Lenka Chytilovawas drawn to books and writing from a young age. It was no surprise, then, when she got a degree in Czech Language and Literature and German Translation. She has always tried to connect books and reading, her greatest hobby, with her work; she worked part-time in a bookshop for many years and she also worked as an editor and proofreader. Lenka likes classic Czech fairytales, and she loves Veernek, the Czech television program for children's bedtime stories. She grew up in a village in East Moravia. Helena Harastovais a writer, translator, and mother. She graduated in Dramaturgy from the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts, having previously worked for the National Theatre in Brno, Czech Republic. Her most unusual pastime is proofreading texts for errors in spelling, grammar, and style. Xiana Teimoy is an illustrator from Vigo, in the far northwest of Spain. After graduating in fine arts with honors, she completed a master's in design and illustration. So far, she's worked mostly on children's books and kid's magazines. She loves illustrating stories for kids and reading children's books, wondering what the illustrator's own creative process was. She works from her lovely and cozy studio located in sunny Valencia, Spain, where she develops her work using digital media. She also teaches illustration at the University of Valencia.
"""Gr 1-4–The Bright family uses a wall calendar. Cooper sees his mother’s notation about Grandma’s birthday and announces it to his family. A family discussion follows about what they should do to celebrate. Cooper wants to throw her a party. His mom is worried that they may not have enough time to get everything done. They come up with a plan, and if everyone does their part, it will be a great party for all to enjoy. Author Chytilová, with fellow author Haraštová and illustrator Teimoy, have created an information-packed STEM book in a fun, family-friendly way. Parents can use this book to plan a party for their parents or other family members or friends, and reinforce what children are taught in school. It is a combination of reading skills with text features and a pattern of introducing facts, which can be hands-on learning for students. It’s a great way to build children’s vocabulary as they master mathematical and scientific facts and procedures. It is also designed to support differentiation instruction. VERDICT This book is an excellent resource for teachers who can plan an entire thematic unit around it."" —Laura Ellis, School Library Journal ""Certainly a lively book, as a fairly annoying family realise how much science they need to get to just celebrate a birthday party – from the measurements of mass and volume involved in the cake, the velocity and speed to travel to the recipient, and even the axial symmetry involved in making some decorations."" —John Lloyd, Reviewer"