Sparky and Spike


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The Killdeer


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Sparky & Spike


Book Description

Includes author's note about Charles Schulz.




Stumble Out On Deck


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Sparky


Book Description

As the artist behind the beloved Peanuts comic strip for more than 50 years, Charles Schulz—arguably the most famous cartoonist in the world—created a colorful cast of characters that continues to bring humor and comfort to millions of readers. In this distinctively designed yet highly accessible book, renowned children's biographer Beverly Gherman traces both the life events that shaped Schulz's art and the various ways in which art influenced his life in return. Acclaimed by artists ranging from Andrew Wyeth to Mo Willems, the artistic elements of Schulz's work are brought to life in a colorful layout and thoroughly explored in an enchanting text that will draw in even the most reluctant readers.




Born to Draw Comics


Book Description

Born to Draw Comics, a mixed-panel format picture book biography of Charles "Sparky" Schulz, creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts. As a child, Charles split his free time between adventures outdoors with his friends and dog Spike, and daydreams and doodles inspired by the comics he loved to read. He longed to become a professional cartoonist, but saw his dreams deferred by unexpected challenges that laid ahead: military deployment to the European front of World War II, and the heartbreak of a family tragedy back home. Even so, Charles never lost sight of the hopeful joy of his early years and his love for Spike, both of which inspired PEANUTS. The comic strip went on to become the most popular and influential in comics history. For fans of Brad Meltzer’s New York Times-bestselling picture book biography of the Muppets and Sesame Street creator, I Am Jim Henson. Christy Ottaviano Books




Beware of Darkness


Book Description

He lay motionless, his breathing shallow, and his mind at rest. A thick hand thrusts into his fine leather coat pocket, seeking and retrieving his wallet. Two young, fresh, and inexperienced NYPD Detectives uncover a world defined by Power, Greed, and Freedom. The pawns in this sphere are innocent victims placed in an obsolete psychiatric hospital. Here, each individual is “Indoctrinated”, having their memoires, their stories, and their lives, obliterated as Dr. Michael Evans experiments on their minds. They are manipulated physically, mentally, and financially; yes, the financial advantages are vast for both Dr. Evans and his corrupt sidekick, Police Detective Fred Maxwell. With corruption at every level of the police, legal, and medical domains—will the confined patients of St. Anthony’s Hospital ever again see the light of day and be reunited with their loved ones? Who would advocate for them? What could spark their internal fortitude enough to fight for their own Freedom? Weaving seamlessly through this action-packed and intelligently humorous narrative is the mission of an allied group of terrorists with ulterior motives to shame and punish America. Beware of Darkness contains all the power and authority of Dr. Evans; the greed and ruthlessness of Fred Maxwell; the emotions of Walter Carson; the naivete and innocence of Jimmy Smolinski. Freedom, they say, is found, but is it?




Last Don Standing


Book Description

As the last Don of the Philadelphia mob, Ralph Natale, the first-ever mob boss to turn state’s evidence, provides an insider’s perspective on the mafia. Natale’s reign atop the Philadelphia and New Jersey underworlds brought the region’s mafia back to prominence in the 1990s. Smart, savvy, and articulate, Natale came up in the mob and saw first-hand as it hatched its plan to control Atlantic City’s casino unions. Later on, after spending 16 years in prison, he reclaimed the family as his own after a bloody mob war that left bodies scattered across South Philly. He forged connections around the country, invigorated the family with more allies than it had in two decades, and achieved a status within the mob never seen before or since until he was betrayed by his men and decided to testify against them in a stunning turn of events. Using dozens of hours of interviews with Natale along with research and interviews with FBI agents, this book delivers revelatory insights into seminal events in American mob history, including: - The truth about Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance - The murder of Jewish mob icon Bugsy Siegel - The identity of the man who created modern-day Las Vegas With the full cooperation of Natale, New York Daily News reporter Larry McShane and producer Dan Pearson uncover the deadly reign of the last great mob boss of Philadelphia, a tale that covers a half-century of mob lore—and gore.




Charles M. Schulz


Book Description

Charles M. Schulz: The Life and Art of the Creator of Peanuts in 100 Objects explores the man behind one of America’s most iconic comic strips and its beloved cast of characters—Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang. Through 100 preserved and cataloged artifacts, delve into Charles M. Schulz’s Minnesota youth in 1920s America, Schulz’s WWII Army service, and Schulz’s path to fame through his post-war comic series Li’l Folks and five decades of Peanuts. From Schulz’s first published drawing featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to his 2001 Congressional Gold Medal, the 100 artifacts bring the details of the singular artist to life. Along with provocative, witty, and wise quotes, fan-favorite strips, and more, this book is a must-have for any Peanuts fan. 100 OBJECTS: Carefully curated artifacts from Charles M. Schulz’s home and studio—including medals and awards, family photos, rare comic art, and more—tell the story of this beloved artist’s life, career, and the times in which he lived. EXPLORE AMERICANA: From his youth in 1920’s Minnesota through the turbulent 60s and beyond, Charles Schulz’s life spans the rich history of the American Century. CLASSIC STRIPS: Includes timeless Peanuts comic strips featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts Gang. FASCINATING FACTS: Fans of Peanuts will find never-before-seen items that give them an intimate look at the creation of the acclaimed comic strip series. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT: Created in collaboration with the Charles M. Schulz estate, the book provides an exclusive look into the life of one of America’s most revered artists.




Behind the Bookcase


Book Description

Anne Frank’s diary is a gift to the world because of Miep Gies. One of the protectors of the Frank family, Miep recovered the diary after the family was discovered by Nazis, and then returned it to Otto Frank after World War II. Displaced from her own home as a child during World War I, Miep had great empathy for Anne, and she found ways—like talking about Hollywood gossip and fashion trends—to engage her. The story of their relationship—and the impending danger to the family in hiding—unfolds in this unique perspective of Anne Frank’s widely known story.