Good morning, book-loving friends! Today I'm sharing a few non-traditional books that I think would make perfect gifts for the holidays. From coloring books to storytelling books, these are the type of keepsake gifts your loved ones will cherish.
Note: I received review copies of each of these, from the respective publisher! This did not affect my opinion of the books.
First up...
The Faerie Handbook: An Enchanting Compendium of Literature, Lore, Art, Recipes, and Projects
Publisher: Harper Design
Publication Date: November 14, 2017
Summary (from Goodreads):
In this exquisite anthology, Editor in Chief Carolyn Turgeon and the editors of Faerie Magazine welcome you into an enchanted realm rich with myth, mystery, romance, and abundant natural beauty. Organized into four sections—Flora and Fauna, Fashion and Beauty, Arts and Culture, and Home, Food, and Entertaining—this gorgeous volume offers an array of exquisite vintage4 and contemporary fine art and photography, literature, essays, do-it-yourself projects, and recipes that provide hours of reading, viewing, and dreaming pleasure, along with a multitude of ideas for modern-day living and entertaining with a distinctive fairy touch.
I seriously love this anthology! There are projects, recipes, stories, and a ton of gorgeous art. I'm not really into fae but this is amazing. It's the type of book I love to have on my shelf because it's incredibly gorgeous, but also really fascinating!
Up next...
Middle-earth: From Script to Screen: Building the World of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by Daniel Falconer
Publisher: Harper Design
Publication Date: November 21, 2017
Summary (from Goodreads):
For the first time ever, the epic, in-depth story of the creation of one of the most famous fantasy worlds ever imagined—an illustrious compendium that reveals the breathtaking craftsmanship, artistry, and technology behind the magical Middle-earth of the blockbuster film franchises, The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson.
The Making of Middle-Earth tells the complete story of how J. R. R. Tolkien’s magic world was brought to vivid life on the big screen in the record-breaking film trilogies The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy and The Hobbit Motion Picture Trilogy. Drawing on resources, stories, and content from the archives of the companies and individuals behind the films, much of which have never appeared in print before, as well as interviews with director Peter Jackson and key members of the Art Department, Shooting Crews, Park Road Post, and Weta Digital teams who share their personal insights on the creative process, this astonishing resource reveals:
How the worlds were built, brick by brick and pixel by pixel;
How environments were extended digitally or imagined entirely as computer generated spaces;
How the multiple shooting units functioned;
How cast members and characters interacted with their environments.
Daniel Falconer takes fans from storyboard concepts to deep into the post-production process where the films were edited, graded, and scored, explaining in depth how each enhanced the films. He also discusses how the processes involved in establishing Middle-earth for the screen have evolved over the fifteen years between the start and finish of the trilogies. Going region by region and culture by culture in this fantasy realm, The Making of Middle-Earth describes how each area created for the films was defined, what made it unique, and what role it played in the stories.
Illustrated with final film imagery, behind-the-scenes pictures and conceptual artwork, including places not seen in the final films, this monumental compilation offers unique and far-reaching insights into the creation of the world we know and love as Middle-earth.
This book is STUNNING. I'm a big fan of the Lord of the Rings movies and to have this book in my hands is seriously cool. It's massive, and full of photos, illustrations, and descriptions from the movies. I could read this book for hours and days and never get bored!
Continuing on...
Doctor Who: The Book of Whoniversal Records: Official Timey-Wimey Edition by Simon Guerrier
Publisher: Harper Design
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Summary (from Goodreads):
A fact-packed, full-color illustrated collection of records that celebrates the best, biggest and most memorable moments from the world of Doctor Who.
Doctor Who: The Book of Whoniversal Records is a handy compilation of the greatest—and strangest—details from the brilliant, imaginative world of Doctor Who. Bursting with firsts and bests both human and alien, this expansive compendium has the answer to any and every question about the Doctor, his companions and adversaries, and his adventures through time and space.
Discover a multi-universe of astounding facts, figures, and fun—from the biggest explosion in the universe to the first human to time-travel; from the longest fall through space to the shortest life-form that ever lived—inside this ultimate must-have reference. Filled with full-color images throughout, Doctor Who: The Book of Whoniversal Records is a must for every Doctor Who devotee everywhere . . . and everywhen.
A Whovian twist on bestselling gift reference books such as The Guinness Book of World Records, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know, this informative and entertaining digest features a cool graphic cover with special effects that reflects the Doctor Who aesthetic.
I know next to nothing about Doctor Who! So this was new to me. I have to say, I love how shiny this book is. And the photos and information inside are very cool! For a Doctor Who newbie, this is interesting. For a Doctor Who fan? I'm sure this would be an awesome gift!
Additionally...
Mickey's Christmas Storybook Treasury
Publisher: Disney Press
Publication Date: September 12, 2017
Summary (from Goodreads):
Celebrate the spirit of the season with this collectible Mickey & Friends volume featuring four beautifully illustrated Christmas stories: "Mickey's Christmas Carol," "Huey, Dewey, and Louie's Christmas Wish," "Donald's Christmas Tree," and "The Gift of the Magi." Bring home the timeless appeal of Disney storytelling and experience the magic again and again!
I love this storybook. It's so beautifully put together and Mickey Mouse is always a classic. I gave this book to my little cousins and they absolutely loved it.
And one more, for good measure!
Art of Coloring: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity
Publisher: Disney Press
Publication Date: July 18, 2017
Summary (from Goodreads):
Whimsically macabre artwork, patterns, and designs permeate the story of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. These images are ideal for adding your own brand of color and style. Perfect for cultivating creativity, relaxation, and focus, these pages are filled with artwork evocative of the delightfully frightful world of Jack Skellington.
I personally looooove coloring books so I knew I had to get this one! Tim Burton always has the strangest and most unique images. This is actually great for Christmas OR Halloween!
And that's my gift guide! There are a million and one other books I could have mentioned in this post, but these five are some that I've not seen around the blogosphere, but I think they're really cool. They're not my usual type of read but I really like all of these. Perfect for making your shelves pretty, at the very least! And they're all fascinating, and intriguing. Happy shopping, happy reading, and happy holidays!
