Level: A1

The Birthday Surprise

Lily and Ben have two hours to make a birthday surprise for Mom.

CEFR A1 · 150 words · ~1 min read · US English

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Words to know

surprise: something nice that a person does not know about before
mixes: puts different things together to make one thing
smells: makes your nose feel something nice or bad
hugs: puts the arms around a person to show love
bite: a small piece of food that you take with your teeth

Next Sunday is Mom’s birthday. Lily and her little brother Ben want to make a surprise party.

“I can make a cake,” Lily says. “You can make a card.”

On Sunday, Dad takes Mom to the store for two hours. The children work fast. Lily mixes eggs, flour, sugar, and butter. Ben draws a big card with hearts and a yellow sun.

Then Dad sends a message: “We are coming home!”

Lily puts the cake on the table. It is not perfect. One side is low. But it smells wonderful.

The door opens. “Surprise!” the children shout. Mom’s eyes go big. Then she laughs and hugs the children.

“You made this for me?” she asks.

“Yes! Happy birthday, Mom!” says Ben.

Mom takes a bite of the cake. “This is the best cake in the world,” she says.

Maybe the cake looks a little funny. But the day is perfect.

Check your understanding

What does Lily make for Mom?
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A cake — Lily says, 'I can make a cake.' She mixes eggs, flour, sugar, and butter.
What does Ben draw on the card?
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Hearts and a sun — Ben draws a big card with hearts and a yellow sun.
Where does Dad take Mom?
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To the store — Dad takes Mom to the store for two hours.
The cake looks perfect.
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False — The cake is not perfect. One side is low.