1 comments about Kids Outdoor Parties (Children's Party Planning Books).

1. The book has lots of great ideas for 35 themed parties. Each party includes ideas for invitations, costumes, decorations, food, games and other activities, favors and a theme-related cake. The games, and activities (mostly crafts) have easy to follow directions and are fun and creative. Costume ideas range from a suggestion they come in casual clothes to an actual costume wear to the party or one you provide.

   For most parties there are a range of options that fit a variety of price ranges. You could splurge on a high cost favor idea and save on a less expensive invitation idea. Each party suggests an age range for which it is appropriate and most are for the upper end, say 7-12.

No comments about Mardi Gras in the Country.

2 comments about Hurry Up, Franklin! (Franklin).

1. Besides having wonderful illustrations, Hurry Up Franklin, wonderfully illustrates a great lesson for children and adults. I am a special education teacher and I use this book to teach children not to procrastinate. Hurry Up Franklin, teaches them to do what they are supposed to do and not stop and play along the way and it comes from one of the most trusted characters in books today...Franklin.



2. This is a good book for kids. I'm always telling my son to hurry up. Franklin is trying to get to a birthday party, but on the way he meets his friends which delays him. He found some nice things on the way though. He does make it on time to wish Bear a happy birthday.

3 comments about Chicken Soup for Little Souls : Della Splatnuk, Birthday Girl (Chicken Soup for Little Souls).

1. A picture is worth thousand words. Reading the story can choke up the maturest of woman. But when you see the pictures next to the paragraphs, you could just stare at the images and truly feel you were there even if you never had an experience like this



2. The reviewers might consider it didactic, but my kids loved the story! I also enjoyed reading it to them. And I think they took an important lesson from it!



3. For teachers who have a student who is a little different and not easily accepted by the others in the class, this book is an excellent springboard for a discussion about compassion. My 4th graders were able to talk about how Della would have been treated at school and how they could make a difference to someone who is never chosen as a partner.

No comments about Por Fin Es Carnaval (Picture Puffins).

No comments about Weddings.

No comments about Girl's Day in Hawaii with Yuki-chan.

1 comments about Zozobra!: The Story of Old Man Gloom.

1. My family lived in Santa Fe, NM for a couple of years in the early 1980's and every year we attended the burning of Zozobra. Our children, now grown, remember those scary, fun evenings well. Jennifer Dewey does an excellent job of capturing the excitement, color, and spookiness of this annual event which is little known outside of Santa Fe. The narrative is presented in a style that will appeal to children as well as adults, and the illustrations are excellent. I bought several copies of this book for family members. Thanks, Jennifer, for the memories.

No comments about It's St. Patrick's Day, Dear Dragon (Beginning-to-Read; Dear Dragon).

2 comments about Mrs. Pepper's Mother's Day (Blue's Clues).

1. How could you not have a nice Mother's Day when you live with this thoughtful and kind group of Blue's friends? They're all here -- Mr. Salt, Paprika, Blue, Magenta, Periwinkle, Slippery Soap, Tickety Tock, Mailbox and Steve -- and everyone finds a way to make Mrs. Pepper feel appreciated and special on her first Mother's Day. Nice themed book for Blue's fans.



2. "Mrs. Pepper's Mother Day" finds everyone in the Blue's Clues house celebrating this special holiday. It's extra-special for the family of Mr. Salt, Mrs. Pepper and Paprika, but everyone else joins in as well.
   
   Mr. Salt and Paprika put together a special surprise for Mrs. Pepper. Everybody does her chores --- such as doing the dishes and taking down the garbage. They all show how much they appreciate her. But then again, Mrs. Pepper already knew that.
   
   This is an original story, not one from the TV show. It's a nice way to teach about Mother's Day and appreciating someone you love.