Staff Picks
I am very much Not a Cook, but this book inspired me to try. Maisonet is like a personal cooking coach, and I love how she redefines authenticity as she knows it.
Sarah
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
A great collection of recipes including vegetarian and vegan adaptations from the Filipino culture with stories and lots of pretty images too!
Hazel
A gorgeous edition of one of the most inluential classics in the horror/gothic genre illustrated by the iconic Edward Gorey. It's the perfect gift horror/gothic lovers, classic literature enthusiasts, collectors, and those who just love beautiful books.
Morgan
Actor, philanthropist, husband, father, race car driver, film director, superstar Paul Newman (1925 –2008), was a conflicted man, who with self-deprecating humor, extraordinary good looks and abundant talent became one of the most iconic movie stars of the past 75 years. This revealing, candid and honest memoir tells his life story in his own words – and those of his family and friends - revealing a somber and introspective man, and yet one who counted his many blessings with true appreciation.
Nathan
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
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
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
This book is my favorite out of all of Ursula K LeGuin's works, now in a gorgeous new edition with an introduction by Neil Gaiman. LeGuin's story of a Terran (Earthly) ambassador to a world where the people change gender several times over the course of their lives. It's a story of both political relations and understanding, as well as one about the human (and alien) capacity for love, and is perfect for new and old fans of LeGuin alike.
Annie
Spooky, scary, and full of heart, The Clackity is a wonderful middle grade tale of a young girl on a quest to save her aunt from the monsters in their small town. With wonderfully creepy illustrations to accompany the chilling story, this one is perfect for a snowy evening in with a cup of hot cocoa. Just make sure to check under the bed before you turn in for the night.
Jen
I try to choose staff picks of general interest, and I will freely admit that this book probably isn't - it is for readers who love the Beatles. You don't have to be a fanatic (I'm not), but if you love Let It Be (I do) then this book is not only appealing but probably mandatory. At a literal level, it is a textual and photographic transcript of the studio sessions preparing for their last concert, with the songs that became that album (and much of Abbey Road); but writ large it is really a narrative of the last phase of the band. They are talking, joking, playing, creating, arguing, reminiscing - far more than the story of a break-up, it is an exploration of a phenomenon. And the photos are magnificent.
David
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
This unique book is such a delight! Made up of vibrant illustrations-slash-infographics about the social, physical, historical, and aesthetic tradition of hands, readers of all ages are guaranteed to learn something new and have a lovely time doing so.
Catherine
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
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