Books Make Memorable Christmas Gifts …

Colors For Baby

By Yana Peel
Big Picture Press/Candlewick. $21.99

This boxed set includes four small board books that will fold out and feature the art of some of the world’s best-known artists. Each little book is designed around a color (red, blue, green and yellow) and there are images on both sides of the foldout.

For example, the little “Blue” foldout includes Henri Matisse’s “Les Oiseaux”, Yves Klein’s “Globe terrestre bleu” and the “Hanging Heart” by Jeff Koons. All four books fit snugly in a sturdy box and they will not only be an eye-catching set of books that will appeal to children, but art lovers will be fascinated by this collection too.

Art teachers might wish to use these little books in the classroom and they would make an interesting display in one’s home as well. You’ll discover adults will be drawn to them as well as youngsters of all ages.

If this set is purchased for a very young child, make sure the toddler is old enough to be able to fold the accordion-style pages out fully. I’d suggest this set would be appropriate for a child at least twelve to fourteen months old.

Flying Machines

By Nick Arnold
Illustrated by Brendan Kearney
Candlewick Press. $19.99

Learn all about aerodynamics and how airplanes stay in the air with this activity book that comes with five models you can make. The text covers key aviation inventions, flight forces (drag, thrust, etc.) and other facets of flying.

The five models include a galactic glider, a deadly dart, a whirlybird helicopter, a single-prop Starlite and a twin-prop SuperStar. Children eight and older will be able to fashion the provided parts into some really fabulous flying machines. There’s also a logbook where you can keep track of your flights just like a real pilot.

For young aircraft engineers and would-be pilots, here’s the ideal interactive guide to the fascinating science of flight.

Pop-Up New York

By Jennie Maizels
Candlewick Press. $19.99

This splendid pop-up book introduces the sights of New York City with spectacular three-dimensional pop ups paper engineered by Richard Ferguson and lift the flaps which hide all sorts of information about the city and its wonders.

Be sure to turn the book around and check the backs of the high-rise buildings shown because you’ll find additional information about them plus more illustrations.

This is the best pop-up book I have seen this year and not only will children delight in the book’s contents but pop-up collectors will also be enthralled with how Ferguson designed this large volume.

Teachers will be happy to display this book in the classroom and if you were planning a trip to New York, this would be a very special introduction to the sites you and your family will be seeing.

Tinker Bell: An Evolution

By Mindy Johnson
Disney. $40

One of the memorable characters from J.M. Barrie’s play “Peter Pan”, Tinker Bell has taken on a life of her own thanks to movies and books that have focused on her. This very special book invites the reader to take flight with the little pixie and view her transformation from the sketchbook to the stage, film and theme park attractions.

Filled with page upon page of archival illustrations and drawings from Disney Studios, this book is not only a visual delight but the book’s content also charts every step of Tinker Bell’s transformation from a character in Barrie’s play to the international cartoon celebrity she has become.

Adults and children will find this a fascinating read and a book they will never tire of paging through. It is a true collector’s edition that will only increase in value in the years to come.

Before After

By Anne-Margot Ramstein and Matthias Aregui
Candlewick Press. $19.99

Beautifully illustrated, this picture book features over 170 pages of illustrations but no words. That’s right; you have to provide the story that will accompany each set of two illustrations.

For example, one set of illustrations includes a very small acorn on one page and opposite it is a full-page rendition of a mature oak tree. Now, what will you have to say or what tale will you create to go with these two pictures?

Naturally the creative challenge for the adult or child is to let his/her imagination use the visual inspiration to fashion some type of narrative. Each time you look at the pictures the “story” can change or be altered. Or, in some instances, perhaps all you will wish to do is look at the pictures. That’s fine too.

This unusual but intriguing picture book will probably be carried in museum bookstores and both creative writing and art instructors may find it useful. But families who believe in nurturing creativity in their children will find many uses for this exquisite book too!

Photos Framed: A Fresh Look at the World’s Most Memorable Photographs

By Ruth Thomson
Candlewick Press. $18.99

Twenty-seven of the most discussed photos taken over the medium’s history are analyzed as Ruth Thomson zooms in on the important photographic elements of each shot.

Besides a full-page example of the photo, you’ll find information about the photographer and a paragraph explaining the photo’s background. Then, under “Photo Thoughts”, Thomson asks the reader three questions about the photo. There are also “Blow Up” and “Zoom In” boxes accompanying each selection that provide more technical thoughts about the composition.

Both young photographers and adults will find this book illuminating and well worth reading. Even if you are not a photographer, the author will open your eyes to the art of photography and the story the camera can tell if it is in the right hands.