Reviews (9)

A good book for yuppie moms w/ babies& toddlers
This is a good book if you have a toddler or younger child. Great Book - Practical Advice
I really like this book - it gives you the knowledge you need to know to make changes in your budget, expectations, etc.Topolnicki really knows her stuff, and delivers the message in a user-friendly manner.I recommend this book to all parents who want to cut back to one income.

Managing your Money and Time
The purpose of this very readable book is to allow a parent to spend more time with their children. The author used her experience in financial journalism to calculate expenses. After surveying more than 100 mothers, she then wrote this book to help other families with young children survive on one income. Most mothers are at home when their children are young. Whatever your reason, this book can help you to spend less on living expenses without pain.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Economic aspects    4. Family    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Finance, Personal    7. Households    8. Personal Finance - Budgeting    9. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    10. Personal Finance - General    11. Personal finance    12. Reference    13. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (9)

Keep Looking
I purchased this book while I was 16 months pregnant. I'm a college educated woman who didn't know the difference between a crib and a cradle. I figured this book could help. The descriptions of the products were informative and the "must have" and "might want" labels were helpful. The problem I found was that the book didn't really prepare me when I dropped by my local baby store to register. The car seat models, crib models, etc. were old. The baby industry changes rapidly along with the number of recalls. I found the Baby Bargins book (and website) by Denise and Alan Fields a better consumer guide. Baby Stuff helped me decide which items were necessities, while Baby Bargins helped me decide which brands were top rated by both Consumer Reports and real life parents. If you buy this book, be prepared to keep looking for more information.

A great way for new parents to figure out what they need
When I was pregnant and trying to figure out how to prepare for the baby and what to buy, this book was a tremendous help to me.My husband and I live in a one bedroom apartment, and my friends and co-workers had been scaring me by constantly telling me that I just couldn't imagine all the things I was going to have to buy and how expensive it was going to be.I kept arguing with them, thinking, how much can a little baby possibly need in the first year?But I realized that I really didn't know, and decided to try to find out.In the process of educating myself I found this wonderful book.Some of the previous reviewers are right that this book lacks the detailed product comparisons that are available elsewhere.If you are looking for lists of different brands with ratings, this book is not for you (and most of it's recommendations of particular products are already out of date).However, it is wonderful if what you are trying to do is figure out how many little onesie outfits to buy, what on earth a "receiving blanket" is and why you need some, how to decide what kind of car seat you need, and what the difference is between one thatcosts $50 and one that costs $200.The book systematically goes through all of the many things you could buy and lists them as "optional", "might want", or must have" and goes on to explain why this is so.It also breaks things down into three different budget levels ("lotto winner", "lots of money", or "lots of love") and provides estimates of the total cost of everything you will need based on these different budgets.If you are planning for a first baby, this book may be for you.

Too general for my purposes
I found this book to be far too general for my purposes. I was looking for much more detailed product reviews. I also found it annoying that Mr. Lipper was so heavily biased toward independent juvenile products stores(e.g. the store he manages in New York). He made himself out to be anexpert, given his vast experience in selling baby products to expectantparents. However he doesn't have children of his own, so he has neverreally tested any of these products in real life experience. Don't botherwith this book if you are a first time parent and need the nitty grittydetails about baby products. Instead, I'd suggest you buy the book BABYBARGAINS by Denise and Alan Fields. They have two very young children andhave actual experience with the products that they list in their book.Also, they are not biased toward any one type of store. They advise parentsto shop around. I would rate the Fields book 5 stars and can't give morethan 2 stars to Lipper's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Consumer Guides    3. Consumer education    4. Equipment and supplies    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Infants    8. Infants' supplies    9. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    10. Parenting - Child Rearing    11. Purchasing    12. Reference   

Reviews (4)

Mixed, but useful overall
Girl-specific lists are always up for extra criticism, and this is no different. The authors do a great job of discussing their criteria, and for me there's a gap between theirs and mine. I want great books, that also are positive for girls. Theirs seems to possibly be books that are positive for girls, but except for that aren't that great. I'd rather a smaller, more selective list. A Must for your book shelf
This is a carefully constructed resource of books about and for girls.While it includes recommendations on the well known..."Little Women", "Anne of Green Gables" and "Harriet the Spy", it also includes recommendations on unusual, clever and hard to find books such as Jan Andrews' "Very Last First Time" amd Jacqueline Dembar Greene's "Out of Many Waters". Once Upon a Heroine: 400 Books for Girls to Love
I can't tell you how excited I am to have found this book.As a mother of a 2 1/2 year old little girl, I am thrilled that I will have found a tool in which to seek out books that will help build her self esteem, selfconfidence and self assurance.It'll accompany me on our many trips to thelibrary.The books listed within, are phenomenal.And best of all, it'llcarry her from toddler to teenage!It's a must have! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bibliographies & Indexes    2. Bibliography    3. Books & Reading    4. Books and reading    5. Child Care/Parenting    6. Children's Literature - General    7. Family & Relationships    8. Girls    9. Juvenile fiction    10. Literature - Classics / Criticism    11. Parenting - General    12. Reference    13. United States    14. Women    15. Children's literature studies: general    16. Library & Information Sciences    17. Reference / Bibliographies & Indexes   

Reviews (4)

Simple but informational
This book is simple but quite informational.My friend follow the book and his baby not only got a agency but his daughter is getting called for auditions.The little girl on the cover is a cutie.

Excellent book!
I thought this was an excellent book...very informative and very specific.It definitely helped me decide whether modeling was something we wanted to pursue or not.

A must have
If you are seriously interested in getting your child into modeling, then this is the book that will answer any and all your questions. From the 1st to the last page you get neccessary information. I'm a mother of an 8-year old and I wish I bought this book before I got the others, they were a waste of money.
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Subjects:  1. Acting & Auditioning    2. Performing Arts    3. Performing Arts/Dance    4. Reference   

Reviews (5)

Great book!
Very helpful, without all the added fluff of other books.Gives many useful tips on making life with multiples easier.

Entertaining and practical.
Got this book as a gift....great fun! I found time to read it while on bedrest and got a lot of good and useful information out of it while at the same time, got a bunch of belly laughs out of it. Great practical points, money saving tips and just downright entertaining! The best part about it is that you can read it in tid bits and can pick up again at any time. No need to study and really think....bedrest wasn't so bad thanks to this amusing book!
Borrow it
Maybe I'm expecting too much out of the books I've been reading to prepare for our twin girls due in June, but I haven't found one that appears to be something I'll refer to often.This book is a very quick read and somewhat informative.I'm looking forward to receiving my copy of "Ready or Not, Here We Come" by Elizabeth Lyons - that book has been recommended to me by several twin moms I've talked to.If you are pregnant with twins or more, I really recommend the book "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads." This is a book I have referred to throughout my pregnancy and it is another book that was recommended to me by several twin moms. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. General    5. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    6. Parenting - Child Rearing    7. Parenting - General    8. Parenting - Motherhood    9. Reference    10. Family & Relationships / General    11. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Subjects:  1. Bisexuals    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Gay Studies    6. Gays    7. Lesbian Studies    8. Lesbians    9. Reference    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - Marriage & Family    12. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Reviews (9)

Good... but also do a Google search of categories you need.
Although City Baby has become required reading for new mothers in New York City, it is not yet complete so I trust future editions will be better researched. I know of amazing preschools like Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool which are not listed in this book, in addition some quality smaller toy stores and Lamaze classes are missing. So I would urge parents to also supliment their reading of this book with a Google search for whatever it is they are looking for.

A perfect baby shower gift
I received City Baby as a gift at my baby shower.It has become an essential part of my backpack.It helped me when I was looking for furniture, selecting a Lamaze class and so much more. It introduced me to playgrounds in my area as well as child-friendly restaurants.I have met new friends at a new mother's group.I would recommend this book to native New Yorkers as well as newcomers like me.

It's like talking to a good friend
Reading City Baby is like talking to a good friend who has already had a baby in New York City and lived to tell about it. The authors of City Baby really did a great job by not just writing a typical list book. They provided the little bits of information that can actually help a new parent be a smart parent. Thanks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child rearing    2. Children    3. Directories    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    9. New York    10. New York (State)    11. Parenting - General    12. Parents    13. Reference    14. Services for   

Reviews (5)

True Adoption Experts
Mosconi and Foge are right on. They have provided an excellent and unique book for the adoption triad. This is an amazing book for birthparents and a terrific guide to help them through the adoption process. Mosconi and Foge are knowledgeable, informative and true advocates for birthparents, adoptive families and the open adoption process.This book is a 10 and I would recommend it to both birthparents and adoptive parents. There is no other adoption book like it, it is unique and very easy to read. Thank you Mosconi and Foge for making a difference in the wonderful world of adoption.

The Third Choice
Birthmothers get over their grief in a year?Get real!!It's too bad these two authors (who just happen to be social workers) didn't get it right!That part of the book is very misleading for those contemplating adoption; it takes us back to the Dark Ages (i.e. most of the last century) when birthmothers were told they would get over it.(Most didn't!)For another slant on adoption, I suggest the book written by Merry Bloch Jones.Also the book by Gediman and Brown.A biography on this subject is Search for Paul David.

The info on grief is utter nonsense and incorrect
The book starts out okay and I had some hopes for it.However it breaks down completely whenever the author deals with the issue of Birth Parent grief.Birth Parent grief and pain doesn't decrease or disappear after a year...it's a lifelong process that never ends.Some women do become overwhelmed with grief the first year and turn to emotional numbness as a temporary way to find relief from the pain....but this emotional defense only lasts so long...eventually the pain & grief resurfaces in their life in the forms of: depression, anger, low self-esteem, etc.It's a shame that the authors didn't talk to any experienced Birth Parents about the true course and direction of grief.They took the easy way out and claimed that the pain goes away in a year...comforting for adoptive parents to hear...but none of my Birth Parent friends would agree with this claim!!Read books written by real Birth Mothers if you want to understand how wrong this book is about adoption loss & grief. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family & Relationships / Adoption    4. Family/Marriage    5. Reference    6. Adoptive parents    7. Birthmothers    8. Birthparents    9. Pregnant women    10. Single mothers    11. United States   

Reviews (17)

A wonderful resource for people adopting a toddler!
This book addressed many of the questions I had about the details of a toddler adoption (packing, nursery, etc.) It is written in a style that makes you feel like you are just talking with a good friend and was a quick read. The author reccomends Toddler Adoption, A Weaver's Craft for informatin about the more complicated issues of attachment and bonding, and I agree. Again, it is an excellent look at the details associated with adopting a toddler and preparing for their arrival.

Everything you need to know about adopting toddlers
My husband and I found this to be one of the best books we have read so far on adopting toddlers.We are adopting 2 from Russia, and not having any biological children, we have lots of questions.This book is simply fantastic.It gave us lists of what/how to prepare for our new arrivals, some info on the process we can expect in Russia, home safety, sizes we can expect them to be, etc.This was well worth the money.The book is written in a very conversational tone, so it is not difficult reading like some of the other books that focus on case studies.We were able to read it in just a couple of hours.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who does not have previous toddler childcare experience.

Disappointing
I was hoping this book would help prepare me as we wait to adopt a 2.5-3 year old child.Unfortunately, the book is really geared towards first time parents and since this will be our 4th child, there was very little in the book that I found at all helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. Reference    6. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (9)

a complete sacred sex course
This book is a complete sacred sex course in itself. With lots of meditations, activities, and exercises, it is particularly suited for couples who want to open up to each other emotionally as well as physically.

Extremely, technically thorough
Very detailed oriented manual type of book but very informative as well. I recommend if serious about this subject!

Interesting, but be honest about whether this is appropos
This is a very interesting book to read.However, be aware that this is not a typical western sex-ed book.It is written from a 'foreign' background, and that is very apparant.The book is big and there is a lot there, not like many sex-ed books.There are scores of exercises.But honestly ask yourself (and your partner) if you are willing or desirous of trying a truly different method.If it's not something you WANT to try, then you might not end up liking this book at all, and so will just be out the purchase price, with no sexual benefits.Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Love / Sex / Marriage    4. Reference    5. Religious aspects    6. Sex    7. Sex instruction    8. Sexual Instruction    9. Sexuality    10. Tantrism    11. Family & Relationships / General    12. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    13. Sex & sexuality   

Reviews (11)

Inaccurate and misleading informtion on infant feeding
Although a small part of the book, her sections on breastfeeding are misleading and inaccurate at best.You can tell that she is strugling to make it sound like she thinks the breast is best, but is really not convinced of it herself.She makes many suggestions that can be actually detrimental to the establishment of a breastfeeding relationship, including just about any excuse to supplement with formula and sugar water.She also seriously neglects to state the advantages of breastmilk.
Dr Dan Levi Gives HIS HIGHEST RATING to this book!
In a word, this book is simply a TREMENDOUS resource for any parent.Cara Familian Natterson is a very highly regarded pediatrician is the greater los angeles area.Although she trained at Harvard, UCSF and Johns Hopkins, she approaches all subjects in a thoughtful and non-intimidating approach.She is able to use her superior knowledge of pediatrics to provide an informative overview for any parent.All (or almostall) of your questions will be answered by this read.THIS BOOK IS A MUST BUY.If you buy one book to learn about your newborn -THIS SHOULD BE IT!!

Useful andOpenminded from a pregnant MD reader
Dr. Natterson overviews all sorts of concerns that new parents have about their babies, in an informed and comforting way.Her attitude on breastfeeding is encouraging and realistic.She certainly reccomends breastfeeding in all situations where it is possible, but supports those mothers for whom it is not feasible.Too often these women are made to feel like failures and are unable to discuss these problems with their pediatrician.Better to provide informed advice than pressure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Care    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family And Child Development    5. Family/Marriage    6. Health and hygiene    7. Infants    8. Infants (Newborn)    9. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    10. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    11. Parenting - Child Rearing    12. Reference    13. Family & Relationships / Child Care    14. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (4)

One of my FAVORITE books!
I got this book over 10 years ago, at the Sturbridge Village gift shop, and I swear, I've read it so much that I probably have whole sections memorized! It is, without doubt, THE best book of its kind. A Classic, and things are still applicable.
I bought this book at a Revolutionar War event this past weekend and I've read it 3 times already (Purchased Sunday, and it's now Tuesday morning).My husband can't believe that I can't put this down.But I find it fascinating reading.Many of the little tips in here are still on many websites today for frugal living (olive oil and a little white vinegar for a wood furniture polish, for example). the nation would be better if everyone learned from this boo
The thoughts and ideas of the 1800's could be applied to todays world to make it a better place. Like putting more energy into our morals and pride rather than trying to keep up with the Jones'. A wonderfull and funny look at many things that have gone wrong with society over the years. Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. History    6. Reference    7. General & Literary Fiction   

Reviews (1)

A thoughtful and intelligent contribution
How do you avoid being chronically angry while getting services and still be an effective advocate for your child?Gretchen Mertz threads the needle on this vital issue guiding the reader with the lessons she learned parenting her own child who has Asperger's syndrome.This is a thoughtful and intelligent guide to effectively negotiating rather than fighting the fragmented system of services.
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Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome    2. Children with Special Needs    3. Education    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Learning Disabilities    8. Parenting - General    9. Parents of autistic children    10. Patients    11. Reference    12. Services for    13. Child care & upbringing    14. Coping with illness   

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Non-Classifiable    5. Nonfiction    6. Reference    7. Family & Relationships / Reference    8. Self-Help & Practical Interests    9. Stationery items   

Reviews (3)

Real Life Recipes Even You Will Enjoy
I enjoyed this book immensely. It has the perfect ratio of health and nutritional information to recipes. I did not feel overburdened or confused by the explanation of what is good for my child and why. Often, when doctors write books like this, it's more akin to sitting in a lecture hall trying to understand a complex graph, complete with the latest scientific data. Refreshingly, these authors were to the point, realistic and plain in their explanations.
Great Kitchen Companion
Having a mother who is an RN, and yet not wanting to be a health-crazed maniac, I struggled with the idea of Gerber/prepacked baby foods versus doing it myself in our own kitchen. My mother recommended "Better Baby Food", as it was used by her hospital's cookstaff for pediatric menus. What an indispensible guide it proved to be and this continuation book "Better Food for Kids" is every bit as wonderful! The foods are really good in variety of taste, color and texture and our whole family enjoys the meals actually! Great tips on feeding picky eaters and special dietary concerns for both the healthy and the ill/child with mallady. As for the other review's notation about questioning recipies with butter, sugar, etc...a little, in moderation is what all doctor's or anyone of authority in the medical or nutrional world recommend, unless allergic or there's a known health consideration. My advice, if you are truly concerned about things like sugar, substitute apple juice or apple sauce, which if that is a health/diet concern you would probably already known anyway! Great book---I pair this with the Better Baby Food book and another little item for all baby showers I attend and so far no complaints, lots of thanks later on actually!!!

Better Food? Better than what?
This book was not too bad at the start. The first chapter covers feeding your 2 to 4 year old, and the second chapter talks about feeding your 4 to 6 year old. They give tips on how to increase your child's fibre, and suggest trying to reduce juice consumption. Futher on, there's a discussion about essential vitamins and minerals. Some time is devoted to food contamination and food allergies, choking, bowel function, obesity, daycare, and dental care.
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Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health - Nutrition    4. Health/Fitness    5. Nutrition    6. Reference    7. Child care & upbringing    8. Food & Drink / Cookery    9. Health & Fitness / Nutrition   

Reviews (7)

I was disappointed
From the title, I thought I was getting lots of suggestions about foods to prepare for the beginning eater to toddler. I have rasied all my own children and now my children and their friends are having their first babies. I remembered how I poured over baby "cook books" to learn how to prepare good, simple, tastyand inexpensive food for my children. I want to give the same resources to new mothers. This book looks like it will give you lots of ideas but it contains much of the same material you find in "the first (second etc) year of your child's life" which is a wonderful series. Sorry but I was not impressed.

The best baby reference book ever!!!
This book is a must for all first time mothers and fathers. It gives detailed information on how to feed your baby from birth to toddler with excellent examples and food product information.My husband and I especially found the alternatives to junk food section very helpful.We want to feed our daughter healthy food, and now we know the healthy altenatives to junk food. Also, this book gives examples on how to pack healthy lunches and snacks. Bravo!!!

basics only
As a new mom this book is good for basics but light on details.I foundRead more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Health - Nutrition    5. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    6. Parenting - General    7. Parenting - Motherhood    8. Reference    9. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (13)

Generally basic
This book was written as if it's intended audience was very immature.I found it to be very disappointing throughout the entire text.Most of the ideas Hooper puts forth are techniques that anybody who has ever rubbed down a lover already knows.I would not recommend this book for anybody who wants to truly please their lover.Also, there were very few actual techniques shared, instead the book is more about self-exploration and other such ideas. Save your money and spend it on some massage oil and a way to heat it up, you'll figure out what to do on your own.

Very useful and seductive
Just like all of ann Hoopers other books, this one is a real winner!!! I found this book to contain many romantic and seductive ideas on how to rub my lover in certain ways that will definately satisfy him and me. A massage is a massage, but after reading this erotic massage manuel, all your massages are going to be sensually pleasing for both of you, especially if you read this book together.

Very seductive massage tips.
The readers who rated this book low, must have only got to the table of contents and not much further, because anyone who reads this great book on sensual massaging is going to come out of this very content and with a smile on their face. The book offers very good, unique, seductive, and stimulating advise. One day after work, I was tired and totally stressed out. At night, my girlfriend told me to lay down and relax, she started massaging my scalp, neck, face, back,legs and feet. I felt soooo good, I could have fallen asleep, but she asked me to turn on my back. She started massaging the front of my legs, stomach and she gently and seductively started massaging .... I was errotically charged! The whole massage was very relaxing, yet her touch was smooth, sexy and a major turn on. She had given me massages before, but never like that one. Of course i had to read the book for myself.From time to time, we give each other the best sensual massages we can ever imagine. Don't take my word for it, go out and get the book. .... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family/Marriage    3. Love / Sex / Marriage    4. Massage    5. Massage & Reflexotherapy    6. Reference    7. Sex    8. Sexual excitement    9. Sexuality    10. Sexuality - Manuals   

Reviews (1)

This book helped us adopt our daughter
I initially found this book in our local library in early 1994. I then ordered a copy of my very own so that I could write notes in the edges and make notations in the margins. I used this book to find agencies that had parameters that we were looking for: location, price for adoption services(we are not rich), and average waiting times. I mailed many of the agencies in the book and we recieved many, many referrals. One of them lead to the adoption of our daughter in October 1994.She is now eight, and the joy of our lives. My only regret is that there has been no updated version of this book as we are tring to adopt another child and updated information would be sooooo helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. Adoption agencies    4. Directories    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family/Marriage    7. General    8. Reference    9. States    10. United States   

Subjects:  1. Cognition Disorders    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Education    4. Education Of Students With Learning Disabilities    5. Learning Disabilities    6. Learning disabled    7. Learning disabled children    8. Psychology    9. Psychopathology - General    10. Reference    11. Special Education - Learning Disabled    12. United States   

Reviews (3)

Great Gift for Graduating Students
I bought this book years ago and still use it as my first source when I have a question about a odd "occasion."It is as handy as my "Hints from Heloise" book and I give it to people graduating from high school and college just to show them what they don't know!

Perfect for many occasions
I found this book in a used book store and bought it on a whim. It's a great reference and an amusing read. I have found many occasions to pass it on to others, graduations, housewarming, gifts for departing interns, etc.Give someone a chuckle and a leg up, they'll be glad you did.

Into the Real World
This book makes a great graduation gift for the kids who know all there is to know about computers, but haven't learned some of life's basics like writing a decent thank you note, proposing a wedding toast or carving aturkey (a favorite test given by future fathers-in-law to unsuspectingyoung men).The instructions are humorous, clear and mercifully brief.Ithink most recipients would appreciate, enjoy and use it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Home economics    3. Personal & Practical Guides    4. Reference    5. Reference / Personal & Practical Guides