0
    • Elementary Secondary Higher Ed Common Reads
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image

    Today is the Birthday of the World

    Author Linda Heller
    Illustrated by Alison Jay
    Ebook
    Penguin Young Readers | Dutton Books for Young Readers
    On sale Apr 16, 2009 | 32 Pages | 9781101642757
    Up to Kindergarten
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    Today is a special day: the birthday of the world, when God and all God’s creatures celebrate the beauty of life. As God asks each dear creature in turn whether it has been the best that it can be, this simple affirmation of life and goodness applauds the contribution that each and every one of us— from the mightiest elephant to the smallest child— can make. The whimsical animals in Alison Jay’s perfectly composed crackled paintings will make this a favorite book on the family shelf.
    Linda Heller has written and/or illustrated nearly a dozen children’s books. These have received, among other honors, the Parents Choice Award and the Sydney Taylor Book Award, Linda wrote How Dalia put a Big Yellow Comforter Inside a Tiny Blue Box in honor of her grandmother, Sarah Witkin, a Russian immigrant who embodied the practice of tzedakah through her generosity toward others. Linda is thrilled to be able to introduce the practice of giving tzedakah to a new generation. She teaches writing and art workshops for children in her hometown of New York City. Visit www.lindaheller.net. View titles by Linda Heller
    Alison Jay is a graduate of the London College of Printing and is the acclaimed illustrator of many picture books, including The Cloud Spinner, written by Michael Catchpool, and A Gift for Mama, by Linda Ravin Lodding. Alison’s signature style is created using alkyd paint on thick cartridge paper, with a crackle varnish, giving an aged effect. View titles by Alison Jay

    About

    Today is a special day: the birthday of the world, when God and all God’s creatures celebrate the beauty of life. As God asks each dear creature in turn whether it has been the best that it can be, this simple affirmation of life and goodness applauds the contribution that each and every one of us— from the mightiest elephant to the smallest child— can make. The whimsical animals in Alison Jay’s perfectly composed crackled paintings will make this a favorite book on the family shelf.

    Author

    Linda Heller has written and/or illustrated nearly a dozen children’s books. These have received, among other honors, the Parents Choice Award and the Sydney Taylor Book Award, Linda wrote How Dalia put a Big Yellow Comforter Inside a Tiny Blue Box in honor of her grandmother, Sarah Witkin, a Russian immigrant who embodied the practice of tzedakah through her generosity toward others. Linda is thrilled to be able to introduce the practice of giving tzedakah to a new generation. She teaches writing and art workshops for children in her hometown of New York City. Visit www.lindaheller.net. View titles by Linda Heller
    Alison Jay is a graduate of the London College of Printing and is the acclaimed illustrator of many picture books, including The Cloud Spinner, written by Michael Catchpool, and A Gift for Mama, by Linda Ravin Lodding. Alison’s signature style is created using alkyd paint on thick cartridge paper, with a crackle varnish, giving an aged effect. View titles by Alison Jay

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources
    General

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

    Read more

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

    General
    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Book covers: 9780593699058 ROAR (PYR) 9780593902813 BING’S CHERRIES (RHCB) 9780241743751 A KID’S BOOK ABOUT FIRST-GENERATION IMMIGRANTS (DK) 9781774882009 BROKEN (Tundra)
    English Language Arts Social Studies & History

    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

    Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

    Read more

    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

    English Language Arts Social Studies & History

    Penguin Random House Elementary Education

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)