Sometimes Cake by Edwina Wyatt illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie

Audrey finds Lion. He has a balloon. It is not his birthday. It is not Audrey's birthday but they sing the birthday song anyway. On Tuesday Audrey finds Lion again. He has a delicious looking cake. Audrey asks about the celebration. Lion explains he is celebrating Tuesdays and also coconut. The friends sit down to enjoy a slice of cake (the icing is coconut - yum).

The story pattern continues. Lion is wearing a hat and celebrating orange and yellow and Audrey suggests they could add in purple. Then comes one powerful word:

"The next time Audrey found Lion, he didn't have a balloon or a cake. He wasn't wearing a hat. 'What are you celebrating?' said Audrey. 'Nothing,' sniffed Lion. Today is just an ordinary day." 

Sniffed!! - lion is sad. He looks sad in the illustration on the next page. BUT our Audrey is a problem solver. She creates the best celebration ever - a celebration of ordinary days and lions. 

The tone of this book feels a little like Winnie the Pooh's wisdom.

Just before this Walker book was released a friend sent me the title knowing I am a huge fan of cakes! With all the story elements which are perfect for preschoolers and perfect to read aloud features such as  patterns, an emotional arc, bright and lively illustrations, and a little girl who could be your friend, I just have to give this book five stars. I also like the look of the cake on the title page. 

I predict this book will reach the 2021 CBCA Notable list and Early Childhood short list - yes it is that good. Fingers crossed for Edwina Wyatt and Tamsin.  I did make this prediction back in 2016 about In the Evening and I was wrong - let's hope I don't jinx Sometimes Cake.

Make sure you look at all of the socks worn by Audrey. They are a good way to mark the passing of time but also they are intriguing. Audrey likes to wear odd socks that don't match just like many preschool aged children, but one sock is missing. I have searched high and low but I cannot find her red and white striped sock in the final scene. Can you?

Here are the author and illustrator web sites.

I would pair this book with these:

Where does Thursday Go?