The Law of Birthdays: A Story about Choice

The Law of Birthdays decrees every child shall eat cake at birthday parties. Until one Girl tells the Royal Guard, ＂ No, thanks.＂ when offered cake at the King’s birthday. The King doesn’t accept her refusal or her reasons why. However, the Girl remains patient until the King’s refusal to understand pushes her to lay down an explanation even he can’t deny.

Marina Kondrakhina is a freelance illustrator based in Toronto, Canada. She constantly finds inspiration all around her, but especially in children; in their behavior creativity, energy, and in their ways of dealing with emotions. She draws fun and cute illustrations using mixed digital media. Despite her fear of heights she chose a rock climbing as a hobby and enjoys climbing local mountains and cliffs with her family and friends. Her motto in life is to Never Give Up. To avoid adult responsibilities at all costs Brenna spends as much time as possible road-tripping with her husband and son in their VW van to rock climb. She is agented by Dan Cramer at Page Turner Lit and co-hosts the kidlit podcast You May Contribute A Verse. Find her on Twitter @Brennajeanneret