March 2009

Jenny Dodd.
Party Ideas for Children.
South Africa: Struik Publishers, 2005.

Party Ideas for Children is a collection of original and creative ideas for making a child’s themed birthday party a really memorable occasion. Nineteen different themes are presented, each detailing suggested invitations, treat bags, recommended party games and activities and, of course, the all-important party food and birthday cake – all specifically geared at enhancing the party theme.

Jenny Dodd has chosen a wide variety of themes to test her party muscle on. Keeping clear of the over-used and common commercial party themes (ie the most recent Disney animated releases or Marvel comic book heroes) she approaches simple child-friendly birthday themes with a fresh and creative manner. From Under the Sea to Spectacular Space, Party Ideas for Children offers a wide selection for boys and girls of all ages. Each theme has a recommended age group, and the games and activities detailed for that party are appropriate for the age group suggested.

Detailed themes include:
*Splish Splash
*In the Garden
*The Wild Wild West
*Fairies
*Creepy Crawlies
*Around the World
*Spectacular Space
*Pink
*Safari
*Fun at the Circus
*Football
*Fabric Painting
*Horrible Horrors
*Under the Sea
*Dinosaurs
*Sleepover
*Karaoke Pop Stars
*Men at Work
*Face your Fears

Credit must be given to the beautiful illustrating of each described party theme. High quality glossy photographs give you, the party planner, an idea of what the recommended invitations, snacks and party packs could look like. In fact, the photos themselves make it very difficult choosing which theme you would like to go for, because they all look so super! And while it would be difficult not to understand the step-by-step instructions for the preparation of the themed party treats, the tantalizing pictures will give you plenty of direction and inspiration. If you are very hooked on food photos though, brace yourself because only a couple of foodie pictures are displayed per theme.

Not only does Jenny Dodd provide an abundance of ideas for the food and activities you may wish to incorporate into your child’s birthday party, but she also offers some valuable “Setting the Scene” tips to help you create the perfect environment for your celebrations to take place in. Add to this a collection of fairly simple party recipes that can be used for any of the featured themes, as well as simple templates to aid in the creating of invites and party boxes, and you have yourself a very comprehensive, top notch party planner’s essential must-have.

Happy Parties!
*SHELLY SHINDIG*
Resident Bookworm

Add Jenny Dodd’s Party Ideas for Children to your party book library now!