Planning Perfect Parties: The Girls' Guide to Fun, Fresh, Unforgettable Events

Gr 5–8—This fabulous party planning book begins with the basics: clear it with your parents, set a date, decide who is attending, pick a theme, agree on the budget, decide the menu, and choose the activities. The author includes lots of lists to help readers think of every detail. Practical considerations include cleaning the house, preparing food ahead and storing it, and even what to do if a recipe doesn't work. Also included are several party themes (such as a spa party, a pirate party, or a tea party, to name a few). Jones discusses etiquette and social skills, such as how to make the "Wallflower" comfortable in the group or how to handle an overpowering "Chatty Kathy." She even addresses potential party disasters, like what to do if there is a spill on the carpet. It is obvious that the author has planned a lot of successful parties and has thought out each part completely. There is also a website designed to go with the book that includes a blog, more party theme ideas, and free downloads of party checklists, invitations, party favors, and recipes. The themes and activities seem targeted to girls in upper elementary and middle school. A useful and popular addition to most libraries.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA