"Because when you read a book as a child it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does..." from the movie You've Got Mail.
For year's I have been trying to find a book from one of my earliest childhood memories. I remember my mom stopping what she was doing, picking me up, and reading me this book. It makes me cry when I think of this special moment & memory with my mom.
From the book....I remembered a pretty girl, her mom, the girl helping her neighbor, some laundry, a kitten, and a Birthday cake. I kept trying to come up with a title...Jane's Birthday? No that wasn't it.
The internet is amazing...but how do you search for a book from my 3-year-old-mind memories. I would look around every couple of years when I would think about it, but recently it was nagging at me so badly. I wanted to have this book to read to my own girls. I started searching vintage books online, but I had no idea what year it would have been, title, auther, nothing. I knew it was old..for sure not an 80's book. I asked my parents & siblings and no one could guess off of my clues. But then I remembered that it was a similar shape and age to "Tie My Shoe" another book from my childhood.
Quick side story on that...my sister Jenny actually got me this book when I had Samantha and it was such a wonderful sweet gift to get.
So Nic suggested looking up the publisher and the "Junior Elf Books". I googled that under images and there she was "BETH'S HAPPY DAY". I knew it as soon as I saw it. I bawled. The memories flooded back.
I can't tell you how happy I am that I now know what book I have pictured so many times. I ordered the only 2 copies that eBay was selling and I will continue to look for a couple more copies. I am so happy!