Product Description

Hit of the Party has been reviewed as "the best book on the market for planning and giving children's theme birthday parties" by the American Library Association's Booklist, Better Homes and Gardens, Childsplay Magazine, Pittsburgh Parent, Iowa Parent & Family, San Jose Mercury News, and more. (See some of these reviews below.)

With 385 pages, this 8 1/2" x 11" softcover handbook is the most comprehensive book available, with hundreds of photocopy projects to make professional-quality party invitations, decorations, theme birthday cakes, costumes, and "kid-proof crafts."

The photocopy projects make this book unique. Simply photocopy the patterns and illustrations for all the invitations, decorations, costumes, crafts, theme birthday cakes and games directly from the book. You are ready to make memories in minutes!

Hit of the Party is a valuable resource for parents who want to give their children memorable birthday parties without spending a lot of time or money, or whenever the need arises--like on a rainy day--when there's "nothing to do." The book can also be used by teachers and librarians who want an easy-to-make craft, costume, or decoration to enhance their "Reading Appreciation" programs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1406404 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 385 pages

From Booklist
Vangsgard's party plans follow common themes: cowboy, pirate, dinosaur, circus, space, etc. However, these are party plans often called for by younger children, and Vangsgard exhibits much depth of planning and creative detail. She has ideas for making your own stickers and face paint, building game structures and pi{¤}natas, and fashioning cakes in original patterns. For those parents who haven't the time or motivation for do-it-yourself projects, Vangsgard offers plenty pf suggestions for adding a personal touch to commercially available prizes, cakes, and other items. The general planning and scheduling guidelines are excellent as is the advice for gearing the party to the child's age. Denise Perry Donavin

Better Homes and Gardens
Hit of the Party is a 385-page softcover book with 12 party ideas for kids.

American Library Association Booklist (Denise Donavin)
Much depth of planning and creative detail. General planning and scheduling guidelines are excellent.

Customer Reviews

Best I've ever seen
I very rarely write reviews, but this book is so great that I felt it deserved it. So many ideas that I never even thought of and step by step ways to incorporate them into the party. I took this out of the library but definitely want to buy it so I always have it on hand. This book also has a lot of fun recipes and games that don't have to wait for a birthday party.Very highly recommended

Well-organized and Comprehensive--One of the Best I've Seen
From Pittsburgh Parent (Beth A. Lawry) This book is still one of the best resources on party giving that I've seen. Hit of the Party is a well-organized and comprehensive party planner for children ages 1-10. I particularly liked the outline format. Headings are clear and let you skim through to find the sections you want. The introduction is well thought out and includes extremely helpful tips. Individual chapters include complete plans for 12 theme parties ranging from pirates to fairy tales, safaris to space. Four appendices in the back compile recipes, cake tips, crafts and games. Vangsgard also gets high marks for including photocopy-able lists and artwork, age ranges for activities and crafts and preparation times.

Not Just for Birthday Parties
From Jeane Voltz (former food editor of Woman's Day) This book has everything you'd want to know about how to throw a children's party, and has projects worked out to the tiniest detail, including how-to-drawings. This is not just for parties. The play-crafts will come in handy for Cub Scout dens, Brownie packs, rainy day entertainment and a host of occasions when the complaint is, 'What can we do now?'