The Birthday Surprise

Nina lives with her aunt Dora in the middle of the Robbers' Woods surrounded by her animal friends and "robbers" Niek, Viek, and Riek. The robbers, though wild and savage-looking, are actually nice and kind and only steal weapons from hunters who would hurt forest animals. Everyday holds a new adventure for Nina and her woodland friends. One day while walking through the forest Nina notices that everybody is busy with something and acting suspiciously. She is disappointed to find that Sparrow, the Mouse Family, Crow, Miss Weasel, Grandpa Badger and even the robbers have no time to stop and chat. When she arrives back home, however, she gets a delightful surprise: all her friends were busy because they were throwing Nina a birthday party. A perfect birthday gift for young readers, this is a sweet story that celebrates friendship.

Ann Lootens is a teacher and a writer. Linde Faas is an illustrator.