Staff Picks
Gaiman's magnum opus, now with detailed annotations from the man himself. Step into Shadow and Mr. Wednesday's world, meet gods new and old, and travel across America on a mission to keep the old ways alive. For any mythology fan, Gaiman fan (to replace their old dog-eared copy), or fan of beautiful books.
Jen
As shown in Their Eyes Were Watching God, Magnolia Flower, and Sweat, Zora Neale Hurston’s poetic voice is second to none. Ibram X. Kendi’s adaptation of her 1925 short story into a children’s picture book is just beautiful!
Kayla
This touching and heartwarming tale told by a renowned children's poet about accepting who you are as you are is one of my all time favorites. Perfect for reading aloud and for beginning readers.
Morgan
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
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
A newly translated Miyazaki story! Shuna's Journey is a strange, almost grim adventure. In it can be found the thematic and visual roots of several Ghibli classics, especially Princess Mononoke and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Great for seasoned Ghibli fans and newcomers alike!
Piera
Got someone in your life who LOVES video games? This stunning artbook includes some of the most prolific worlds in the gaming industry and is a surefire hit on their coffee table... or maybe right next to their PC setup. With text accompanying the portraits, readers will get to see how these immersive worlds came to fruition. It's a gorgeous collectible for anyone harboring an intense love for virtual landscapes and all the possibilities that reside in them.
Cindy
I love everything Maira Kalman does, but this is particularly perfect. Through paintings and short captions, Kalman beautifully evokes the stories and complexities of women’s lives. A gift for every woman you know.
— Katie
What's not to love about this book? Charming illustrations of cute little creatures who tell a tale all about loving yourself and the selves around you. Perfect book for anyone looking for a little warmth this November.
Jane
A tale of personal discovery that unfolds within a framework of deftly handled contemporary issues and a bizarre friendship. Is it a ghost story? Is it a haunting? Is it imagination? Your call. But it's a fresh and contemporary teen read with an old soul. Though you may not identify with the nunnery portions, you'll be hard pressed not relate to the bigger picture and enjoy how everything unfolds.
Stacey
An ode and a handbook to being your wonderful and unique self, no matter what anyone else thinks of you! Gaining a wider perspective helps the polka-dotted pig Pip stand up a little taller.
Kendall
I really can't get enough of Lulu Mayo's coloring books. They're so adorable and perfect for when you need to just release. They're also perfect for fidgety hands that need something to do for the brain to focus.
Stacey
Bellwether Riggwelter is a sheep who enjoys simple pleasures like blackberries, dancing, and flowers. But the forest is a dangerous place for a kind, soft sheep like him. So Bellwether schemes up the ingenious idea of sewing himself a wolf suit to blend in with the forest's most fearsome predators.What follows is a modern-day folktale about being yourself and standing up against what scares you. This graphic novel is absolutely delightful- the art style, the story, and the twist at the end! You'll never see it coming, and that makes it all the better.
Catherine
In my mind, this book is like Rebecca meets Mrs. Dalloway meets The Silent Patient: gothic psychological thriller that follows the unraveling psyche of an Upper East Side housewife. As a reader, you'll find it as difficult as the titular character does to differentiate between what's real and what's made up in her mind. Also, there's an upcoming movie adaption with Elisabeth Moss!
Catherine
I was influenced by a recent tweet from Alexis Henderson and various authors to check out this book. Vita Nostra is cut from the same cloth as Lev Grossman's The Magicians series. A slow unraveling of a story, reading this book echoes the sensation of giving someone your hand and trusting them to lead you somewhere magical.
Engel