'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 1 November 2012

Review: Party! The Ultimate Kids' Birthday Party Book

I have to be honest and say that few children's party books impress me. In fact - none really, other than the Australian Women's Weekly's productions.

So it is with great pleasure that I finally announce another fabulous creation - this time from Pan Macmillan.

Party! is indeed the ultimate kids' birthday party book. The quality of this production is superb, with bright, gorgeous photos, saturated colour and really wonderful ideas to make any kids' party a dream.

The book has been masterfully laid out and designed, with lovely typographic elements. The text is also mercifully clean and concise, making way for the striking imagery that really sets the book apart.

My only complaint would be that many of the photos have not had their levels brightened anywhere near what they should have been - and I was monumentally disappointed to see the 'fairy princess' theme covered. I know dinosaurs are popular, too, but I'm still patiently awaiting a book that offers something outside the box when it comes to party themes for kids. Thankfully, at least, the pirate theme in this tome was blended charmingly into an Under the Sea party.

Other themes are a little less predictable, with the Craft and Cooking parties, in particular, standing out against the 'norm'.

Nevertheless, each theme is beautifully crafted - with creative recipe ideas, fantastic invitations you can make at home, decorations, costumes, games and - of course - the ultimate themed cake.

Get your party on!

Title: Party! The Ultimate Kids' Birthday Party Book
Publisher: Plum (Pan Macmillan), $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 October 2012
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781742611877
For ages: Adult
Type: Information Book