Birthdays Books

I've tasted several of these recipes and they are all delicious. The nice thing is the recipes are realistic - not too complicated. The card design is very pretty. It's a nice alternative to giving wine as a hostess gift or buying a cookbook!

I loved the photos of all of the recipes - everything looked so good, I could barely decide what to make! The fava bean hummus with pita chips was amazingly fresh and devoured by everyone at my party. Arranging the chips like the petals of a flower is such a great presentation tip. I can't wait to make the rest of the deck!

The Sumptuous Small Plates deck is a ton of fun. I have given a few of these decks to friends and family already!! It is a perfect hostess gift or birthday present and when paired with some cooking gear, makes a great wedding gift too. And the recipes are delicious! I would recommend to anyone who loves great food.

Ms. Gignilliat and PartiesThatCook have created a wonderfully delicious idea for food lovers. The recipe deck is loaded with not only beautiful and tantilizing pictures of the food, but also includes really great tips for entertaining and menu ideas. Often when you see beautiful food it doesn't taste as good as it looks, or the recipes don't quite work. This is not the case. Every recipe is just scrumptious and has been thoroughly tested many times to guarantee consistent results from the recipe. A must-have!!!

This is a cool new recipe deck with great color photos and really yummy recipes. I've already made a couple at home for my husband and friends and people devoured them. The Crostini with Goat Cheese and Tomato Marmalade is delicious - especially for goat cheese lovers. Since I love cheese, the Tartines with Roquefort and Shallot Cranberry Sauce are great too and really easy to make for a party. You could even use dried cherries. The Fava Bean Hummus is great for vegetarian friends - and I even found frozen fava beans (less work for me!). I'm making my way through the other recipes - Coconut Cupcakes are next!

She has already asked me to purchase another "Tilly" book, so I am getting ready to do that now. I purchased this in anticipation of "the talk" and she began reading it the same day they showed "the film" at school. She is 10 years old and read the book in 2 days--school days!! Thanks to the author for providing such quality material.

I bought this book for my 10 year old niece and she thoroughly enjoyed the story and the helpful information in the book. When I read it, I wished that this book was available for me when I was growing up!

I think it is well written and I would recommend it to all mothers and fathers of young girls. It not only answers a young girl's questions and lets her know what to expect, but it is written in such a way as to be entertaining also.

I wished I had had a book like this when I was younger.

I purchased this book for my eleven year old daughter but thought I would read it first. This book provides a fresh approach to the important female milestone and once I read it, I couldn't wait to shared it with my daughter! She Loved It!

MOTHERS - GRANDMOTHERS - AUNTS - WOMEN, I highly recommend sharing this book with your young girls -- The information is accurate and written in an easy-to-understand format without being distracting or confusing and without introducing sexual issues that the child might not be ready for.

This book certainly stands out from the many informational books about menstruation that I've read!

From a male perspective, I see this book a necessity for fathers raising their daughters. It's a nice story about a little girl going through one of lifes changes, and how her mother interacts with her. The method used to explain what is happening with her can be done by either parent. Father's, too, should get as well as read this book for when their precious one reaches this stage of life. Fathers, you will be prepared for the discussion, and more importantly understanding of what all is happening. Keep in mind, Daddy's little girl do grow up.

I obtained a copy of this book when it first came out and I am glad I did. It was a quick and fun read about a teen boy coming into his own and realizing his potential. Of course, he could not do any of this without his love interest. She is the new girl in town and falls for the main character. The book captured the innocence, pain, and awkwardness of adolescent love. I highly recommend it.

WOW, The way the author brings you back to your highschool days is amazing. He brings back all those great memories associated with your youth. The book is a must read for all parents of teens and very enlightening for the teen crowd itself. A MUST READ!!!!!!

I purchased this book for my 14 year old son who began reading it as soon as I handed it to him. ('Hmm,' my mind thought, 'this is a good sign.')

While I was cooking dinner, I listened to lots of laughter and comments like, "Oh man, this is great!" And, "Aw, you gotta hear this!" ... followed by several snippets he just HAD to read aloud to me. At this point, I was fairly certain that I could consider myself a cool Mom since I had apparently chosen a hit (and all by myself, no less!).

The next morning I asked him if he was enjoying the book and he said, "Yeah, it was great, I finished it." Feeling even better about my choice, I said, "Wow, already? It MUST have been good!"

"Well, it was so good," he said, "that after a five minute break, I decided to read it again." He had actually read it a second time before going to bed that night!

Now it's official, if you are looking for a good, captivating read for your kid, and a vote for 'Cool Mom' don't pass up this book. It is a must-have!

Kudos to Christopher Cleary for writing an obvious winner, AND for scoring points for Mom!

Debbie Mancini-Wilson
Mom and Author of Color My World

"Writing on the Wall" is a quick-reading teen novel, written in a witty, metaphor-driven style. It takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster, but ultimately leaves the reader with an empowering message of self-worth. This book addresses real teen issues, such as self-esteem, independence, suicide, and sexuality, but without trashiness or excessive profanity. The author is not afraid to "go there," but he is careful to "go there" tastefully. A reassuring and inspirational read for any teenager.

Cleary crafted a good, original storyline with "Writing on the Wall." The lead characters, Megan and Donnie, are originally drawn, not really falling into the traditional set of teen fiction characters. The family dynamics are realistic and there's some great characters that don't steal focus from Megan and Donnie but neatly assist in propelling the story forward. Because there are major reveals hidden throughout, it was a book that I put down only to pick right back up again!

Anything Shirley Hughes writes is worth reading! She writes about everyday situations with which my 3 year old and I can relate (and we laugh, cry or feel whatever other emotion she provokes) and always enjoy!. She both writes and illustrates her books - and do so beautifully!

I am fond of this book because it incorporates death as part of a continuum of events in a child's life, instead of placing it front and center in a "the-moral-of-the-story-is" type of typical children's story.

Alfie's neighbor loves his old cat, the cat dies, the neighbor is very sad, the neighbor stays sad, and Alfie and friends and family decide to plan a surprise birthday party for the neighbor. Then there are lots of details about the party, including the purchase of presents, the making of the cake, and even getting a new kitten for the neighbor. Then, ta-dum, everybody yells SURPRISE! And the neighbor is happier, and the kitten turns out to be pretty cool, and the party is fun, and even though everybody remembers the old cat fondly, the new cat becomes a part of their life.

I like this approach and so, apparently, do my kids. I've been trying to find good books for kids about death, and this has turned out to be a favorite. And the pictures are *adorable,* I just wanted to reach right in and pinch Alfie's red cheeks.

Shirley Hughes is a wonderful author who uses beautiful illustrations and a quiet writing style in her children's books. My toddler loves her book, Chatting, as well as other Hughes titles. I highly recommend sharing Alfie with your children.

We (my 3-year old son and 2-year old daughter and I) loved Hughes' "All About Alfie," and her story "Dogger," and this book is a wonderful next step for us, especially my son. There's a bit more text per page, and more mature subject matter (the death of a neighbor's pet) which helps ensure it will grow with him. (I was worried that he'd lose the wonderful role model he has in Alfie!) The only negative is that since the stories so completely capture Alfie's point of view, Annie Rose is a little flat, and my daughter is not as engaged by her. Alfie stories are a great example of how to be caring toward your siblings. The illustrations showing a happy family without a spotless house (it looks comfy and lived in!) make me want to give Hughes a hug!

As with almost all of Spider-man stories I have found enjoyment and always looked forward to the next one.(I'm a longtime Spiderfan and easy to please). Ezekiel had always been a mysterious, almost immortal figure since popping in to Parker's life. This chapter sums it all up very well, but I was disappointed with the ending. It felt like everything in the last several books culminated to this chapter and now there doesn't feel like there is anything on the horizon for Spider-mans legacy or the Parker's family, although I know better. Perhaps Ezekial will be Peter's Obi-wan Kenobi in future issues. In a way it kinda seemed like J. Micheal Strac. was unexpectedly running out of pages and had to "wrap it" up. Still, I was very pleased I bought this one and it again as I do will the previous chapters (yes--I read them all in order too! LOL).

Story: After a frusterating day at work, Peter Parker a.k.a Spider-man is just reflecting on his superhero identity and about if he's actually a hero when red lightning strikes. Er.. Red lightning? Never a good sign. So then Spidey goes on a search for the source of the problem and when he finds it, it turns out to be WAY more then a bad rainstorm. It's a limitless army of, really strong, really tough and really stupid drones. Plus, soon Spidey finds out there's an ultimate battle going every freakin superhero in the marvel phonebook and the mindless ones. But when a Mr Fantastic invention goes haywire and a Dr Strange spell gets messed up, Spider-man ends up seeing his beggining, his end and also he ends up facing every super villain he's ever faced and has to beat them all in a weakened state. To find out the conclusion you've gotta read this graphic novel. Also with a bonus 2 comics added to mix it up you'll really enjoy the story.

Art: 3 words, Looks-Really-Good.

value: while it's a little pricy, with the right amount of cash or a library card you'll get satisfaction garunteed.

Overall: Overall this is an awe some book and I reccomend this to any Spidey fan who can read.

Through reading these and other recent Spider-Man books (25 issues worth) one thing comes to mind: even through bad stories, Spider-Man is still the man. It may be controversial but I like the idea of Ezekiel, Morlun, the Spider totem, all of it. Spider-Man has to be changed up every once in awhile and this is a much better way to do it then killing people off, or a new costume. As Straczynski's run goes on he shows a new side to Spider-Man/Peter Parker, MJ, Aunt May, even Uncle Ben. Spider-Man is firmly in the Marvel Universe in this series, with random comings and goings from other heroes. On the other hand, Peter Parker is firmly in the real world during this run. Peter Parker in college has been tried before, but Peter Parker (as an adult of course) in high school? Well, that's different and incredibly entertaining. The new villains are memorable and the older cast reminds you why you loved them to begin with.

This is a great arc. First off the story begins where Spider-Man teams up with Loki!! It's not what you think. Your thinking that the Daily Bugle was right about Spider-Man and now he has turned to Loki's side. Nope. I think you'll be pleasently suprised.

Then we have another arc that ends the saga of Ezekiel!!

The artwork is great!!

The srory is great!!

What are you waiting for?!?

MAKE YOURS MARVEL!!!

Excellent book to read aloud to children. My sisters and I are tea drinkers, and we each have at least one daughter, so this book of tea drinking "Aunts" with a smart daughter who manages a wonderful surprise for her mother with the help of her Aunts is much loved around our house.

The only thing possibly more fun for a child than her own birthday party, may be participating in throwing a surprise party for someone else -- someone like Mama. This book is a wacky retelling of a family story of just such a surprise party. Told through the eyes of a little girl who sees herself as the only organized one in an extended family of true characters, the story is a fun ride through the chaos of planning the party and keeping the secret.

I loved the two principal characters, two aunts who are as opposite as fire and water. One nitpicks every detail of the party plans while the other puts off her responsibilities until the very last minute. And I had to smile at Dad, a quiet, good natured male lost in a maelstrom of female activity. He is left trying to remember the secret party password. Add to that cats, who like to play "Tarzan with the streamers and hippo with the punch," and you've got the recipe for some real commotion.

Told with a rare combination of running narrative and speech bubbles, this story is fun for adults and children. My kids loved reading the speech bubbles themselves while I read the narrative. And the wonderful, bright illustrations add visual energy to convey the absolute bedlam that ensues when the family tries to pull off the big surprise.

This book is really a celebration of family, and a clever look into the elements that make family special. Full of great language and imagery, it's a winner at our house.

This is a children's book that truly will delight adult readers. (Proof: I'm 37 and I've read it several times, sometimes when my two-year-old daughter, Isabel, was napping.) This sunny story is entertaining and speaks to the good (but too often bungled) intentions of families everywhere. Please read it!

This is a delightful story about a young girl who is conspiring, along with her two aunts, to have a surprise party for her mother (who of course says she doesn't want any fuss for her birthday). Her aunts have some differences in opinions over the party plans, chaos breaks out, and the girl is there to pull it all together just in time for her mom's arrival at the party. This is written from the girl's perspective, which I really like because it gives you insight into her spunky personality. The illustrations are cute, too. I probably wouldn't recommend it for children under 4, but older kids will definitely like it.

This book is very well loved in this house. As a parent, what I particularly appreciated is how jealousy is depicted - as a green monster that quite frankly, it looks like a devil. When Brother gets a new bike for his birthday, Sister gets jealous and wants one too, which is atypical for her. She goes to sleep and dreams of the green-eyed monster of jealousy which convinces her to ride Brother's bike, even though she cannot even reach the pedals. She winds up crashing it to smithereens in her dream (with the little green-eyed monster/devil laughing all the way), then wakes the whole house thinking she really did it. This book provides a fabulous example of what can turn into a nasty adult trait if not handled while young if it appears. Great, great job, highly, highly recommend!

"When another bear gets something brand new, the Green-eyed Monster makes *you* want one, too." -- From the book

It's Brother Bear's birthday, and he was getting some very fine presents at his party--and aluminum bat from Gramps, a fielder's glove from Cousin Fred and a sports video from Lizzy Bruin.

Sister joined in the festivities--until she saw what Mama and Papa Bear bought Brother as a present: a beautiful racing bike!

Sister was aghast--and angry. Mama noticed the "I-gotta-have-it" look in Sister's eyes--and reminded Sister of the presents *she* got on *her* last birthday.

But Sister would have none of it! Mama tells sister about the Green-eyed Monster known as jealousy and envy. Sister is still upset, not wanting Brother's junior bike hand-me-down.

Written by beloved authors Stan & Jan Berenstain, this book shows what can happen when jealousy takes over--and how what you THINK you want may not always be best for you! (Even Papa gets a bit of the "Monster" when Mr. Bruin gets a new car!)

I like the fact that the Berenstain Bear books show adults making the same mistakes as children (poor Papa Bear...it's usually him!).

If you'd like an engaging book for teaching kids how to deal with jealousy, this would be a fine book that will hold their interest while encouraging positive life skills.

It's Brother Bear's birthday and he's gotten all sorts of cool presents. Sister Bear is unaffected by Brother's good fortune. Until Mama and Papa bring out their gift: a brand new green bicycle. Sister turns green in a fit of envy. Mama talks to her about being careful around the "green-eyed monster", but Sister doesn't seem to listen.This story isn't as interesting as some of the Berenstain Bears books. I think part of the reason is that the plot takes place in a 24-hour period. However, the book has a great message and kids love looking at the ugly green bike that causes all the problems.

I can not tell you how many times my children (3 & 4) have me read this story. It is adorable and funny while also teaching them about being jealous. How can you go wrong?

Very funny and the best illustrations ever. Clever enough for parents not to hate if they read it three times a night for three years. Really wonderful.

At some point in every kid's life, someone should give this book as a present.

The artwork is exquisite -- and charming -- and funny -- and well dressed too!!!

The text is poetry that flows as easily as one of those jingles you can't get out of your head.

It's an equally great book for any adult with a sense of whimsey.

o.k ok. so I'm Predjudiced, but the book is great and I have put my money where my mouth is and republished it myself in a new deluxe edition which can be secured from me at traglin@horizon.hit.net. Thank you!!!

Hi! The illustrations are just to die for, the text is witty and how about that vulture with little culture? Wonderful. I spend a lot of time thinking of who I know who has a birthday so I can give them a copy. No kidding.

A delightful story, not only bilingual, but perfect to teach children about Latino culture. A helpful tool for teachers to expand students' knowledge of the traditions of a vast minority in the United States and a way for Hispanic children to be proud of their heritage. The illustrations are also great and the writing style excellent!

The Dynami Duo strikes again! My seven year old boy, eight year-old girl and nieces and nephews have fallen in love with Chavi. The book is bilingual, in Spanish and English, and is set in a Latino Community. The writing is exhuberant and entertaining and the illustrations are vibrant and cartoon-like, something kids love. Our family can't wait till the next Chavi book in the series is out. Kids love this series!

Birthday In The Barrio/Cumpleanos en el Barrio is the collaborative bilingual picturebook by the Cuban/American team of author Mayra L. Dole and art critic/visual illustrator Tonel. Chavi is a young girl who proves that with a little determination and creativity she can do anything. Now she must find a way to throw a birthday party for her friend's sister. Lazarita is turning 15 and wants a special "quinces" party, but her family does not have enough money for such a fancy event. Chavi decides she can help by rallying together her neighborhood friends to donate food and decorations. Before long, the entire Cuban American community of Miami is working together to organize a birthday celebration.

I'm a librarian and read this book for review before its publication date. Chavi and Rosario (Drum, Chavi, Drum!) are back! Rosario's sister, Lazarita, is mad because she can't have a quinces after her Pipo lost his job. But don't think for a moment that Chavi can't mastermind the wildest, most fun quinces street party ever! She enlists the homeless, the mayor, and the entire community. But can she pull it through? How can a little girl possibly throw such a colossal fiesta? Mayra L. Dole's imaginative and exciting prose and Tonel's vivid illustrations make this a delight for readers of all ages. This is a gem of a book.

My son is 3 and loves the Caillou series on TV. I bought him a few CAillou books recently and this one by far is his favorite. The stickers add fun, the pics are interesting and it's not too long a story. And everyone can relate to birthdays.

It is hard to find a book my son likes. This is one of them. He loves Calliou, and the pictures on this book catch his eyes. Story about CAKE and PRESENT does the trick too. Stickers are plus.

This is a great book for Caillou lovers. My 3yr old son loved reading this story and the stickers were the best part!

I like all the Caillou books. They are wordy but you can skip some of the sentences if your toddler is too young and wants to read more books before bedtime. This is a book you can use for a few years at least.