Dad and almost-four-year-old Millie think that a whole year is too long to wait to mark baby Oscar's milestone. So, Oscar's half-birthday proves the perfect occasion for a party and a picnic in the park. As the traffic and city noises fade away behind them, the family hikes on to find an ideal lunch spot as well as lots of friendly admirers in their fellow park goers. By including cozy details and warm humor, Graham crafts a sunny story brimming with love. His vibrant ink-and-watercolor illustrations, which affectionately depict a youthful biracial family, busy city neighborhoods and an idyllic natural setting, make every scene seem extra inviting. Ages 2-6. (June)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Baby Oscar's half birthday is full cause for celebration in this amusing tale of an urban family outing, affectionately told by the inimitable Bob Graham.

Perfect day for a half birthday,

says Oscar's dad.

The birthday boy waves his wet fists.

And a picnic, says Oscar's mom.

Oscar is six months old today, but the truth is that no one can wait for his whole birthday. So there's nothing else for Mom and Dad to do but pack some sandwiches, park Oscar in his stroller, and take older sister Millie — handmade fairy wings attached — to the half country of their urban park for a half-birthday party. As always in the warm, quirky world of Bob Graham, the joy is in the details — a stop in a graffitied tunnel as the train rushes overhead; the expressions on Oscar's face as he watches a single leaf fall; the little half candle on his cake; and the impromptu gathering of admiring park visitors who join, one by one, in the hearty birthday song. With his jaunty watercolors full of charming surprises and a gently humorous text, Bob Graham creates an endearing, unconventional family readers will be happy to meet, and they'll be tickled to join in their celebration.