San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe
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| 2009-2010 HOLIDAY
TOY COLLECTION AND BOOK CATALOG ISSUE! 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 34+ years in business, we still provide complimentary gift wrap (Christmas, Hanukkah, birthday, baby 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…this has been a challenging year and without your continued support we would not be here! Telephone, mail and email orders are always welcome. Best wishes for a joyous holiday season from your friends at San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe! |
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OTIS by Loren Long, is a special
tractor. He loves his farmer and he loves to work. And he loves the little
calf in the next stall, who he purrs to sleep with his soft motor. In
fact, the two become great friends: they play in the fields, leap hay
bales, and play ring-around-the-rosy by Mud Pond. But when Otis is replaced
with the big yellow tractor, he is cast away behind the barn, unused, unnoticed
. . . until the little calf gets stuck in Mud Pond. Then there is only
one tractor—and it’s not big or yellow—who can come to the rescue. It
is little old Otis who saves his friend in this story celebrating the
power of friendship and perseverance. Ages 3-7, $17.99. |
| Buckle up, amigos— everyone’s
favorite kitty boy is about to lift off in SKIPPYJON JONES: LOST IN
SPICE. You’ll want to be there when the brave Skippito gets lost. That’s
right, in spice! Skippy knows— from his big ears to his toes—that the planet
Mars is red because it’s covered in spicy red pepper. To prove it, he’s
off on a space jaunt replete with craters, crazies, and creatures from Mars.
His new adventure is packed with witty wordplay, Spanish phrases, and Judy
Schachner’s trademark hilarity. This rollicking romp is simply out of this
world. Bonus CD included! Ages 3-7, $16.99 |
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From the minds of Jon Scieszka
and David Shannon comes the tale of ROBOT ZOT! ...a quixotic robot
determined to conquer the earth. The only problem is that the earth he lands
on is a suburban kitchen and he is three inches tall. Robot Zot, the fearless
and unstoppable warrior, leaves a trail of destruction as he encounters
blenders, toasters, and televisions. But when he discovers the princess...a
pink cell phone...his mission takes a new course. Robot Zot must learn how
to be a hero - in the name of true love. Ages 4-8, $17.99 |
| Author/photographer Carol
Buckley’s story of TARRA & BELLA: THE ELEPHANT AND DOG WHO BECAME
BEST FRIENDS proves that best friends come in all shapes and sizes! After
retiring from the circus, Tarra became the first resident of the Elephant
Sanctuary in Tennessee where she meets a stray mixed-breed dog named Bella.
It was love at first sight as this unlikely duo became inseparable. Brilliant
color photographs of Tarra and Bella at home in the Elephant Sanctuary deftly
illustrate this inspiring story of companionship. Ages 3-7, $16.99 |
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From Accord’s best-selling
AniMotion series, LIGHTS OUT, NIGHT’S OUT takes readers on a
nighttime safari to see the world through the eyes of clever nocturnal critters
ranging from hedgehogs and hippos to frogs and fireflies. Vividly depicted
illustrations paired with Accord’s full-color AniMotion windows, literally
bring the story to life, while author William Boniface hints at slumber through
his lyrical verse. LIGHTS OUT, NIGHT’S OUT encourages environmental awareness
at the earliest of ages by including a back-of-book resource section full
of interesting facts about nocturnal animals. Ages 3-8, $17.99 |
| Award-winning artist Jerry
Pinkney brings us a beautiful wordless adaptation of one of Aesop’s most
beloved fables, THE LION & THE MOUSE. After a ferocious lion spares
a cowering mouse that he’d planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his
rescue, freeing him from a poacher’s trap. With vivid depictions of the
landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney
makes this a truly special retelling, reminding the reader that no act
of kindness is ever wasted. Ages 4-8, $16.99 |
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HOLIDAY BOOKS
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JAN BRETT’S SNOWY TREASURY
brings together four of her bestselling titles: Gingerbread Baby, The Mitten,
The Hat and The Three Snow Bears, set in Switzerland, the Ukraine, Denmark
and the Arctic, respectively. Memorable characters, such as the mischievous
Gingerbread Baby, the woodland animals in Nicki’s white mitten, Hedgie
and the farm animals, and the three polar bears and an Inuit “Goldilocks,”
star in picture books perfect for sharing and reading aloud. This is beautiful
gift for the holidays and beyond. All ages, $29.99 |
| SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS
by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser proves once again that a little
fancying up can go a long, festive way! Presents with elegant wrapping paper,
festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles— and who could forget
the tree? This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas
tree. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas
still be splendiferous? Ages 4-8, $17.99 |
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Don’t miss the 25th Anniversary edition
of the Caldecott Award Winning title THE POLAR EXPRESS by Chris
Van Allsburg! To commemorate this special anniversary, a lavish gift edition
has been created. The set includes book with a silver foil border, a CD
audio recording read by Liam Neeson, a note from Chris Van Allsburg, and
a silvery keepsake “All Aboard” ornament. All ages, $18.95 |
| The timeless story of
Christmas is beautifully retold through paintings by some of the world’s
greatest artists. Borrowing from The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s extensive
and rich collection, THE CHRISTMAS STORY depicts the
Nativity through visual narration with the aid of paintings by, among others,
Petrus Christus, Gerard David, and Hans Memling. Gold accents on the book
jacket and interior pages make for a glorious and lush book. The artworks,
sensitively coupled with excerpts from the King James Version of the Bible,
create a book that will be treasured by the entire family for years to come.
All ages, $16.95 |
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| Just in time for the
holidays, three cherished Christmas books, superbly illustrated by the
award-winning P.J. Lynch, are now available as a set including: -THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY by Susan Wojciechowski -A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens -THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O. Henry Now offered together in a beautiful slipcase, this Classic Christmas Collection, showcasing P.J. Lynch’s masterful artwork, is a gift to be savored for seasons to come. All ages, $40.00 |
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GREAT READING
| THE DOOM MACHINE
by Mark Teague begins with a spaceship landing in Vern Hollow, Jack’s hometown,
where he and his no-account inventor-uncle Bud are busy trying to fix a
car. Although Uncle Bud secretly knows the aliens are after one of his inventions,
everyone is surprised when the space aliens capture seven of Vern Hollow’s
residents and take them into outer space on a wild adventure. Readers will
be caught up in the page-turning action, while at the same time they will
love Teague’s beautifully drawn evil space aliens. As with the best science
fiction, this novel speeds along without a hitch, and carries readers off
into a brand-new world. A fantastic and accessible read for middle graders.
Ages 9-12, $17.99 |
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Calpurnia Virginia Tate is
eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in
her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones. With a little
help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist,
she explores the natural world around her. While developing a close relationship
with her grandfather, she navigates the dangers of living with six brothers,
and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the
century. THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE by Jacqueline
Kelly. Ages 10+, $16.99 |
| Calling all horse lovers!
Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley makes her debut for young readers in THE
GEORGES AND THE JEWELS a stirring novel set on a California horse ranch
in the 1960s. Seventh-grader Abby Lovitt has always been more at ease with
horses than with people. Her father insists they call all the mares “Jewel”
and all the geldings “George” and warns Abby not to get attached: the horses
are there to be sold. But with all the stress at school and home Abby seeks
refuge with the Georges and the Jewels. Will she ever be able to tame the
troublesome horse she calls Ornery George? Ages 10+, $16.99 |
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“In this era of supersize
children’s books, Rebecca Stead’s WHEN YOU REACH ME looks positively
svelte. But don’t be deceived: In this taut novel, every word, every sentence,
has meaning and substance. A hybrid of genres, it is a complex mystery,
a work of historical fiction, a school story and one of friendship, with
a leitmotif of time travel running through it. Most of all, the novel is
a thrilling puzzle. Stead piles up clues on the way to a moment of intense
drama, after which it is pretty much impossible to stop reading until the
last page.” Reviewed by Monica Edinger, The New York Times. Ages 10+,
$15.99 |
FUN WITH NON-FICTION
| Create Your Own Ballet with the SWAN
LAKE BALLET THEATRE by Viola Ann Seddon and Jean Mahoney. The perfect
gift for dancers and dreamers! A gorgeous, fold-out miniature stage, interchangeable
scenery, and moveable figures offer hours of fun as children re-imagine
all four acts of Tchaikovsky’s great ballet. The haunting story of SWAN
LAKE comes to life through: - A full-color book relating the story of the ballet and offering staging suggestions - A sophisticated collection of scenery and backdrops - Nine dancing figures and supporting cast - An audio CD featuring music from SWAN LAKE Ages 6+, $24.99 |
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Featuring hundreds of vivid,
colorful images of art from around the world, the CHILDREN’S BOOK OF
ART includes timelines that compare artistic developments from different
regions of the globe by DK Publishing. This engaging guide takes children
on an international tour of the world’s greatest art, from the first daubs
of paint in prehistoric caves to today’s performance art. It includes all
of the important art movements, from Renaissance to Rococo, as well as the
great painters from all these eras. However, the approach is to look at art
as an international exchange of ideas, not a straight history of western
art. The book includes art from all countries, from aboriginal art to totem
poles, and encourages kids to make their own art. Add some art supplies for
a perfect gift! Ages 7+, $24.99 |
| Hot off the press... A
REALLY SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING by Bill Bryson. His storytelling
skill makes the “How?” and, more importantly, the “Who?” of scientific
discovery entertaining and accessible for all ages. In this exciting new
edition of his worldwide bestseller which has been specially abridged and
adapted for younger readers, Bryson explores the mysteries of time and
space and how, against all odds, life came to be on the wondrous planet
we call home. Ages 7-12, $19.99 |
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In true DK style, LEGO
STAR WARS: THE VISUAL DICTIONARY by Simon Beecroft elucidates, illuminates,
and excites even the most discerning LEGO Group, Star Wars, and minifigure
fans around the world. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, and
more are brought to life with dozens of little-known facts and hundreds of
photos, as are accessories, vehicles, weapons, and even the Death Star! Learn
about the history, manufacture, and construction of the minifigures of the
Star Wars galaxy, and come away a LEGO® Jedi Master. Book
is packaged with an exclusive LEGO Luke Skywalker minifigure. For Star Wars
and LEGO fans of all ages, $21.99. LIMITED SUPPLY. |
| DK’s ANIMALS UP CLOSE
by Igor Siwanowicz is full of tiny creatures you could hold in your hand.
Come down to their size and see what they’re really made of, with fantastic
photographs by Igor Siwanowicz that will take you into an alien world. $19.99
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ANIMALS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE
ANIMAL KINGDOM by John Farndon and
Barbara Taylor. With more than 800,000 species identified, and many still
unknown to us, the animal kingdom is a fascinating subject. Budding zoologists
can get up close and personal with some of the most amazing creatures in
the air, on the land, and in the sea in this stunning new title. Filled
with full-color photos, illustrations, layered acetate diagrams, engaging
text, and two jumbo color posters, ANIMALS explores detailed aspects of
anatomy, behavior, habitat, and conservation in a kid-friendly style.
Ages 9-12, $16.95 |
| ONE MILLION THINGS:
PLANET EARTH: THE INCREDIBLE VISUAL GUIDE by John Woodward. It’s a book
about the earth…but it’s unlike any you’ve seen before. PLANET EARTH is crammed
full of incredible stuff to dip into. From magnificent meteorites to cool
caves, crystals, and coral reefs, all revealed in a fascinating, exciting,
totally different way. It’s like a museum, a search engine, and the world’s
most exciting geography field trip rolled into one. Ages 8-12, $18.99
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Sarah Hines Stephens and Bethany Mann
team up in SHOW OFF! and introduce simple step-bystep instructions
on how to do 224 fun, freaky, and fabulous things. With minimal text and
maximal humor, these simple illustrated instructions will have kids psyched
to: — Investigate (science projects anyone can do) — Create (arts, crafts, and personal style) — Explore (adventures in the great outdoors) — Move (sports, games, and playground acrobatics) — Amaze (tricks, pranks, and awesome acts). Ages 10-14,
$18.99
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GIFT COLLECTIONS FOR ALL AGES
| JULIE ANDREWS’ COLLECTION
OF POEMS, SONGS, AND LULLABIES. Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma
Walton Hamilton, have hand-selected a wonderful mix of their most cherished
poems, songs, and lullabies in this rich and diverse poetry collection.
Brought to life with James McMullan’s stunning watercolor paintings, this
volume features nearly 150 treasured works, including beloved classics and
modern favorites from Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Jack Prelutsky, Shel
Silverstein, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and more - twenty-one of which are
theatrically and playfully read aloud by Andrews and Hamilton on the accompanying
CD. This deluxe anthology is bound to inspire an early love of poetry and
song and become a classic for families to grow with and treasure throughout
the years. All ages, $24.99 |
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Here it is! At long last a comprehensive
history of LEGO from the very start. Reveal, explore, and celebrate the
fascinating LEGO® story in THE LEGO®
BOOK. From its beginnings in a carpenter’s workshop and the development
of the first plastic brick, to the group’s current position as an international
brand, a timeline highlights key moments in LEGO®
history. Fascinating facts on every significant LEGO®
product line, theme park, video game, artwork, competition, club, collectible
and more combine with images from the LEGO Group’s photo archives-many
seen here for the first time-and inspiring ideas on how to make a variety
of things from just a few bricks. Packaged in a beautiful slip case with
cutting-edge design, this two-volume set also features STANDING SMALL-a
96-page book celebrating the minifigure. The PERFECT gift for the LEGO aficionado
of any age! $40.00 |
| THE LITTLE PRINCE (DELUXE
POP UP) by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. After being stranded in a desert
after a crash, a pilot comes in contact with a captivating little prince
who recounts his journey from planet to planet and his search for what
is most important in life. For over sixty-five years Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s
classic, The Little Prince, has captured readers’ hearts. The whimsical
story with a fairy tale feel has sold over 3 million copies in all formats.
This exciting pop-up edition includes the complete original text accompanied
by Saint-Exupery’s beautiful illustrations brought to life through paper
engineering. Perfect for longtime fans and those meeting the little prince
for the first time! All ages, $35.00 |
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THE TOON TREASURY OF CLASSIC CHILDREN’S
COMICS is an unprecedented collection of the greatest comics for children,
artfully compiled by two of the best-known creators in publishing and the
field of comics--Art Spiegelman and Francoise Mouly. This treasury created
for young readers focuses on comic books, not strips, and contains humorous
stories that range from a single-page to eight or even twenty-two pages,
each complete and self-contained. The comics have been culled from the Golden
Age of comic books, roughly the 1940s through the early 1960s, and feature
the best examples of works by such renowned artists and writers as Carl
Barks, John Stanley, Sheldon Mayer, Walt Kelly, Basil Wolverton, and George
Carlson, among many, many others. This is essential reading for kids of
all ages. $40.00 |
| SESAME STREET: A CELEBRATION OF 40
YEARS OF LIFE ON THE STREET by Louise A. Gikow. The most beloved children’s
show of all time is turning 40! This celebration of four decades of groundbreaking
educational programming invites fans young and old behind the scenes at
123 Sesame Street. In a book as lively, energetic, and appealing as the television show it chronicles, readers are treated to an inside look at every aspect of Sesame Street. Beginning with the initial idea for the show and the creation of the pilot episode and moving through its evolution over four decades, Sesame Street provides an insider’s view of all of the delightful Muppet and human characters, as well as the writers, directors, producers, and all the other creative people who continue to make learning fun for generations of kids. The 300+ pages include 1,500 photographs - both in front of and behind the camera - which came directly from the archives of the Sesame Workshop, and many of them have never before been published. For everyone who fondly remembers learning the alphabet and numbers from Sesame Street, for parents and grandparents of today’s Sesame Street kids, and for avid fans and collectors of everything Sesame, this gorgeous book makes a gift to be treasured. All ages, $40.00 |
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CELEBRATING WITH JULIENNE: RECIPES
FROM SAN MARINO’S BELOVED NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO by Susan Campoy with
Julie Campoy. Celebrating with Julienne takes you into the kitchens of one
of California’s most acclaimed cooks, Susan Campoy, the late founder and
chef of Julienne, a romantic French-California spot in the pretty Los Angeles
suburb of San Marino. As a caterer, restaurateur, and gourmet-market proprietor,
Campoy spent more than three decades creating food for celebrations large
and small, casual and formal. In Celebrating with Julienne, she shares the
best recipes of her career, along with stories, tips, and advice for the
budding cook, caterer, or restaurateur. The richly photographed recipes of
modern American classics will inspire you for your next party, potluck, family
dinner, or holiday feast. $40.00 |
FAMILY
GIFT BOOK OF THE YEAR!
| Here in one captivating
and inspiring volume more than 100 leaders from the arts, sciences, politics,
business, and other fields recall a children’s book they loved, and its
impact on their lives. Insightful, funny, inspiring, and unexpected, the
contributions illuminate the lives of a fascinating range of people and introduce
readers to a selection of the best books for young readers. Each is accompanied
by an excerpt and illustrations from the selected book and an informative
background essay. “When we give children books, we become part of their future, part of their most cherished memories, and part of their entire life. Children’s books change lives.” This is THE Family Gift Book of the Year… EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM A CHILDREN’S BOOK by distinguished children’s book authority Anita Silvey. All ages, $29.99 |
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Newsletter text Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.