Ben’s Birthday Party

At the Johnson house, excitement fills the air. Tomorrow is Ben’s birthday. But first, Mrs. Johnson must run some errands with Brianna in order to finish preparations.

The first item to buy on the list is a birthday cake. There are two bakeries in town. Mrs. Johnson explains that this provides competition between the bakeries.

Only one bakery is having a sale on birthday cakes. That means that the cake on sale will cost less money. Mrs. Johnson and Brianna find a cake that is perfect for Ben’s birthday.

The next item on the list is balloons. Mrs. Johnson and Brianna find a balloon store. The balloon store has many different colors, but not red—and red is Ben’s favorite color. Why does the store not have red balloons?

The manager explains that many people wanted red balloons, and the store sold out. Red balloons are scarce—this means that there aren’t enough for people to buy.

Brianna chooses blue balloons for the celebration. Blue is Ben’s second favorite color.

The last item on the list is Ben’s present. For this, Mrs. Johnson and Brianna head to the toy store. There are so many choices, Brianna doesn’t know what to do.

Suddenly, Brianna knows just what she will give Ben for his present.

At Ben’s birthday party the next day, Ben opens his presents, or goods. He likes them all. Then it’s time for Brianna to give Ben her present.

Inside the present is a note. Ben reads the note:

Ben and Brianna laugh. Everyone else laughs because they think Brianna’s present is very clever. Ben thought Brianna’s present was the best of all.