PARTY CENTRAL PICK OF THE MONTH: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TREE!

A new story book introduces young readers to the importance of honoring and caring for nature. In "Happy Birthday, Tree! A Tu B'Shevat Story" by Madelyn Rosenberg, Joni and Nate realize the importance of friendship, compassion, and respect for nature.

Happy Birthday, Tree! A new book is introducing young readers to the importance of caring for the environment. Happy Birthday, Tree!: A Tu B’Shevat Story by Madelyn Rosenberg, with illustrations by Jana Christy, gets its inspiration from an annual Jewish tradition, Tu B’Shevat, or “the Birthday of the Trees.” This year, the holiday takes place on Jan. 26, and children and adults alike will plant trees to honor and give back to nature.

In Happy Birthday, Tree!, Joni and her friend Nate want to throw Joni’s big backyard tree a birthday party on Tu B’Shevat. They try giving it presents such as water, sunshine, even a cupcake made out of soil, but the tree still doesn’t seem happy. When Joni remembers the true spirit of Tu B’Shevat, she knows just the right gift to give her tree—a new one planted beside it.

This warm-hearted children’s book makes a wonderful gift for any real-life birthdays you’re celebrating this month—or, just because (in honor of the trees!), bake some cupcakes, read Happy Birthday, Tree! with your children, and get in the spirit it conveys about friendship, compassion, and respect for nature. (Ages 4-7; $15.99)

Happy JANUARY Birthday to… Rubber Duckie (Jan. 13) and Ernie (Jan. 28) of Sesame Street fame…Martin Luther King, Jr. (Jan. 15)… Winnie the Pooh creator A.A. Milne (Jan. 18)