Kiwiana Party Cakes: Fun Cakes for Fun Occasions reviews

I thought this book was about 60–70% good. There were some super cool NZ ideas in there, but then there were some pretty poor efforts. It looks like he had a number of ideas he had to produce, and ran out of ideas so submitted some average ones. For example, the traditional number cakes (like, number 8 for an eight year old) were NZ themed only because they had NZ lollies like pineapple lumps or milk bottles on them. A bit lazy Rob! But the good ones are great. The sheep on the front cover is my favourite, he also does a kiwi face, kiwifruit, NZ stamp, all sorts. They're pretty impressive, I'm glad I bought it.

Couldn't agree LESS with Stephanie's review. I assume when she says ‘read-roll icing’ she means fondant. Fondant is a commonly used icing, used to get the kind of result regular buttercream could not. You certainly CAN make it yourself if you want to, but the commonly sold type in NZ (pettinice) is known worldwide as being very high quality. So most people don't bother making their own, it's very cheap to buy (less than six bucks a pack at countdown, which will cover a cake with leftovers) and you get a guaranteed great result. There's no way you can get such professional looking character cakes without it. Besides, loads of the cakes have what he refers to as soft icing (buttercream), or a mixture of both. Sorry Stephanie, but your view was a bit odd… I think you'll find pro novelty cake decorators use fondant a great deal. If you're worried about stifling your culinary creativity, then copying someone elses ideas would be a bit strange anyway…?

This book was everything and MORE than I expected. As a creatively challenged person – I found the instructions super easy to follow and actually came out with a cake that looked like the picture – I know amazing right? Perhaps the BEST thing is that it's written by a Kiwi – you know what that means, we can actually access the ingredients! Pure Gold!!

Cake decorating made easy! but didnt really show you how to make it! great ideas though

This is a great book – i've had my eye on it for a while and decided to purchase it…the instructions are a little vague at times but apart from that it has some great ideas for birthday cakes. Buy this book if you have a bit of time to practice beforehand.

I loved the range of cakes shown in this book but found the instructions for constructing each cake to be somewhat limited. That's fine if you have a fair idea of what you should be doing, but if you are a real beginner at cake construction, I would recommend Party Cakes for Kiwi Kids over this book.

The kids loved it too,flicking enthusiastically from one page to the next.

I enjoyed browsing through this book and seeing the writers creativity. some very cute ideas and fairly simple to make, especially for those with experience. For those who are new to cake decorating, s/he may struggle somewhat with the limited instructions as doesnt really break it down on what to do. however, if you are someone who tends to be able to look at something, be inspired by it and then create, is a great book to have. Im happy with my purchase of it, and its a great price for something kiwana-ish!

This book has some cute cake design ideas however the vast majority of the designs are just made out of ready-roll icing (something you have to buy – you can't even make it yourself!). Sure it's a nice and easy idea to decorate the odd cake but to dedicate an entire book on ready-roll icings just stifles one's culinary creativity.

A few basic cake recipes featured in the end and some basic icing recipes for the few designs that use something other than the ready-roll variety.

I suggest looking for another book if you want to be inspired.

We have this book and absolutely love it. Purchased this for a friend who has started to make birthday cakes for her children. It will be well used. Great ideas and amazing cakes.

Recipes and cakes like delicious. Haven't used it yet thou but will try some of the scrumptious recipes.

Very Kiwi, this has been sent to the Chatham Islands and very much enjoyed.

This book would suit any cake maker. It is easy to follow however my children were not to interested in all the cakes in this book.

This book has been used numerous times since I bought it. The cakes are gorgeous and easy to make and decorate. A must have for anyone who wants to be creative with cakes.

My kids really love their birthday cakes since I bought this book! Highly recommended.

Very happy with the book

Lots of ideas and cake designs to inspire and looks to be a good introduction to cake decorating. Can't wait to work my way through all of them.

I bought this book for my sister who love creating cakes. She loves it and has already been inspired to make a few. It covers both basic and complicated ideas so theres something for everyone. And if you give it as a gift then its almost a guarantee that you will get some cake in return. Its win, win.

Great book grreat cakes a must for any avid cake maker with kids or grandkids

Love this book. Great price and loads of fun! All the cakes are very creative and interesting. Am looking forward to making a different one each year for my children's bir­thday's.

Some great ideas in this book – will def be trying one out for the upcoming 1st birthday