Staff Picks
Come wander through this beautiful book where translucent overlays, paper flaps, and beguiling images reveal the history of our planet. What did the earth look like 300 million years ago? What was the earliest lifeform? How long did dinosaurs roam earth? When did our ancestors first appear? Inspired by an exhibit at the Museu de Ciencies Naturals in Barcelona, through art this book lets children and adults "see Earth as a delicately balanced system that is nonetheless constantly changing."
Robin
All the animals try cheering up an angry tortoise, but they’re not going about it the right way (smelly old boots don’t help me either). A silly story that’s a lesson in empathy and handling negative emotions.
Katie
Complete with tear out iron-on transfers, this beautiful book is full of embroidery projects for both beginners and seasoned stitchers. The “painting with thread” technique used throughout is very forgiving, and most of the other stitches are simple. Many patterns are included twice – both with and without a complicated background – perfect for practicing and improving skills.
Katie
This monograph by notable local artist Rosamond Purcell serves as the catalogue of a spectacular career retrospective exhibition currently taking up the entire 2nd floor of the Addison Gallery in Andover until Dec. 31st. With several insightful essays as well as an interview with the artist, this book stunningly displays the evolution of this remarkable American artist.
Dale
Hugely interesting and inspiring collection of Shaun Tan's weird creature illustrations, plus insight from Tan about his artistic development and approach to design. Great for Weird Creature Enthusiasts small and large!
Piera
I would have gone crazy for a book like this as a kid! It just absolutely pops. It's so informative, but still fun and engaging. The large format and reversible design makes it a unique and memorable book to cherish.
Stacey
With illustrations like hand-painted I Spy pictures, this story about generosity is a work of art that doesn't talk down to kids. Giving can be just as wonderful as receiving!
Murphy
It's true; Fleabag is so 2019, but for me, it’s great to look back and commemorate the moment, before everything came crashing down, when one woman was making art in the shape of women. The Fleabag Scriptures contains entire scripts of seasons 1&2 and provides fans with an intimate view of how Waller-Bridge's mind works. Perfect for fans of the show, writers, actors, and humans on your list.
Wendy
With a newly revamped cover, stunning end pages, sprayed edges, AND a ribbon bookmark, Ari and Dante's story celebrates its 10th anniversary. Following two teenagers as they come of age and uncover all the beautiful and ugly things in life related to family, friendship, and personal identity, this book is a definite tear-jerker with some truly beautiful lines. This will make the perfect gift for the teen in your life who might also be struggling to sort out the tricky puzzle that we call life or, more generally, anyone who wants to get existential and teary-eyed.
Cindy
This is the coolest, most engaging book you will ever own. The novel stands alone, and the 2nd storyline (my favorite) takes place in the margins of the book: a correspondence between 2 college students who trade Ship of Theseus back and forth. Postcards, handwritten letters, maps, photo copied articles, and other goodies are inserted within the books pages, just waiting to be discovered. You simply cannot have this immersive experience on a Kindle!
Babbie
A coffee table book that sits right at the intersection of art, science, and history! If someone you love has an interest in star-gazing, astrology, or just likes beautiful illustrations, this makes for a perfect splurge.
Murphy
This is the perfect present for budding sleuths and mystery enthusiasts, young children who've never heard of this timeless classic and anyone who remembers the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books like they were some kind of weird fever dream. A bonus present for the resident Nosy Person in your life (I am one and I am not ashamed) that our bookstore sadly cannot provide: any of the Nancy Drew games from Her Interactive!! A few of my favorites are The Silent Spy, Labyrinth of Lies, and Warnings at Waverly Academy.
Engel
Got a tween in your life? Empower them with this collection of badass fairytale heroines in space. Character driven, action packed, innovative, and emotional, Meyers' writing gets better with every book. (Not usually the case with a series) Recommend.
Wendy
Kaikeyi offers a lovely and melodic reimagining of a story from the Ramayana, a Sanskrit epic. While nothing beats being told these tales by my grandparents over a crackling fire, Vaishnavi Patel’s poignant and inspiring storytelling definitely burns just as bright.
Kayala
Everyone know what a leprechaun is. Or a fairy, or a unicorn. But why dont as many know about Amaroq the giant wolf that can steal your soul if threatened? And Eqalussuaq the shark that brings fish to widows and orphans?
John