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Delve into ancient wisdom and superstitions from around the world in this gorgeously illustrated book filled with natural folklore and wild wisdom. Read about folklore ranging from lucky flowers to folktales about the moon and stars, brought to life in bold, brilliant colors with this book’s unique and memorable art style. Readers of any age will love learning about folklore from cultures around the world and engaging with the beauty of the natural world.
Jenna
What started out as a ruse to get his young son engaged in making thank you cards turned into a joke posted on the internet offering “beautiful custom pet portraits” for a ridiculous amount of money. Hercule had no intention of taking any money for his self-described “rubbish” pet portraits, but when he kept receiving commissions, he decided to extend the joke, fill the orders, and donate the funds. This little book offers the actual photos that people sent, his “rubbish” interpretations, and the hilarious comments from his customers. One customer quips “so this is the cost of disappointment, is it?!” Very funny with understated British humor and portraits not even his own mam could endorse. My go-to stocking stuffer!
Collette
We all have our favorite books, from childhood classics like Curious George to modern mega-series like Percy Jackson and the Olympians, but how do any of these stories actually come to be? In her beautiful book, Blenken takes us back to the original ideas that created some of the most famous stories ever written. The Stories Behind the Stories would make the perfect gift for everyone who adores reading.
Anna
In this blackout poem, we hear a different version of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of The Little Mermaid. A brilliant story of loving yourself for who you are and never changing for anyone is the message that folks of all ages need to hear. Grab a marker, flip the book and turn it upside down to try your own hand at creating blackout poetry!
Jess
Animals and poems have many similar gifts to give us—wonder, humor, companionship, awe, serenity…Walk through the year hand and hand with our fellow creatures in the pages of this book brimming with 366 poems and stunningly saturated illustrations. Readers young and old will rejoice in this gorgeous volume featuring poems and animals from around the world and of all shapes and sizes. This book is truly a work of art and celebrates poetry, animals, and the world we share.
Claire
A stunning historical document written as a handwriting exercise by a Polish 8-year-old at the beginning of World War II. Gorgeous paintings by Ala Bankroft illustrate Skibinski’s spare, daily observations that are by turns mundane (“I went to church”) and ominous (“A plane circled over Anin”). This gorgeous object, interspersed with reproductions of the original notebook, can be admired even if you’re not a history buff. We are all keepers of History, this book reminds us, even if we think we’re not.
Timothy
Miyazaki. Gaiman. Copernicus? In this first-ever English translation of a beloved Japanese classic, with a lovely foreword from Gaiman, we are led on a journey of self-discovery by a fifteen year old boy and his uncle. Copper, aptly nicknamed after the philosopher Copernicus, is remarkably insightful, often looking to his uncle for advice on how to be a good person. This book will not only ground you, it will remind you of your significance in the universe. Oh, and it also inspired Miyazaki’s final film. Enough said.
Beth