A pleasant, lilting text describes the shopping expedition of a brown-skinned toddler and her dad who are planning a special surprise for mom's birthday. The shifting perspectives of the brightly colored goauche paintings add to the sense of anticipation felt by all involved in the preparations for a celebration. (Ages 2-4)

"An urban African-American girl and her father buy plants, potting soil, and a window box at the supermarket, ride the bus to their apartment, and put together a colorful gift for the child's mother. Rhyming verse carries the brief story, while wonderful, warm, full-color illustrations present scenes from novel angles, and depict a loving family with a sense of intimacy, sincerity, and joy."-School Library Journal