Book Review of Happy Birthday to US!
The Children’s Book Review
Happy Birthday to US!
Written by Sherry Ellis
Illustrated by Nina Hvozdzeva
Ages: 4-7 | 52 Pages
Publisher: A 2 Z Press, LLC (2025) | ISBN: 978-1962101240
What to Expect: Birthday Celebrations, July 4th Celebrations, Community, and Rhyming Text.
Happy Birthday to US! is a cheerful introduction to American history that emphasizes community and shared pride.
A young narrator wakes up on July 4th believing the local parade, banners, and music are all part of a grand personal birthday celebration. While enjoying the festivities, the narrator learns that the red, white, and blue decorations also honor “Lady Liberty” and the patriots who founded the country. As the day transitions from a parade to a family gathering at the park, the child realizes that sharing their special day with the nation makes the celebration even more meaningful.
Author Sherry Ellis uses a buoyant rhythmic, rhyming structure to guide readers through the excitement of Independence Day—balancing a child’s personal joy with introductory historical concepts, such as the Declaration of Independence and the roles of figures like Ben Franklin and John Hancock. By framing the holiday as a “birthday” for the country, the text makes complex ideas about freedom and governance accessible to a younger audience.
The bright, colorful illustrations by Nina Hvozdzeva delightfully convey the festive energy of a summer holiday. Diverse crowds, patriotic symbols like the Statue of Liberty, and classic Fourth of July imagery, including marching bands and vibrant fireworks, fill the pages with visual elements that complement the text by grounding the child’s birthday experience in a lively, community-focused setting.
Including a helpful historical appendix about why the holiday is celebrated, Happy Birthday to Us is an excellent choice for parents and teachers looking to explain the significance of the Fourth of July to young children.
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About the Author
Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
To learn more, visit www.sherryellis.org.
2 Comments
Thank you for this great review of Happy Birthday to US!
It’s a pleasure!