If someone did not like you, would you try to convince them otherwise? If someone was mean or rude to you, would you stoop to their level and act the same towards them?

The Bad Birthday Surprise by H.M. Arvind is a whimsical story that teaches readers about character. H.M. Arvind shows that treating someone unkindly not only affects the recipient, but can cause the recipient to want to seek revenge. Flick, the doll, was hurt when she wasn't invited to the party of the century. H.R.M. (Hatti Renee Munroe), the expensively dressed cat, was considered a socialite in Twinkle Town. H.R.M. displayed bad character wherever she went. She talked badly about those that she felt were beneath her, like Flick and her friend Mitch, the ladybird. So Flick, with the assistance of Mitch, devised a Fake Cake Plan. They both knew that if their friend William, the owl, found out he would be really disappointed. But is Flick right on what she sees? Is her action justified? 

I like how H.M. Arvind was able to educate the reader about the pros and cons of not only interpersonal relationships, but how the elements of bad character affect everyone. As shown in The Bad Birthday Surprise, Flick was unable to accept that William and Ross, the nutcracker, both received personal invitations to H.R.M.'s party. H.R.M. cast a negative, dark cloud on Flick. Flick felt that she wasn't considered good enough. When we isolate others, a person can either take revenge or accept the label that has been placed on them. If you are seeking a fun story, you will enjoy The Bad Birthday Surprise, written and illustrated by H.M. Arvind.