Also by written and/or illustrated by Hans de Beer: Little Polar Bear and the Whales The Best Birthday Party: A Touch-And-Feel Book by Serena Romanelli, illustrated by Hans de Beer Baby-PreK 12 pages NorthSouth September 2009 Board book     A birthday party is an ideal setting for a touch-and-feel board book since there are so many things to feel that might be present there. The fact that the party is to celebrate the birthday of a sheep adds another item to feel that is prominently displayed on the front cover. As the shiny plastic balloons are hung, it is clear the party can begin - which, of course, means that gifts will be presented to the guest of honor. Each present shows the generosity of the invited guests as the rabbit, duck and pig gather to celebrate the day. The rigid straw hat, shiny gold trumpet, and red and yellow umbrella are all presented to the sheep, who decides to express his gratitude by presenting each guest with a gift of their own. The Best Birthday Party is charming board book that offers a sweet story as well as the opportunity for young readers to see and feel some textures that might be present on the day. It will likely be read again and again and would actually make a great birthday present on its own.     web reviews   Lori West/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)