Book Review: Belles On Their Toes - Frank Gilbreth & Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Book Description:

Life is very different now in the rambling Gilbreth house.When the youngest was two and the oldest eighteen, Dad died and Mother bravely took over his business. Now, to keep the family together, everyone has to pitch in and pinch pennies. The resourceful clan rises to every crisis with a marvelous sense of fun -- whether it's battling chicken pox, giving the boot to an unwelcome boyfriend, or even meeting the President. And the few distasteful things they can't overcome -- like castor oil -- they swallow with good humor and good grace. Belles on Their Toes is a warm, wonderful, and entertaining sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen.

My thoughts:
I listened to Cheaper by the Dozen (Perennial Classics) back in 2009 and added the sequel, Belles on Their Toes by Frank Gilbreth & Ernestine Gilbreth Carey to my TBR list. So now 2011, I finally got around to reading it. Belles on Their Toes seems more serious than Cheaper by the Dozen, since the family is having to find their way without their father and to stay together. This does not in any way make the book dull and boring. Their escapades into saving money are truly hilarious! Also, the older girls are falling in love and the younger kids are very willing to "help" them, which makes for interesting and humorous results. Ultimately, this is a tribute to their mother, Lillian Gilbreth, who with great determination, persevered and succeeded taking over her husband's business and keeping her family together.  Belles on Their Toes is truly delightful read (or re-read in my case) and will leave you with a smile on your face.