This is the first colour illustrated children's book in the Henratty Mortimer series based on meerkats and has 21 beautiful illustrations. It is an introduction to the two meerkat families: The Mortimers and The Brians, who feature throughout the books. As the books go on, the author begins to develop each character mostly through the eyes of Henratty Mortimer and Oscar's Birthday tells a story of what happens on Oscar's sixth birthday when The Mortimers pay an uninvited visit and get caught hiding in the bushes but then join in with the birthday celebrations; how the meerkats interact with one another and the games they play. You see their mischievous side, the look of excitement on their faces when Oscar blows out the candles on his giant birthday cake and the sheer look of joy when the presents are opened, all beautifully captured in the wonderful illustrations. All the books have an underlying value and this book is 'Share and share alike - and watch out for 'the the green-eyed monster'. Other books from Henratty Mortimer series and the underlying value: The Meerville Myth - Good will always conquer evil. We Were Only Strawberry Picking - Love thy neighbour. Skylark - Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.