Six-year-old Lori lives in a border town between the USA and Mexico. She wants to give her older sister exactly the right birthday present, but what should it be? Lori and her mother visit Tia Sabina who is decorating a cake and go to the Mercado where even items in the curio shop won't do. On the day of her sister's birthday, the family attends church before going to a family gathering where Lori discovers a party planned for her. Her older sister has decided to exchange birthday seasons, so December-born Lori can have a summer pool party for a change. Tia Sabina's cake had been baked for her, and the Mercado trip gave her mother the idea Lori would enjoy a donkey piñata. Cultural elements abound in a richly detailed series of full-color illustrations created in gouache and colored pencil. A five-phrase glossary provides definitions. (Ages 5-8)

Illustrated by Loretta Lopez With bright, cheerful pictures and a wonderful surprise ending, this warm autobiographical story is filled with celebration. There are full-page scenes of the market, the kitchen, and the family party and also playful details of the food, clothes, decorations, gifts and pinatas that are part of the festive occasion.