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Title: Belles on Their Toes by Frank B., Sr. Gilbreth, Ernestine G. Carey, William Roos ISBN: 0-87129-844-9 Publisher: Dramatic Pub Co Pub. Date: May, 1958 Format: Paperback List Price(USD): $6.25

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Average Customer Rating: 4.79 (14 reviews)

Rating: 4
Summary: With rings on their fingers
Comment: The raucous riotous ribald sequel to the ever-beloved "Cheaper by the Dozen". Following up the eleven children's wild exploits, the book continues the Gilbreths adventures after their patriarch, Frank Gilbreth, dies of a heart attack. Suddenly Mrs. Gilbreth is off to take his place, speaking across the country and the kids are looking out for themselves. Admittedly, this book isn't as strong as its predecessor. While it does tell some mighty amusing stories (threatening to roast a peeping tom comes to mind), it peters out at the end. But there's a lot to love here. In what other children's book are you going to find a mother trying to find reasons NOT to smoke and failing? As she lists the reasons not to smoke she says, "It's bad for your health. That's open to debate. Not so bad as overeating, or not getting enough sleep". Oh Mrs. Gilbreth. If only you had known. And this little instance is well coupled with the family's handyman bottling his own moonshine in their basement. Now, admittedly I'm picking out the tiny sections here and there in this book which, by today's modern standards, make for pretty risky kiddie lit. My point is, this is an interesting book. Though dated a little here and there, it still tells the story of a woman of extraordinary strength and resiliency. One who walked where few others dared in a male dominated industry. Say what you will of this story, kids reading it will not get bored. There are enough practical jokes and pranks to fill its ample 237 pages. Pick it up, and regret will not enter your mind for having done so.

Rating: 3
Summary: Lots of laughs, but something is missing
Comment: This book follows the Gilbreth family's adventures from just after their dad has died until all the children are grown and married. The mishaps are humorous, the children are realistic and funny, and the plot is inspiring. However, this book lacks the one element that made its predecessor so incredibly wonderful: Dad.

Dad was the one who had the hilarious techniques, the atrocious standards, the crazy ideas. He was the one with the impossible ideals, superb gifts, and vibrant personality. Dad was the one who insisted that his home become a model of motion study and a picture of order. Incidently, Dad was the one that gave Cheaper by the Dozen its laughs, its suspense, and its plotline. Without him, Belles on Their Toes is funny, but feels lifeless because there is no Dad there to knock someone's elbow on the table.

I did enjoy reading this book and some parts had me laughing out loud. But if you're looking for another gripping story like Cheaper and the Dozen, look elsewhere. The main conflict of this book is Mother's struggle to send all of her children through college. It is a story about learning, maturing, and accomplishing goals.

Rating: 5
Summary: If you want a good laugh.....
Comment: For those of you who have read Cheaper by the Dozen, you know that the antics of the Gilbreth children make even the saddest person attempt to hide their smiles. Well, Belles on Their Toes continues the legacy of laughs and just getting through life.

This book begins three days after Cheaper by the Dozen leaves off, three days after the death of Dad. Belles on Their Toes talks about the struggles of a family trying to get back on their feet after such a terrible loss. Mother has to go away to Europe for 5 weeks, to make a name for herself, so Anne, the oldest of the children at age 18, is left in charge. Through chicken pox and hte cook being arrested, the family manages to stick together.

In an inspiring story about self sacrifices, and stepping up to fill the shoes of Dad, the Gilbreths pinch pennies to keep the family from splitting up. A rare mix of inspiration and humor, Belles on Their Toes is a must-read for everyone!