Andy is determined to secure for his granny the perfect "unbirthday" gift: a case for her binoculars. He holds a tag sale with his friend Dolores to raise funds, then is horrified to discover that the binoculars themselves have been sold. Generously illustrated in appealing pencil and black watercolor wash, this fifth Andy Shane story will entertain early chapter book readers.

Gr 1-3 Andy Shane has thought up the perfect gift for Granny Webb's unbirthdaya case for her binoculars. Trouble is, his piggy bank is empty. With the help of his friend Dolores, he devises a plan to earn money by collecting the neighbors' castoffs and selling them from his grandmother's barn. Unfortunately Granny's binoculars are inadvertently sold as well. The children eventually track them down, and Andy realizes that he cannot afford both the binoculars and the case. He trades his bike so he can have both. In homage to O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," Granny Webb trades her binoculars to buy a new bike seat and horn for Andy. The pen-and-ink drawing at the end shows readers that everything has worked out for both of them. The illustrations move the story along and provide important contextual clues. This satisfying title will appeal to early chapter-book readers. Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY