Because she hates her haircut, Addie refuses to remove her hat or go to Max's birthday party. She is finally persuaded to attend when Max, who receives a duplicate of a costume Addie owns, suggests they both dress up. Beginning readers will relate to the universal story, enhanced by colorful, amusing illustrations.

In her third appearance, a tight-capped Addie delivers Max's present but explains that she can't come to his party. Good friend that he is, he tactfully ferrets out the reason (she's embarrassed by her new haircut), gets her on the road to recovery (Your hair is growing back!'' andYou have more hair than I do''), and, best, agrees to wear the jungle suit she's just given him if she wears hers to the party, too—thus concealing her newly shorn locks. Robins's wryly sympathetic voice and comically realistic dialogue are right on target; as always, Truesdell captures the histrionics in a few deft pen lines decked out in cheerful color. A particularly amiable take on a lively friendship. (Easy reader. 4-8)"

K-Gr 3-- This third book featuring Addie and Max, best friends and neighbors, lets readers share in their special relationship. Addie shows up early at Max's house with his birthday present in hand. She explains that she can't come to his party because her new hair cut is a disaster and she can't take off her hat. The two friends resolve the crisis and turn Addies Bad Day into a fun-filled ``Best Birthday.'' Truesdell's watercolor illustrations add humor (great hat, expressive eyes, and revealing body language) to a story that's sure to appeal to kids. --Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID