Customer Reviews

New York City with Kids, 2001-2002

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've used this book now on two recent trips to New York City, once with a niece and nephew ages 6&7 and once with a large group of teens from my school. I have to say, it's a lifesaver, particular in that it really focuses on the needs of every age group. The diversity of information is enough to keep any kid of any age and any taste happy, safe and informed in New York City. And the no-nonsense, no-holds-barred approach of this author is refreshing. For example, in her reviews of the theme restaurants, she says which ones are fun, and which ones aren't. She doesn't pull punches. I appreciate that, because a lot of these guidebooks will waste your time with touristy, boring sights. This one is only the best of the best. Excellent.

I highly recommend Ellen Shapiro's book. I just returned from a trip with 7 family members to New York and I used the book to help decide where to stay and planned our daily outings based on her excellent recommendations. The book is well organized and fun to read. Ms Shapiro's reviews of resturants and shopping areas are particularly helpful. I used this book along with the green Michelin Guide to New York City which contains wonderful maps and descriptions of the sights. These two books gave us everything we needed to have a wonderful stay in NYC!

I moved to NYC recently so I'm not exactly the target audience for this book which is really geared at those visiting the city on vacation with kids. But I nonetheless found it very valuable as a new resident in terms of where to take my kids and the overall approach to keeping kids happy in New York. Certainly it would be even better for the tourist. In particular it has much information specifically targeted at teens which is an age group the other books on this subject mysteriously omit altogether in favor of younger kids. This one covers all age groups and is very well indexed plus terrific maps that I use even as a resident. It happens to be well written by someone who seems very expert and experienced. This same author has written a book on relocating to the New York area and it contains some more information about kids that is specific to residents such as how to find good schools and how to understand the public school system. This one is all the fun stuff, though.

Of the five NYC/kids books I've examined, this one is easily the best. The author handles the subject with tremendous expertise and give advice that applies to every age group including teens (which are neglected in the other titles). Too many kids guides are written by mothers who are part time writers and who can't see past their own kids and their specific needs. Shapiro approaches this subject as a pro and covers everything. You could easily break any of the other books in half with this comprehendive volume.

When you are limited on time the last thing you want to do is
waste it going to places in which have changed thier hours and
days they are open. Some stores had moved. It should have only been a 2001 guide not 2002! There were to many errors! They might have been related to 9-11 as far as the hours changing
However, it is not fun to waste precious time.

An excellent book to help plan your trip to NYC. A just plain "good read" too!

The new 2003 edition of this great guide book contains a ton of new, updated information -- particularly openings, closings, and new hours and events in light of 9/11 and the major resulting changes in downtown Manhattan. It's still a good idea, as the book says in many places, to call ahead before you make plans based on hours and locations printed in any source, but the information has been right 100% of the time that I've used this new, fully rewritten edition.

What does it mean when you write a book about New York, cover every 'neighborhood' you can think of, yet don't mention Harlem? For the author's information, Harlem is undergoing dynamic change and does have some wonderful restaurants to enjoy, i.e, Copelands, Sylvia's, Amy Ruth's! I just visited New York and did go to Harlem, but this book wasn't the resource. In general, I thought it fell short in alot of areas. I found more updated and useful information in the AAA guidebook and WHERE magazine. Save your money!