The Toy Taker


Book Description

Outside the house, it's cold and dark. Inside, where it's warm, children are sleeping. D.I. Sean Corrigan might have a tiny new office at Scotland Yard and a huge new beat—all of London—but the job is the same. His team has a knack for catching the sickest criminals on either side of the Thames, thanks in large part to Corrigan's uncanny ability to place himself inside the mind of a predator. But he just can't get a read on this new case. Four-year-old George Bridgeman went to sleep in his bedroom in a leafy London suburb . . . and wasn't there in the morning. No tripped alarms. No broken windows. No sign of forced entry or struggle. As his investigation zeroes in on a suspect, Corrigan's gut tells him it doesn't add up. Then another child is taken. Now someone's toying with Corrigan. And the game is about to turn deadly.




Santa Claus: The World's Number One Toy Expert


Book Description

How does Santa know how to match the exact right toy with the exact right kid every December? He knows because he's the world's number one kid and toy and gift expert, and he works long, long hours the whole year through, taking notes, compiling his research, thinking and testing and changing his mind. Then, at last, he gets it all figured out, and on Christmas morning, he makes magic happen. Celebrated author-illustrator Marla Frazee's fresh, lively take on a traditional subject is sure to become a favorite with young believers everywhere. With delicious humorous moments and a warm, unexpected ending, this book is truly a Christmas treat, one that begs to be read aloud and savored year after year.




A Bag for Santa


Book Description




Happy Holidays--Animated!


Book Description

Since the early 20th century, animated Christmas cartoons have brightened the holiday season around the world--first in theaters, then on television. From devotional portrayals of the Nativity to Santa battling villains and monsters, this encyclopedia catalogs more than 1,800 international Christmas-themed cartoons and others with year-end themes of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the New Year. Explore beloved television specials such as A Charlie Brown Christmas, theatrical shorts such as Santa's Workshop, holiday episodes from animated television series like American Dad! and The Simpsons, feature films like The Nutcracker Prince and obscure productions such as The Insects' Christmas, along with numerous adaptations and parodies of such classics as A Christmas Carol and Twas the Night before Christmas.




Jabari Jumps


Book Description

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash. Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.




Toys in Space


Book Description

A very silly (not-too-scary) story about losing a beloved toy. That summer night, the toys were left outside. . . . For the very first time, the Wonderdoll, the helpful wind-up robot, the thoughtful green dinosaur, and the rest of their plucky gang lie in the grass, gazing up at the stars. But one star seems brighter than the rest. As it grows bigger and bigger, the toys realize it may not be a star at all! Soon they're venturing into the unknown, traveling by spaceship, where they meet a lonely alien in need of help, and some friends. From ever-inventive, award-winning author-illustrator Mini Grey comes a hilarious and heartfelt new adventure: a motley group of toys left outside in the garden become true friends and brave heroes--in space!




The Dogist


Book Description

When Friedman moved to New York City, he missed the dogs that had surrounded him growing up. He began photographing dogs on the street, and posting them on his blog, The Dogist. Whether because of the look in a dog's eyes, its innate beauty, or even the clothes its owner has dressed it in, every portrait in this book tells a story and explores the dog's distinct character and spirit.




How the Movies Saved Christmas


Book Description

Santa Claus is in trouble! Who will save Christmas? This A-to-Z guide to holiday films, television movies and series specials provides cast, credits, production information and commentary for 228 cinema Christmases that were almost ruined by villains, monsters, spirits, secularism, greed, misanthropy or elf error--but were saved by helpful animals, magic snowmen, selfless children or compassionate understanding. Reviews and references are included.




The Needlecraft Book


Book Description

Conspicuous consumption has had its day: the mantra now is "make do and mend". From knitting to needlepoint, quilting to crochet, embroidery to appliqué - traditional crafts are thriving. Hugely satisfying and easy on the pocket and the environment, these are not just recession-proof pastimes. Imagine producing beautiful clothes, throws and covers, quilts, canvases and cushions to adorn your family and your home. With this book you can. The tools, techniques and terminology required to create truly personal pieces are all clearly explained, and the "complicated" art of needlecraft is revealed to be easier than readers might have thought. Packed with easy to follow techniques, the book brings these traditional artistic and practical crafts right up to date with advice on contemporary styles and new materials, bringing these immensely satisfying skills to a whole new generation.




The Art of Turning Red


Book Description

"Embrace your own inner red panda-and all of the awkwardness and excitement of being a teen-as you explore this vibrant collection of artwork from Pixar Animation Studio's newest film Turning Red. With never-before-seen concept art, storyboards, character designs and colorscripts, The Art of Turning Red illustrates the creative journey that brought this heartwarming coming-of-age story to life"--