Jeffrey wants Saturn for his birthday, and he wants the moons too—all 47 of them. After all, they’ll make great night-lights! But he’s not selfish; he’ll share the rings with some of his friends at school and with his teacher, Mrs. Cassini. Facts about Saturn are woven seamlessly throughout this funny story as Jeffrey explains just what he’ll do with his present and how he’ll take care of it. His dad better hurry with the order, though, because shipping might take a while.
Written by John McGranaghan Illustrated by Wendy Edelson
“I always say Sylvan Dell Publishers have the best children’s books, and Saturn for my Birthday is no exception. [The book makes] your heart sing, and the reader longs for the blazing fire, a soft sofa and your own Saturn wrapped in a blanket lounging with you (see the book for this scene). Perfect for the family library, and a must have for schools and public libraries.” - Armchair Interviews
“This is a truly clever story. The author did a wonderful job overlaying science facts in a light-hearted, non-technical story. The illustrations are wonderful, and the two-page spread of father and son pointing to the stars is just beautiful. Kids will enjoy the humor and learn some great facts about the solar system in this picture book that plays on their favorite things: pets and birthdays.” - The Reading Tub
“What an excellent and innovative book!!! A must have for every library.” - Pennsylvania School Library Association
Author/Illustrator Info:
John McGranaghan has always been fascinated by outer space but it was his youngest son, Kyle, who asked for the planet Saturn for his fourth birthday. That request became the inspiration for Saturn for My Birthday. John has also written stories and articles for Boys’ Quest Magazine, Pockets Magazine, Columbia Magazine, and local newspapers. He is winner of the 2001 Pockets Fiction Contest. When John isn’t writing, he enjoys sports and spending time with his wife and two boys. John currently works as a school counselor in the Philadelphia suburbs. This is his first picture book.
Wendy Edelson illustrated the first of many books, “Whose Garden” at the age of 18. Since then she has divided her time between illustrating children’s books and “grown-up” books, and working on advertising and editorial projects. All of Wendy’s illustrations begin with very detailed pencils drawings and are then painted mostly with watercolor with the addition of occasional bits of colored pencil and pastel…the painting is definitely her favorite part! Wendy, her husband, and 4 cats currently live on an island in the Pacific Northwest. A corgi puppy will hopefully be joining the family soon!http://www.wendyedelson.com/
2009 ForeWord Book of the Year Award Finalist
2009 Reader Views Winner, 2nd Place, Children Ages 6-8
Science and Math through Literature
John McGranaghan has always been fascinated by outer space but it was his youngest son, Kyle, who asked for the planet Saturn for his fourth birthday. That request became the inspiration for Saturn for My Birthday. John has also written stories and articles for Boys’ Quest Magazine, Pockets Magazine, Columbia Magazine, and local newspapers. He is winner of the 2001 Pockets Fiction Contest. When John isn’t writing, he enjoys sports and spending time with his wife and two boys. John currently works as a school counselor in the Philadelphia suburbs. This is his first picture book.
Wendy Edelson
