There's absolutely nothing wrong with the rural Euro-American community depicted here, anymore than there is something wrong with the urban, largely African-American and Latino communities depicted in the books of author/illustrators like Faith Ringgold. Our country is diverse, and part of what makes it diverse is that it is made up of a myriad of regions, states, cities, and communities, all of which have a different character and makeup. Given that this so, I find it rather disturbing that some have criticized this book for not being "diverse" enough. Apparently Osborne's narrative is based on a 4th of July she spent in a real small town in Pennsylvania, the same town that Catalanotto traveled to, on another 4th, to get inspiration for his artwork. Pairing an engaging narrative from Osborne with luminous artwork from illustrator Peter Catalanotto, Happy Birthday, America offers a snapshot of one rural community on an important day. The day draws to a close, and as the family are driving home, the boy-narrator wishes America a happy birthday. After performances of some of America's most celebrated patriotic songs, the fireworks begin, and the entire audience is awed.
An extended family enjoys the day at Memorial Park, participating in various community activities - fundraisers, contests and games, eating good food - until it is time for the evening concert.
Mary Pope Osborne, creator of the immensely popular Magic Tree House chapter-book series, offers a poetic description of small town America on the 4th of July in this lovely picture-book.
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