Stanley Birdbaum has committed perhaps the worst possible kid faux pas: he has worn a wacky hairstyle to school for Crazy Hair Day-on the wrong day. In fact, it's actually Class Picture Day. Granted, Stanley's 'do has been expertly executed by Stanley's mom: "She wrapped. She dipped. And to make his hair perfect, she sprayed Stanley's hair bright orange and blue. `Ta-da!' said Stanley. `I am a work of art!' " But his pride vaporizes when Stanley discovers his error, and he takes refuge in the boys' bathroom, resolving to be a no-show for the class photo. Saltzberg (Soccer Mom from Outer Space) portrays the characters as roly-poly hedgehog-like critters, but the school setting and social milieu are authentically and poignantly human. He understands how kids revel in the ostensible rule-breaking and goofy creativity of "Spirit Days" ("Stanley rolled the rubber bands in his hair. He gently tapped the tops of his spikes" before entering the classroom), and also how life at the elementary level takes no prisoners-even Stanley's best friend Larry scores a quip at his expense ("Is that a hair-do or a hair-don't?"). The story begins to sink under the weight of empathy as the coif-challenged hero slowly works through his embarrassment (with an assist from the now conciliatory Larry). But the wrap-up offers Stanley the perfect hair tonic: the entire class welcomes him to the class picture with their own hastily improvised but undisputedly zany headdress. Ages 5-8. (Aug.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

K-Gr 3—Excited about it being Crazy Hair Day at school, Stanley enlists his mother's help to decorate his hair using rubber bands, hair gel, and spray color. He arrives at school and is horrified to find out that it's class picture day—Crazy Hair Day is the following week. When his classmates tease him about his unusual appearance, Stanley resolves to spend the day in the bathroom. When his best friend encourages him to come out of hiding for the photo session, Stanley arrives in the classroom and is overjoyed to see that all of his classmates have created crazy hairdos for the occasion. The DVD has three tracks: an animated version of Barry Saltzberg's book (Candlewick, 2003), a music video of the author's song of the same title, and an interview with Saltzberg who talks about his background as an author/illustrator/musician, where he gets his ideas, and his inspiration for this story (a child who had cancer) and song. Saltzberg's comical pencil, ink, and acrylic illustrations have been crisply animated. While the backgrounds remain static, the movement of the characters draws viewers in and extends the story. Attention to detail in the artwork is emphasized, with added snippets such as Stanley doing a "happy dance" and flushing the toilets that match Saltzberg's style. Zach Braff does an admirable job of reading the text, using slight changes in pitch and intonation to indicate different characters and moods. A read-along option can be activated on the DVD. This outstanding adaptation of a delightful book will be useful for units on friendship, compassion, teamwork, and risk taking.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Saltzberg conveys the pleasing goofiness of special days at school when students can let their hair down-Pajama Day, Sixties Day, or best of all: Crazy Hair Day. Only Stanley Birdbaum-who, along with his schoolmates, looks like a reclining acorn perched atop a roly-poly body-gets the day wrong. It's Picture Day, not Crazy Hair Day. Mortified, he takes up residence in the school bathroom. His friend gently coaxes him back to the room to take his place in the class picture: "Remember Sixties Day, when Mr. Winger had the flu but came in anyway? He said the day wouldn't be the same if we weren't all together." There he finds his mates ready for the photographer with all manner of strange adornments on their heads: wastepaper baskets, piles of crayons, a stack of books; Mr. Winger is wearing a globe. "This is going to be a day I never forget," Stanley had said when he left home that morning with his rainbow thatch. Right you are, Stanley. (Picture book. 4-8)

A gently humorous tale for elementary age readers about a kid's worst day ever, eased by friendship and kindness.
—Los Angeles Times

Saltzberg conveys the pleasing goofiness of special days at school when students can let their hair down — Pajama Day, Sixties Day, or best of all: Crazy Hair Day.
—Kirkus Reviews

The pictures are bright and appealing, and the authenticity of Stanley's situation is likely to put the readers in the mood to share their most embarrassing moments.
—Booklist

"This is going to be a day I will never forget!" exclaims Stanley Birdbaum as his mother helps him prepare for Crazy Hair Day. With Halloween hair spray and styling gel how can he go wrong? Arriving in the classroom, Stanley is greeted by his classmates' laughter. But why? Dejected and alone in the boys bathroom, Stanley is befriended by Larry Finchfeather, the class troublemaker, who is exercising his peacemaking skills. Zach Braff narrates at a snappy pace. His rising voice and staccato speech followed by monotone, elongated moments depict both Stanley's elation and dejection. As the two classmates negotiate Stanley's return to the classroom, Braff is distinctively Larry and distinctively Stanley. Saltzberg's original score provides a jaunty background. An author interview and original CRAZY HAIR DAY song conclude the production. A.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine