Holidays_2008_Newsletter.html

Holidays 2008 ShoppeTALK

San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe

We hope you enjoy our holiday Toy Collection and Book Catalog! PLEASE SHOP EARLY…many of our suppliers may not be able to fill orders once our initial stock has sold out. After 33+ years in business, we still provide complimentary gift wrap (birthday, baby, Christmas, Hanukkah and general) which includes a variety of wrapping paper with ribbon topped off with a gift tag ALL AT NO CHARGE. We appreciate your patronage… without your continued support we would not be here! Telephone, mail and email orders welcome. Best wishes for a joyous holiday season from your friends at San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe!

New Picture Book Adventures

ENIGMA: A MAGICAL MYSTERY by Graeme Base. Enter a magical world in this warm, funny, and enduring story about the special relationship between a grandson and his grandpa and their love for magic. Bertie Badger loves to visit the Retirement Home for Elderly Magicians and watch his grandpa perform magic tricks. But one day all the magicians’ props go missing so Bertie sets off to investigate. Can he solve the mystery in time to save the show? This clever book will engage readers as they are challenged to solve the mystery along with Bertie discovering where the missing props have gone by using a decoder included with the book that reveals the mystery. Graeme Base, creator of Anamalia and many bestselling and beloved books for children conjures up an inventive, magical tale.
$19.95, 48 pages, ages 4 up.

BABAR COMES TO AMERICA by Laurent de Brunhoff. Originally published in 1965, this is one of de Brunhoff’s most popular books. Babar, king of the elephants, receives an invitation to meet with the president of the United States – the perfect excuse for a family vacation! From the hustle and bustle of New York to the wide open spaces of the Grand Canyon, from riding streetcars in San Francisco to fishing on Lake Michigan, Babar and his family experience America in all its glory and splendor. This nostalgic look at the USA more than forty years ago will captivate young readers as they marvel at how much has changed while adults will take a trip down memory lane and see sights, signs and more that had been forgotten. $17.95, 72 pages, ages 4 up.

MADELINE AND THE CATS OF ROME by John Bemelmans Marciano. Written by the grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans, this is the first all-new Madeline book in almost 50 years. Miss Clavel and the 12 little girls leave the gray skies of Paris for spring in Rome where Madeline finds an unexpected adventure involving a thief, a chase, and many, many cats.
$17.99, 48 pages, ages 4-8.

PETE & PICKLES by Berkeley Breathed. The Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of Bloom County offers two new irresistible characters and a heartfelt, hilarious look at the rarity of true friendship. Pete is a perfectly predictable, practical, uncomplicated pig until a runaway circus elephant named Pickles stampedes into his life and changes everything.
$17.99, 48 pages, ages 4 up.

FANNY by Holly Hobbie. All Fanny wants in the world is a Connie doll but mom says no. But no one ever said she couldn’t make one instead. With some scissors, glue and her craft box in hand, Fanny sets out to replicate Connie but it’s Annabelle who is the result of her efforts. A little lopsided and a little unkempt, Annabelle turns out to be the companion Fanny has always wanted. Though at first her friends turn up their noses, in the end everyone learns that using your imagination and working with your own two hands can result in the best toy of all. Includes paper doll and paper doll clothes. $16.99, 40 pages, ages 4 up.

BORN TO READ by Judy Sierra with pictures by Marc Brown. The award-winning collaborators of the picture book bestseller Wild About Books are back with a new story that promotes books and reading. Told in Judy Sierra’s inimitable read-aloud rhyme, the narrative chronicles the amazing successes of Sam thanks to his early love of books. The story ranges from Sam’s infancy when his mother reads him a picture book (“then another, then another, then another…such a perfect, patient mother”), to school age when he cleverly uses some of his favorite books to rid his town of the rampaging baby giant Grundaloon. “Here’s my secret,’ Sam decreed, ‘Readers win and winners read.’” Marc Brown’s playful pictures joyously complement this fun to read, upbeat story. $16.99, 40 pages, ages 4 up.

HOLIDAY BOOKS

A VERY MARLEY CHRISTMAS by John Grogan and Richard Cowdrey. With all the excitement of Christmas approaching, it’s no surprise that Marley, the lovable pup with a nose for trouble, wants to get in on the action. Anticipating his very first snowball and Santa’s arrival, Marley jumps in to help his family every way he can. But Marley, being Marley, always ends up on the wrong side of right. It’s not long before he tears down the twinkle lights, attacks a chain of paper snowflakes, and mistakes the Christmas tree for…well…his very own indoor bathroom. Will Marley’s good intentions ruin everything before Christmas begins? Or will he manage to share some Christmas magic with his family after all? This follow-up to the #1 bestselling Bad Dog, Marley! delivers a heartfelt holiday story with many hilarious Marley mishaps along the way. $17.99, 40 pages, ages 4-8.

CHRISTMAS COOKIES: BITE-SIZE HOLIDAY LESSONS by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jane Dyer. This scrumptious follow-up to the bestselling Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons captures the spirit of the holiday season. From making the same cookies at the same time each year (tradition) to decorating them with lots of sprinkles (celebrate), youngsters will gobble up vocabulary words and holiday lessons in this charming dictionary of sorts. Rosenthal’s timeless morsels of wisdom paired with Jane Dyer’s cozy illustrations are as irresistible as the aroma of cookies fresh from the oven.
$12.99, 40 pages, ages 4-8.

GINGERBREAD FRIENDS by Jan Brett. In this delicious sequel to Gingerbread Baby, our popular character is back looking for friends in an adventure he’ll not soon forget. Confident and cocky, the Gingerbread Baby happens upon a bakery where he dances and prances in front of a sugar cookie girl as he tries to make friends. She just stares without saying a word just like all the other sweet treats he tries to meet. Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home chased by a long line of hungry creatures. At home Mattie has a fantastic surprise waiting for him – gingerbread friends that fill a giant fold-out page. Irresistible images inside the confectionery and outside in the snowy Swiss countryside will delight Jan Brett’s fans once again.
$17.99, 32 pages, age 4 up.

DRUMMER BOY by Loren Long. A beloved bestselling illustrator puts a unique spin on the timeless Christmas classic “The Little Drummer Boy”. In a wintry little town, a drummer boy appears on a child’s doorstep. And when it is still and quiet, the drummer boy plays and warms the child’s heart. But one day the drummer boy is accidentally knocked into the trash sending him on a journey he never imagined – a journey on which he continues to play his drum warming the hearts of others from a rat to an owl to a snowman. And in a touching conclusion, his own heart is warmed as he plays to his most perfect audience: the baby in a manger. Loren Long brings this story of an unforgettable drummer boy to vivid life with his timeless and magical art. $17.99, 40 pages, ages 4-8.

AMAZING PEACE: A CHRISTMAS POEM by Maya Angelou with illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Angelou’s moving poem is a radiant affirmation of the goodness of humanity. First read at the 2005 White House tree-lighting ceremony, it comes alive again as a fully illustrated children’s book, celebrating the promise of peace in the holiday season. An audio CD featuring a reading of the poem by its author accompanies this edition.
$17.99, 40 pages, all ages.

THE NUTCRACKER by Stephanie Spinner, illustrated by Peter Malone with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition and for most children it is their introduction to ballet. Here, in one beautifully bound book, is the story of the ballet and a 78-minute CD of Tchaikovsky’s music performed by the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Spinner has written a brief, lyrical text about the little girl Maria and her Christmas gift of a wooden nutcracker who is transformed into a young prince. Malone’s exquisite illustrations capture all the magic of the beloved Christmas ballet. $16.99, 32 pages, ages 4 up.

HANUKKAH! by Roni Schotter and Marilyn Hafner. A winner of the Jewish Book Award, this holiday picture book is back in a lovely new gift edition featuring eye-catching gold foil and a large die-cut on the cover. With sweet rhyming text, this book follows one family’s Hanukkah celebration in the 1950’s. Includes a short note at the end explaining the holiday.
$8.99, 32 pages, ages 4-8.

DON'T MISS

MY FATHER'S DRAGON" DELUXE EDITION by Ruth Stiles Gannett. When Elmer Elevator hears about the plight of an overworked and underappreciated flying baby dragon, he packs his knapsack with supplies and stows away on a ship headed for the Wild Island. Nothing will stop Elmer from rescuing the dragons! This oversized deluxe edition – featuring four-color illustrated end papers and a note from the author – celebrates the 60th anniversary of a beloved book. Gannett wrote My Father’s Dragon just a few years after she graduated from Vassar College in 1944. It was an immediate success and was soon followed by two sequels, Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland. She lives in upstate New York. $16.99, 96 pages, ages 4 up.

BRAVA STREGA NONA! A HEARTWARMING POP-UP BOOK by Tomie dePaola, designed by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart. A beloved character created by dePaola comes to life in spectacular pop-up art engineered by the bestselling team of Sabuda and Reinhart. In six fantastic spreads, Strega Nona shares her words of wisdom for leading a magical life, making for a glorious celebration of important values. $29.99, ages 4 up.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID DO-IT-YOURSELF BOOK by Jeff Kinney. An exciting companion to the bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. This innovative interactive journal based on Greg Heffley’s own “diary” lets kids express themselves in an exciting new way. In this book kids will be asked: What was the best dream you ever had? The worst thing you ever ate? The best secret you ever heard? The most trouble you ever got in for something that wasn’t even your fault to begin with? This Do-It-Yourself Book features art throughout, along with ruled and blank pages for readers to create their own stories, keep their own diaries, and record their favorites and least faves. Includes a bonus full-color comics section featuring the collected cartoons of Greg Heffley and his best friend, Rowley. Important announcement: The latest title in this series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, will be on sale January 17, 2009!
$10.95, 224 pages, ages 9 up.

THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX: THE DELUXE MOVIE STORYBOOK published by Candlewick. Now adapted for the big screen by Universal Pictures, Kate DiCamillo’s Newbery Medal-winning book comes to vivid life in this deluxe movie storybook. Each spread features a paper novelty and a spectacular pop-up surprise, along with character information, sidebars, flaps, and other novelty features. Key scenes from the animated film opening December 19 are also highlighted.
$18.99, ages 4 up.

POETRY AND ART

WHAAM!: THE ART & LIFE OF ROY LICHTENSTEIN by Susan Goldman Rubin. In her newest award winning line of picture book biographies of artists, the author evocatively explores Lichtenstein’s work and life and his groundbreaking influence on the art world. Roy and the other Pop Artists including Andy Warhol broke down the rules about what makes the proper subjects for fine art. He brought familiar images into new light and captured the imagination of the world. The book includes a bibliography, an index, and a list of museums when you can see Lichtenstein’s work. Also available in this series: Andy Warhol, Haym Salomon and Edward Hopper. $18.95, 48 pages, ages 9 up.

Also available: ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART by Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (2007). In this remarkable anthology featuring the likes of Maurice Sendak, Robert Sabuda, Rosemary Wells and Eric Carle, twenty-three of the most honored and beloved artists in children’s literature talk informally to children – sharing secrets about their art and how they began their adventures in illustration. Fold-out pages featuring photographs of their early work, their studios and materials, as well as sketches and finished art create an exuberant feast for the eye that will attract both children and adults.
$30.00, 114 pages, all ages.

MY DOG MAY BE A GENIUS by America’s First Children’s Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky with James Stevenson. Have you ever encountered an underwater marching band, a pig in a bathing suit, or a pet orangutan? Have you ever sat with a skunk in a courtroom, shopped for a dinosaur, or conversed with a Bupple, a Wosstrus, a Violinnet, or a Celloon? You will have once you’ve read this exuberant collaboration from Jack Prelutsky and his partner in crime James Stevenson. The reigning czars of silliness have once again teamed up to bring readers an unforgettable collection of poems that will have tongues twisting, imaginations soaring and sides aching with laughter. The result is genius indeed. $18.99, 160 pages, ages 4 up.

THE BILL MARTIN JR BIG BOOK OF POETRY with forward by Eric Carle. A collection that has been years in the making, this beautiful anthology containing nearly 200 poems is sure to become a classic. Before his death in 2004, Bill Martin Jr compiled his favorite poems and here is the collection with contributions from writers including Aileen Fisher, Dennis Lee, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes. Accompanying the handpicked poems are original illustrations by Lois Ehlert, Steven Kellogg, Ashley Bryan, Chris Raschka, Derek Anderson, Henry Cole, Aliki, Nancy Tafuri, David Gordon, Laura Logan, Robert Quackenbush, Paul Meisel, and Dan Yaccarino. This is truly a collection to treasure for years to come. $21.00, 176 pages, all ages.

BE GLAD YOUR NOSE IS ON YOUR FACE AND OTHER POEMS by Jack Prelutsky and Brandon Dorman. In 2006, Jack Prelutsky was named the nation’s first Children’s Poet Laureate. He has been called a master of rhyme, a funny-bone tickler, and a modern day Mother Goose. Mr. Prelutsky has published thousands of poems and many books over the course of his distinguished career. This book collects one hundred and twelve of his very best (and his personal favorites) and includes fifteen brand-new poems that have never been published before. Lushly illustrated by Brandon Dorman and featuring a CD with classic performances by the poet himself, this is the perfect volume for every bookshelf. $22.99, 208 pages, ages 4 up.

SCIENCE

OUR LIVING EARTH: A STORY OF PEOPLE, ECOLOGY AND PRESERVATION by Isabelle Delannoy with photographs by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The long-term consequences and the personal stories of people around the world “going green” make up the focus of this beautiful book. The scientific and technical advances of the last century have had major effects on the earth. How can humans in today’s world continue to respect nature and avoid doing irreparable damage to the planet? From pollution to CO₂ emissions and endangered plants, to disappearing languages and glaciers, each theme is presented in detail. The bestselling Earth from Above for Young Readers captured the attention of budding environmentalists and naturalists around the country. This companion volume offers even more information to inspire readers to do what they can to help the planet. $24.95, 160 pages, ages 9 up.

EVOLVING PLANET: FOUR BILLION YEARS OF LIFE ON EARTH by Erica Kelly and Richard Kissel in association with the Field Museum, Chicago. The very first forms of life appeared on the Earth four billion years ago…from single-celled organisms, to dinosaurs, the mammals, and finally to humans. Evolving Planet traces the path of life that has been constantly evolving. The book provides an overview of Earth’s amazing diversity of life, both in the seas and oceans as well as on the land, and reveals its variety and uniqueness throughout the ages. Readers will be able to see the whole history in perspective in this fascinating book. Includes a glossary, a pronunciation key, a bibliography, and an index. $19.95, 136 pages, ages 9 up.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF EARTH: WONDERS OF OUR LIVING PLANET by Michael Allaby is the definitive guide to our incredible, ever-changing world. This is the single volume reference every home library should include to insure the next generation’s sense of connectedness with our world and to inspire the ecologists and scientists of tomorrow. Written by renowned international author Michael Allaby, this lively encyclopedia gives kids a rock solid foundation, reveals the latest research on fragile ecosystems and climate shift, and engages young readers with riveting information, eye catching illustrations and of course peerless National Geographic photography. How do twisters form? What makes lightning strike? Why are tropical rain forests the lungs of our planet? Curious kids want to know everything about their planet. They’ll find the answers to their questions here as they investigate our world from its core to its cosmic connections.
$24.95, 256 pages, ages 10 up.

THE WAY WE WORK by David Macaulay with Richard Walker. In the same style as The Way Things Work (1988), lively, vivid colored-pencil illustrations accompany a very detailed text explaining the design and function of the human body. Beginning at the atomic level and describing the structure and workings of human cells with an amount of information that nearly rivals high-school biology books, Macaulay and Walker then move on to DNA, tissue types, organs and organ systems, immune response, movement and reproduction. The intricacy and wonder of the human body is celebrated, but this is never an easy read. The lighthearted illustrations featuring speech balloons, tiny workers and a variety of other humorous touches will attract a fairly young age group, but the amount and complexity of the written information may daunt all but the most ardent enthusiasts. This is without doubt a browsing volume; the amusing but general chapter headings - “Air Traffic Control” - makes location of topics a bit of a challenge. Though it’s an unlikely choice for a little light reading, the accuracy, detail and depth of information make this an essential addition to most collections. From Kirkus Reviews.
$35.00, 336 pages, ages 10 up.

POP-UPS AND MORE...

MOON LANDING: APOLLO 11 40th ANNIVERSARY POP-UP by Richard Platt and David Hawcock. Buzz Aldrin states, “This wonderful book retells our story vividly. I should know; I was there.” Trace the history of people’s fascination with the moon – and the scientific developments that led to a ground-breaking mission – in an out-of-this-world novelty book marking the first moon landing. Acclaimed author Platt focuses on humankind’s dreams of traveling to the moon, the race to conquer space, the technology needed to reach the moon and sustain the astronauts in space, and the moon landing itself. Re-creating the excitement of the expedition are extraordinary pop-ups depicting a rocket, the lunar module, a spaceship, and a spectacular spherical moon, as well as booklets and flaps offering readers a wealth of intriguing facts. Published in anticipation of the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing on July 20, 1969. $29.99, ages 8 up.

SPYOLOGY: THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SPYCRAFT by Spencer Blake. In this latest addition to the ‘Ology series, a spy reveals startling secrets and carries out a breathless mission in an astonishing Top Secret Classified manual that takes the ‘Ologies to a new level. Once new recruits have primed themselves on the essentials of spy craft, keen-eyed readers will discover that Agent K has been sending them challenges and clues to decipher all along. If they are clever enough to unravel them all, a great reward awaits! $22.99, ages 8 up.

SWORDS: AN ARTIST'S DEVOTION by Ben Boos. Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place – from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights; from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. Illustrated with breathtaking intricacy, Swords reflects the passion of a true devotee, offering lavish background details on design and use as well as exquisite spreads showcasing specimens in all their shining glory. $24.99, 96 pages, ages 9 up.

Pair this beautiful book with the new Eyewitness Experts' KNIGHT for a fabulous holiday gift! $29.99, 200 pages, ages 9 up.

COOL STUFF EXPLODED by Chris Wofford. The third installment of DK’s visually stunning and incredibly successful Cool Stuff series will blow your mind. This super cool technology book deconstructs - or literally explodes - everyday objects so readers can see exactly how they work. Beautifully photographed spreads show a piece-by-piece breakdown of cell phones, computers, cars, and more, detailing how each part works and how they all fit together as a whole. This unique look at the items we use every day brings science, technology, and wonder to the fore, giving us all a great appreciation for how our twenty-first-century world works. Set into the cover is a CD-ROM containing animations of the “exploded” views featured in the book. $24.99, 256 pages, ages 9 up.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2009 from Guinness World Records. Guinness World Records 2009 continues to build on the intriguing, informative, inspiring and instructional records and superlatives that have made Guinness World Records one of the most famous brands and an annual best-seller around the world. This edition features a revolutionary new design and is filled with more records than ever before. Included are two gatefold spreads and over 20 pages of special records all with 3-D photos, which can be viewed with enclosed 3-D glasses!!
$28.95, 288 pages, ages 9 up.

COLLECTIONS FOR ALL AGES

YERTLE THE TURTLE AND OTHER STORIES: A 50th ANNIVERSARY RETROSPECTIVE by Dr. Seuss with commentary by Charles Cohen. Inside this very special anniversary edition you’ll find the complete original text and illustrations by Dr. Seuss along with 32 pages of commentary and archival images written and compiled by Charles D. Cohen, the world’s foremost Seuss scholar and collector. Also included for the first time together are two rarely seen Seuss stories: “The Ruckus” about a bird who likes to hear himself talk but has nothing to say and “The Kindly Snather,” a cautionary tale that points to the perils of greed and sloth. With fascinating detailed footnotes, this is a must-have volume for Seuss fans of all ages.
$24.99, 128 pages, all ages.

YOUR FAVORITE SEUSS: A Baker’s Dozen by the One and Only Dr. Seuss by Dr. Seuss, designed by Maria Leach. From his very first book to his very last book, here in one big volume are 13 classic Dr. Seuss stories, everyone’s favorites. All of the words and virtually all of the illustrations are included. Each story is prefaced by a short essay by someone whose life was changed by Dr. Seuss or who is simply an unabashed admirer. Also included are photographs of Dr. Seuss, memorabilia, and original sketches from his books. The stories included are: And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, Horton Hears a Who!, McElligot’s Pool, If I Ran the Zoo, Happy Birthday to You!, Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book, Yertle the Turtle, The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Green Eggs and Ham, The Lorax, The Sneetches, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Theodor Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) was born March 2, 1904, and died September 25, 1991.
$34.95, 368 pages, ages 3 up.

THE GIANT GOLDEN BOOK OF ELVES AND FAIRIES: A GOLDEN CLASSIC by Jane Werner with illustrations by Garth Williams. This whimsical and charming collection of stories and poems was first published in 1951. Now a new generation of fairy fans can search for lost merbabies, bargain with pixies, and frolic under the moon with Jane Werner’s fantastic selection of “wee folk” tales masterfully illustrated by Garth Williams.
$16.99, 80 pages, ages 3-8.

GEORGE AND MARTHA: THE COMPLETE STORIES OF TWO BEST FRIENDS COLLECTOR'S EDITION by James Marshall with forward by Maurice Sendak. Like all best friends, George and Martha do everything together – go to the movies, play at the beach, and just hang around not doing much of anything. George and Martha tease each other (and adoring readers) that even in a close friendship, privacy is important, practical jokes can sometimes backfire, and among other things, pouring split pea soup into your loafers to spare the chef’s feelings is not the best-laid plan. A man with a talent for friendship, James Marshall defined its very essence in his stories about the world’s two best friends. In this volume, all thirty-five episodes are brought together to celebrate friendship and two of the most lovable characters ever created. $25.00, 368 pages, ages 4 up.

THE ENCHANTED WORLD OF WINNIE-THE-POOH by A.A. Milne and illustrator Ernest H. Shepard. The ultimate gift package will delight Pooh fans young and old. Chock-full of moving parts and interactive features, this distinctive collection bursts at the seams with playful surprises. An exquisite full-color map of Christopher Robin’s Hundred Acre Wood with hide-and-seek flaps, parties and games from the stories, and profiles and behind-the-scenes tales of Milne and Shepard’s beloved characters are all included. This deluxe, padded treasury will delight collectors and fans of the wonderful world of Pooh. Three cheers for the famously silly old bear!
$19.99, 32 pages, age 4 up.

Also available: POOH LIBRARY ORIGINAL 4-VOLUME SET (POOH ORIGINAL EDITION) by A.A. Milne and illustrator Ernest H. Shepard. This set includes Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, When We Were Very Young and Now We are Six. All four of these classics are gathered in a handsome boxed set. $48.00, all ages.

BEATRIX POTTER: THE COMPLETE TALES by Beatrix Potter. This complete and unabridged collection contains all 23 of Beatrix Potter’s Tales in one deluxe volume with all their original illustrations. The stories are arranged in the order in which they were originally published to enable them to be read in proper sequence as several are linked together by events and characters. A section at the end of the book contains four additional works by Beatrix Potter that were not published in her lifetime. Potter’s passion for the natural world lay behind the creation of her famous little books. A particular source of inspiration was the Lake District in England where she lived for the last thirty years of her life as a farmer and conservationist. $40.00, 400 pages, ages 4 up.

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: Collector's Gift Set by Hergé. Celebrate over 100 years of Hergé with a new hardcover boxed set. Join traveling reporter Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy, along with well-known friends such as Captain Haddock, as they embark on extraordinary adventures spanning historical and political events, fantasy and science-fiction adventures and thrilling mysteries. These full-color graphic novels broke new ground when they were first released and became the inspiration for countless modern-day comic artists. This fantastic collection, containing 7 hardcover volumes (each containing 3 classic Tintin stories) and an additional bonus volume, Tintin & Co. by famed Tintinologist Michael Farr, is a great gift for Tintin lovers and first-time fans everywhere. Hergé, one of the most famous Belgians in the world, was a comics writer and artist. The internationally successful Adventures of Tintin are his most well-known and beloved works. They have been translated into 38 different languages and have inspired such legends as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. He wrote and illustrated for The Adventures of Tintin until his death in 1983. $150.00, ages 4 up.

NON-FICTION

OUR WHITE HOUSE: LOOKING IN, LOOKING OUT created by 108 Renowned Authors and Illustrators and the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance with an introduction by historian David McCullough. In this creative tour de force, more than one hundred celebrated authors and illustrators have donated their prose, poetry, and art to help young people become informed citizens. This unprecedented anthology presents a dynamic view of more than two hundred years of American history – as seen through the White House windows – that will energize and inspire young readers on their journeys to becoming the civic leaders of the future.
$29.99, 256 pages, ages 9 up.

THE MAYFLOWER AND THE PILGRIMS' NEW WORLD by Nathaniel Philbrick. In a fresh and extraordinarily vivid account, National Book Award winner Nathaniel Philbrick sheds new light on the settlement of Plymouth Colony. Philbrick brilliantly evokes the drama of the Mayflowers’ voyage. He artfully recreates life as seen through the eyes of both Pilgrims and Native Americans and finds the human story behind the myths. Adapted from the adult bestseller, this edition has been specifically geared towards young readers and includes additional maps, artwork, and archival images. This gripping introduction to the founding of our country is a must-read for anyone who has yearned for a more complete story of how America began. $19.99, 352 pages. ages 9 up.

WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE by Russell Freedman. George Washington’s army almost perished during the winter of 1777-78. Camped at Valley Forge, almost twenty miles from Philadelphia, the Revolutionaries endured severe hardship as the army’s supply system collapsed. They were without food, clothing, and blankets and the army was at its most vulnerable. Yet by the time the harsh winter drew to a close, the troops had survived and they marched away from Valley Forge more determined than ever. When the British surrendered in 1783, Washington would proclaim that the credit for the American victory belonged to the soldiers who had braved the horrific conditions at Valley Forge. This beautifully rendered title from Newbery Medal-winning author Russell Freedman offers a powerful account of a decisive six months of the American Revolution and makes a perfect gift for history buffs of all ages. $24.95, 112 pages, ages 9 up.

THE LINCOLNS: A SCRAPBOOK LOOK AT ABRAHAM AND MARY by Candace Fleming. Fleming has created an enthralling joint biography of our greatest president and his complex wife unlike any other – a scrapbook history that uses photographs, letters, engravings, and even cartoons, along with fascinating text, to form an enthralling museum on the page. Here are the extraordinary lives of Abraham and Mary, from their disparate childhood and tumultuous courtship, through the agony of the Civil War, to the loss of three of their children, and finally their own tragic deaths. Readers can find Mary’s recipe for Abraham’s favorite cake and bake it themselves; hear what Lincoln looked like as a toddler; see a photo of the Lincolns’ dog; discover that the Lincoln children kept goats at the White House; see the Emancipation Proclamation written in Lincoln’s own hand. Perfect for reluctant readers as well as history lovers. The Lincolns provides a living breathing portrait of a man, a woman, and a country. $24.99, 196 pages, ages 10 up.

THE ROAD TO OZ: TWISTS, TURNS, BUMPS, AND TRIUMPHS IN THE LIFE OF L. FRANK BAUM by Kathleen Krull with illustrations by Kevin Hawkes. Kathleen Krull’s lively text traces the life of L. Frank Baum from his dreamy privileged childhood in the mid-19th century upstate New York through the many detours on his road to Oz. A failure as an actor, a breeder of prize chickens, a merchant in a wild west town, among other occupations, he finally made a success doing exactly what he had always loved to do: tell stories for children. Along the way, we see the antecedents of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, green glasses, and other characters and attributes of the famous fantasy land. This is the first biography of L. Frank Baum that children can enjoy. $17.99, 48 pages, ages 8 up.

BOOKS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!

BIG WORDS FOR LITTLE PEOPLE by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell. The eighth hilarious picture book by the #1 New York Times bestselling team of Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell helps little people communicate in a big person's world. With grown-up words like cooperate, respect, patience and considerate, a big, boisterous and zany family celebrates the power of language and discovers that words—big or little—are the bridge that connects us all.
$16.99, 40 pages, ages 4-8.

PETER PAN: A CLASSIC COLLECTIBLE POP-UP by Robert Sabuda. Readers will delight in this retelling of the classic story of Neverland, pirates, and flying. Robert Sabuda's elegant text and paper engineering give new life to favorite characters like Tinkerbell, Wendy, Michael, and John, and, of course, Peter Pan. Sabuda's beautiful pop-ups are further complemented by full color illustrations that pull readers even deeper into the magical world that is Neverland.
$29.99, ages 4 up.

FANCY NANCY: LET'S GET FANCY TOGETHER! by Jane O’Conner and Robin Preiss Glasser. Here's an adorable fuchsia carryall full of trés fabulous accessories—butterfly barrettes, a butterfly fan, glittery sunglasses, and more. It's a must-have, all-in-one emergency kit for girls on the go, because you never know when you'll need to get fancy! Throughout the book, the ultimate expert on all things fancy (that's Nancy, of course!) reveals her secret tips for instant glamourification—from hair to dolls to party invitations. There will be loud choruses of merci beaucoup when little girls receive this wonderful gift. $17.99, 24 pages, ages 4-8.

Also available: Fancy Nancy 2009 Wall Calendar. The Queen of Fancy is back! With more glitter, more frills, and a whole lot of sparkle, this calendar proves that more is ALWAYS better when it comes to being fancy. From Nancy's tiara down to her sparkly studded shoes, this little lady adds dazzle and charm to help make the year as glamorous as possible. As an added bonus, this year's calendar features a glitter-coated tiara that you can cut out that will help transform anyone from fancy to fabulously fancy. $14.99

TOO MANY TOYS by David Shannon. Spencer has too many toys! He has robots, puzzles, board games, stuffed animals, and plastic dinosaurs. Toys spill out of every drawer and closet and clutter the floor of every room. Come along as Spencer tries to persuade his mother to keep them all because every single toy is his favorite! Once again, Caldecott Honor illustrator David Shannon proves that an entertaining story and your own imagination are the very best toys of all! $16.99, 32 pages, ages 4-8.

MARCO POLO by Demi. Many people say Marco Polo was the greatest explorer that ever lived, traveling 33,000 miles by land and sea from Venice, Italy, to modern-day Beijing, China. His famous book, The Travels of Marco Polo, indicates that he was a man of extraordinary bravery, brilliance, and strength. With his uncle and father, he traveled across Turkey, Armenia, the Middle East, the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, and the hot Taklimakan Desert before finally reaching China in 1275. Welcomed by the great emperor Kublai Khan, Marco Polo was amazed by the inventions, riches, and religious tolerance of the great Khan's kingdom, where Marco remained for the next 20 years. A talented and charming storyteller in her own right, Demi recounts the remarkable tale of Marco Polo's journey. Inspired by the eastern culture of the 13th century, she painted the book with Chinese inks and gold overlays and used a mixture of Chinese and Indian embroidery and Italian, Arabian, and Persian designs of gold and ink on silk in the borders and frames for her artwork. $19.99, 56 pages, ages 8 up.