Birthdays Books

Yes, it's a book with easy words and big pictures of animals in costumes going to a birthday party. In that respect, it's a children's book. But the depth of the mystery and clues are beyond the reach of most 4-year-olds (and many adults, for that matter).

My own life is a good example. I got this book for Christmas forever ago and loved the pictures, but as I grew older I began to appreciate the intricacy of the clues, and as such still pick it up well into my twenties.

Yes, it's possible that your toddlers may get frustrated by the mystery being over their heads. But don't let them cheat and look up the answers (given in a special sealed section in the back, along with all the clues hidden in the illustrations); instead, let them figure it out - it serves as a great learning and perception tool.

I read this book on the recommendation of a friend. I say that I read it, but really this is more like a book you do. What do you do? You solve the mystery of the poetic story by searching the detailed illustrations for clues. Some clues are more obvious than others, but most clues take real sleuthing to discover. I had so much fun with it, and after about two days of study, I came up with the answer, but there was still so much that I had overlooked. Thankfully, the author reveals all to you in a sealed section at the back of the book. I encourage you to resist seeking the answers until you've tried your hardest to find as many clues as you can. Even if you can't figure out the who dunnit, you will be exited with every clue you find, and will likely hear yourself exclaim, "Ah-ha!". This book is marketed to children but it takes a sharp mind to solve the mystery and discover the clues, so it is really better suited for teens and adults, but even small children will enjoy the story and the amazing pictures. I would give this book as a gift to anyone who enjoys a good brain teaser. So get out your magnifying glass, a notepad and pencil, and have fun!

The story is about Horace the elephant who has decided to celebrate his eleventh birthday, with 10 of his friends in the eleventh month (November) on the eleventh day. After all have arrived the eleven characters participate in eleven games in anticipation of a birthday feast at the eleventh hour of the day. Thus the title of the book - The Eleventh Hour. The day is filled with musical activities, indoor/outdoor games, board games, cards, party games and more. The eleventh hour arrives disappointing the guests with the unexpected disappearance of their birthday feast. Apparently a theft perpetrated by one of the invited guests. Horace saves the day by serving healthy whole wheat sandwiches to all and the birthday cake remains because it had been stored away from the feast. With everyone enjoying the birthday cake, the story closes with a happy ending.

However, this is where one story ends and other mysteries begin. On each page of the book there are puzzles to be solved and clues to lead a more intrepid reader along the trail to the thief of the birthday feast.

I'm a freshman in college and I still love this book. My third grade class room had a set but we were NOT allowed to open the pages in the back! The entire class spent lots of time pouring over the sumptuous pictures and trying to spot each and every hidden...well, I won't give it away. I came across the book in a bookstore recently and bought it immediately because I had such fond memories. Do yourself or your kid a huge favor and buy it!

-- And it's a "kids book"!!!

I'm 26 now, but I remember the astonishment and awe I first felt borrowing this book from my 5th grade class's "library" when I was 10 years old. Back then, I gave up after 4 hours of not being able to figure anything at all out and had to look in the Sooper Sikret Section, but this time around, I got a few more of the clues on my own before having to look up the Section :P

A great book to sate the inquisitive mind of a bright child, honestly. Highly recommended!

Not too vague and strangely accurate. Always good to putt out at a dinner party.

The Secret Language of Birthdays has been so helpful. A friend of mine was the first person to mention the book to me. I picked it up to better undertand my very active and stubborn toddler son (17months). I have used a different approach that didnt seem too harsh for his age as far as discipline was concerned and now we are in perfect harmony. It has also helped me understand other members of my family in which I was having a difficult time understanding. I would recommend this book to everyone because it was and continues to be helpful.

This book was pretty good in explaining the different "pieces" that make up the science of astrology. The accuracy of each day was also about 75% correct, for the most part. It's not as vague as some astrology books, that's for sure. Not a bad book for the money.

On page 352 and 353... born August 4. Interesting.......

Anyway, this is now my reference for anything I want to know about a person. The Secret Language Of Relationships is just as good. Definitely get it if you don't own either already!

This book is great, i bought it for my sister, as i already have one of my own, and considering it had to travel from america, it got here very fast!

I had never heard of the Fancy Nancy series until my daughter was given this as a gift. I love it, and both my daughters love it (ages 5 and 2). There are only a few sentences on each page but they are filled with [...] words, like "exquisite," "thrilled," "scowl," "ecstatic" and many others. Plus it gives a little French lesson ("Oui" and "Bonjour").

I highly recommend this book!

Excellent book . My granddaughter has enjoyed all of the Fancy Nancy books. Great messages for children

My daughter absolutely loves Fancy Nancy - these books make for great reading and the illustrations are perfect!

This book is really cute and has a nice story. I enjoy reading it to my daughter.

Fancy Nancy Bonjour Butterfly is a wonderful book that i gave to 2 pre-schoolers and they both loved this book- both the text and the wonderful pictures in the story. Kudos to the author.

My children---ages three and five---request this book over and over all through the year and quote it on numerous occasions. It's one that I truly don't mind reading over and over as well. The incredibly colorful illustrations are fantastical and yet the small, wondering boy who experiences all these grand events somehow keeps them almost believable. My favorite part is when the birthday boy stands atop a mountain and shouts, "I am me! I am I! I may not know why but I know that I like it." It teaches children to celebrate their special individual quality without being selfish about it. The book is simply overflowing with a sense of love and nurturing without being maudlin in the least.

I ordered this book for my grandaughter, and she loved it. It was a little long for her, but I enjoyed it as much as she did.

Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby

When I was a child, this book took my breath away. I felt like I was living the incredible adventures in the story, from riding the Birthday Bird to choosing the tallest pet to eating the giant cake. I think this story inspired the adventures I try to create in my own writing.

Now that I'm a mom, I still love this book. It is a little long to hold the attention of toddlers or preschoolers, though, so I recommend it for Kindergarten & up.

I bought this book for both my youngest daughter and our cousin, both who were turning one.

Of course this book is way too advanced for them but I brought it to their 1st birthdays and had everyone who was in attendance sign it. I love looking at all the adorable things people have said and can't wait to show it to them as they get older.

My 2 yr old son destroyed this book just by turning the pages. I wish it were a board book and not a pop up book.

The twins 17th birthday party goes very wrong when a major earthquake strikes!This is nothing--and I mean NOTHING-like the earthquake in Sweetvalleytwins..Jessica and the Earthquake. And in the midst of it all,they may lose a sweet SweetValley resident!!

The Twins are having a birthday,and they are turning 17.The party was to be held at The Beach Disco[Thank goodness they changed their minds] They have their party at home.Their present is a New White Jeep! Their old Jeep Fell into The Water.An Earthquake hits while the party is going on.Some of the party-goers might not survive the party.

Last wish is the best book I've ever read!!!!
I'ts Jessica and Liz's seventeenth Birthday,they both are in for a shock when they feel the earthquake shaking Sweet Valley....
But what else can go wrong on Friday the thirteenth.....

Oh my god! i totally hate it when someone leaves u in suspence. This boook ws really good. I was so suprised that Enid, maia , and Olivia ditched Liz even if it was for a good cause. This book makes u want to laugh and cry just like the Charachters.iI never Knew that Jessica could plan a party for Liz.I feel bad that Liz is torn in2 between devon and Todd.The ending is really hapy and sad . I was soo happy when Olivia and Ken make up. I was also happy when liz an Todd get to be friends. I was sad when the earthquake strikes SV and when olivia , ken maria, Lila , todd,Prince albert were in the house when the earthquake struck. I wonder who will live ? better goget EARTHQUAKE and AFTERSHOK. This is the best thriller Pascl wrote Yet!

I loved LAST WISH. It was such an incredible book that I couldn't put it down until I finished it (I had borrowed it from my town's library). In LAST WISH, Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield are turning 17 years old. Elizabeth wants to throw Jessica a birthday party that Jessica will never forget...and Jessica wants to do the same for Elizabeth, unknowingly that they both want to give each other birthday parties! Through all their secret birthday party planning, it all seems to go smoothly and perfectly until an earthquake shakes Sweet Valley and ruins it all! To find out what happens, you must read this book. An excellent addition to your SWEET VALLEY HIGH collection. Also, check out parts 2 EARTHQUAKE and 3 AFTERSHOCK, to find out the conclusion of this awesome SWEET VALLEY HIGH Super Special Saga.

Naylor's style of writing is much like Judy Blume, in which it draws you in and you ache, laugh and sympthasize with the character. With every "Alice" book, it feels like you get to know a friend. I'm sure every girl can relate to the everyday things she has to go to. Because the Alice series is so realistic, each time a new installment is realeased, you get the feeling that you're just learning new stuff about an old friend.

This insallment of the series is a little less chirpy, like past might have been. Gone are the silly 6th grade "what will I wear?!" chrisis that everyone can probably relate to. Now, it's about becoming woman of the house, and dealing with deeper problems. For example, Alice encounters a loner. She invites her to her dad's party and they start a bond. Well, just a few days later [I haven't read the book in 2+ years so forgive me!], the friend commits suicide, and in comes the feelings of "I could've done this...It's my fault".

A solid book for kids of most ages.

This book is about how Alice gets used to being the woman of the house. When she finds out that a man docter is going to examin her she starts to freak out but then reilizes that it isn't so bad. The boys are naming girls after states according to how big their breasts are.

About to turn 13, Alice McKinley is preoccupied with her aunt's statement about needing to be the "Woman of the House" for her widowed father and older brother Lester. Her best efforts, however, usually turn to disaster...

To make matters worse, the seventh-grade boys are naming the girls after various states...depending on the size of their chests! Alice lives in terror, uncertain which would be worse: getting dubbed the name of a flat state, or being overlooked altogether.

Readers will enjoy hearing about Alice, who is just an ordinary girl going through ordinary things, but in such a humorous and interesting way, they can't help wanting things to turn out okay...

Alice in April is about a girl who is having trouble with boys giving the girls at school nicknames of a state by it's geography, in other words ,"hills or no hills". If you like books that are funny, maybe even true life, Alice in April is the book for you.

I just read this a few days ago, and I started reading it at 9:30 p.m. that night and it was done the next day at about 1:30 p.m.!! I love this book, it is so believeable I think Alice IS ME!!(except for my mom didn't die). I love this book and all the other books in the series!!

The shipment was out to me in a couple of days! This book is awesome, too! Thanks!

It's hard enough for a kid to absorb and become part of American culture. This book provides a glimpse into Choi's attempt to master two cultures. Choi's memoir is both very funny and thought provoking. She has a wonderful storytelling style - she lets the characters dish out the plot with "kettles" of unabashed humor. I haven't read a book this quickly in years.

The book was hilarious, I couldn't put it down. All the situations that she describes in the book are just great. It made me feel better that I'm not the only one with a crazy family, especially since I also come from a Korean background. The book def puts a smile on your face and if you want more she keeps up a blog, so check that out too.

I have a Korean mother, and an American father. I was raised in as much of the Korean tradition as possible, and often thought my mother was out of her mind. Having American friends, I would see how their families and mothers were and thought that my mom was just neurotic and out to make my life miserable.

Annie's book is so well written. I felt that I could relate to everything she wrote. By reliving vicariously through her words, I was finally able to see that my family dynamic was not about control and disappointment, rather more about love and wanting the best for me, albeit in a very strange, stressful, mind game sort of way.

Annie says on page 196: "Though we hate to admit it, we care what our family thinks; we've been brainwashed to seek approval and obey, just like the rest of Korea's children." I've repeated this line again and again, and not one of my Korean friends (and siblings) haven't laughed out loud at the funny, but very true statement.

You will fall in love with Annie's family. You will adore her mother. You will feel like you know her in some strange way. This is probably because her spoken English is written as is, and you feel like she is talking to you. If you have a Korean parent, you will laugh at how the English language is somewhat butchered, yet that you are able to read and understand every bit of broken English, mispronounced and incomplete words. You will laugh at the different logic that cultural differences bring, and you will find yourself in stitches over the similarities that seem to be universal in the Korean family dynamic.

This book is a joy to read. It is side splitting funny, and not dull for one second. You'll start reading and not put it down. Then you will go through withdrawal when you are finished. You'll find yourself ordering copies for friends of similar backgrounds, and referring to over and over again.

Annie is comical and quick witted. I only hope that she will continue her memoir into the future.

hilarious and heartfelt, Annie Choi's book made me laugh out loud, and explained to the rest of the world what it's like to grow up Asian American or specifically, with nutty but loving parents who can barely communicate with you. Except in "Engrish" that is. However, the funniest thing she has written in my opinion was her "Open Letter To Architects" which is not in this collection. Good stuff though.

This is one of our favorite books.

The chaos caused by the monsters (more sensitive kids might get upset, I suppose, but my nieces don't) is done in a funny way, and the fact that the BIRTHDAY MONSTER CLEANING CREW! fixes everything at the end makes it all better.

Very catchy text, really funny illustrations. Perfect for a kid's first or second birthday.

Another Boynton fun book. A great 'read to me' book and also good for early readers. I left it on my grandson's night stand so he would have it when he woke up on his 5th birthday. The story has 5 birthday monsters so it was perfect.

Love this book! My two year old grandson has me read this at least 10 times a day! He calls it "favorite".

My daughter is 2 and loves this book along will all of Sandra Boynton's other books. She can't get enough of them. You will laugh so hard when you read them all. She has a wonderful since of humor and the books are very easy to read. My daughter has many of them memorized already, so do my husband and I from reading them over and over. This book along with her other ones are a must have.

My son loves all of Sandra Boynton books...it is a great Birthday book for a boy or a girl!!! I always keep a copy on hand for birthday parties that are short notice!!!

Holistic medicine. Food being the primary medicine for health. You are what you eat. Large focus on Asian Diet. Many great tips. I had no idea that some of these really helpful products existed. And I forgot about food combinations. Much better than the simple food pyramid. She teaches you to listen to your body. And utilize more greens. A worthwhile read if your goal is super nutrition. You'll be in the healthfood store after reading this, and enjoying it.

This book was my introduction to TCM, traditional Chinese medicine, and it was an eye-opener. I really enjoyed the author's relaxed demeanor throughout the book, while still getting the points across. The eating plan is reasonable and realistic. The YinYang Sisters teas recommended are really delicious and it's great to have beverage alternatives that are actually good for you as well. I am experimenting with the teas, some of the homeopathic remedies and trying reishi mushroom extract and liking it! I am working on losing weight, lowering blood sugar and improving or healing some inflammatory disease processes and I'll report back on my progress using the recommendations in this book. In addition, the author is extremely helpful via her website with specific and individual questions. All in all, I highly recommend this book.

Do yourself a favor and buy Feed Your Tiger. I was given the book by a friend at work. I saw it had good reviews from 2 French chefs quoted on the cover. So I tried the diets - all of them for all the types. They all taste good.

I like salt like a dragon, sweets like a bear, spices and liquor like a tiger and cigarettes and pizza like a crane. What does that make me? A satisfied reader. The author has good suggestions for all my addictions.
So I started eating seaweed for my salt craving. I like it. It's crunchy. Then I started using stevia for my sweet tooth. It's not bad. At least its sweet. I used a couple of homeopathic remedies suggested in the book and finally started to lose weight for the first time in many years.

I have continued to use the diet suggestions and I highly recommend this book. It's fun fast reading. All my friends at work are trying to figure out their animal types. I work in a hospital and there are lots of bears and dragons around. Some of us have started a club --former fatties now addicted to Feed Your Tiger.

I loved the recipes in this book! Apple rhubarb pie, Hunter's Chicken (or tofu), home made digestive bitters, leek pie, steamed salmon with pineapple and red onion, pasta with tree ears, healthy coq au vin, nouvelle ratatouille, a fast easy sukiyaki and Indonesian noodle dish. The desserts like chocolate berry pie were a revelation. Anyone can make these and stay slim and healthy.

I know I am a Bear who loves to eat. With this book I lost 38 pounds and am still getting thinner and happier every day. This is the only way to lose weight and keep it off--eat well, eat less, drink tea, and Feed Your Tiger!

This fantastic new book is a vital tool for busy, active people who don't have time to be sick, fat, or stupid. Or dunces who write erroneous reviews about books that are beyond their limited understanding. Feed Your Tiger recommends tasty, slimming meals from Asian and other restaurants; a balanced basic diet for everyone; and recipes, special foods, and easily available supplements for 4 eating types:

* Dragons: salty junk foods addicts
* Bears: sweets and comfort-food bingers
* Tigers: nervous eaters who like spices and alcohol
* Cranes: food extremists, smokers

If you are none of the above, you are an angel--although possibly an overweight one. Use this book to overcome your food addictions, build vitality, and enhance your appearance.

The well-known author of Feed Your Tiger has an extensive Net presence with numerous columns featured on both traditional medical as well as alternative health and beauty websites. She has authored authoritative books on Asian medicine, including Asian Health Secrets: The Complete Guide to Asian Herbal Medicine, which is highly recommended by alternative-minded health professionals. Her book Healthy Beauty features natural ways to enhance vitality and individual appeal for men and women.

Feed Your Tiger is a sophisticated, very practical and enjoyable book that targets the dangers of our fast-paced urban lifestyle--overweight, diabetes, prostate problems, weakened immunity, food addictions, and depression.

Since when has information about aging been so much fun to read? This fast paced book is chock full of useful information, the questions it answers hit the spot and most of the time you'll have a smile on your face when you're reading as well. (When you can remember where you've put the book down). It reminded me of the film in which Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson become "older" lovers and at one point mistakenly wear each other's glasses. Except that here, the author is firmly in control! I'm going to buy a copy for all my friends...

With my 50th birthday looming large later this year I've been stockpiling books about dealing with aging parents and my own aging. None of these have been pleasure reads...until Ms. Padwa's book came along! Thanks to Lynette Padwa I'm a bit less fearful, and a lot more prepared to face mid-life armed with humor and essential information. And now I know what I'll be getting all my friends for their 50th birthday! Midlife need not be a crisis anymore and it's gals like Ms. Padwa who'll spread that message for all to hear! Thank-you!

As an avid reader its rare that a book that lands on my desk actually lives up to the title. This one does. The author literally covers hundreds of topics in a factual as well as a witty way, which makes the book a joy to read and one of those rare books one doesn't want to put down.

The authors writes about prostates, penis', what men/women really look for in a partner, finances, scents that men/women like most, face lifts, what's better coffee or wine, fitness, baldness (most women don't care), viagra, mind and stress, why do bones creak, medical tests over age 50, digestion, wills, life insurance, medicare, elderly parents and money concerns, job changes, retirement communities, cohousing, sex and dating and much much more.

When I read the table of contents of this gem of a how-to book and found that I kept flipping to page 50 for the topics I wanted, I knew I really could benefit from Lynette Padwa's advice -- as I had from her other wonderful books. I actually thought I could skim a lot Quick, Answer Me because, smarty-panties that I am, I've been 50 for some #*@$ years and have been studying and paying attention along the way. But I must have taken a lot of vacation days. If this book were a test, I'd have to go back to being 30. (I wish.) I highly recommend this book for readers on both sides of the 50. Thank you, Lynette, for giving us the answers AND the questions about what's happened before and why, what will happen next and why, and what is happening to our friends and spouses and significants and why. Thanks for making me laugh out loud about subjects that could make most future geezers cry. Thanks for making the publisher use a decent-sized typeface. You thought of everything!

Lynette Padwa's "...Everything You Need To Know About Turning 50" is the literary equivalent of a Woody Allen movie--smart, fast-paced, and omigod, is it funny. She takes on all the important issues concerning life, love, sex and aging, and still leaves us laughing. Don't miss this nugget.