Not as good as the first one, but still amusing. ( )

Belles on Their Toes by brother and sister, Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. And Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, is the sequel to their first book about their lively family, Cheaper by the Dozen. Although this book opens on a sad note, starting up just three days after the father of the family has passed away, it isn’t long before the family exuberance comes to the forefront and the book is putting a smile on the face of the reader.

As they tell of various family events, from seeing off unwanted suitors, dealing with noisy relatives or falling victim to their handyman Tom’s escapades, we see the eleven children growing up, finishing their education and getting married. Through it all, their mother is the backbone of the family as she supported the family financially and emotionally. The children are portrayed as cooperative and good natured, and although they get into the odd argument with each other, or misbehave in the way that children do, overall they care and watch out for each other.

Belles on Their Toes is a charming and amusing read. As this family grew up during the 1920’s it was also interesting to read about this by-gone era. Again, for me, the mother is the character that stood out as she continued to enlarge and improve the family business, travelled to give lectures, and received a number of honorary doctorates all the while taking an active role in the lives of her eleven surviving children. ( )

In the sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen we learn what happens to the family after the patriarch unexpectedly passes away. Their incredible mother holds the family together as she tours the country lecturing on efficiency. Meanwhile the kids get up to all sorts of hijinks. Loved it. I have so much respect for the mother and I can’t believe she really did all of that! What an amazing woman!

“It’s a mistake ever to think of yourself as indispensable.” ( )

Not many people know that there's a sequel to "Cheaper by the Dozen." Amazingly, this one is every bit as good as the first book. Just reread it for the millionth time. ( )

"Belles on Their Toes" is a highly enjoyable continuation of "Cheaper by the Dozen". It is the 1920's: the children are growing up, often without parental oversight, but yet managing to handle the family finances, as well as their siblings' defense from over-amorous boyfriends and schoolyard bullies.

The stories of the Gilbreth family brings to remembrance our own special holidays, squabbles with brothers or sisters, and situations when we joined ranks against outsiders.

Warning: this book may bring a certain wetness to the eye upon reflections of times past. It is fun and poignant, and a good read. ( )