Author: Lucy Cousins
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 22 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Maisy has become such a well-known icon with children. Her stories and adventures have taught and entertained kids for years. This latest edition is guaranteed to bring a sparkle to the season. This classic Maisy holiday favorite is back by popular demand, with a bright, bold new cover.

“Cuddle up for a little comfort and joy featuring everybody’s favorite mouse. As Maisy get ready for Christmas, little ones can lift flaps and pull tabs to watch her bake and decorate, read her cards, peek at her gifts, and open the door on Christmas morning for a merry surprise. Trimmed in foil and twinkling from beginning to end, Merry Christmas, Maisy captures the joys and simple pleasures of the season.”

Lucy Cousins is the creator of this beloved Maisy series. Hopefully she will continue to release this books for many years to come. I have a feeling that my five month old daughter is going to become a big fan of this series throughout her early years. This lift-the-flap book also succeeds in spreading the joy and traditions of Christmas to the whole family.

Author: Sarah McMenemy
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 30 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This is my third book in this Keepsake Cityscapes series that I have had the pleasure to review. I really enjoyed “New York: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape” and “Washington D.C.: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape”. These books are very simple and yet very effective. They pack a lot of great information into a small package. This latest volume takes us on a tour New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“Welcome to the Met! Boasting more than two million works, it’s one of the world’s largest art museums. Learn about twelve top attractions, including the lovely Charles Engelhard Court, the formidable Arms and Armor Court, and the Modern Art Gallery showcasing works from Monet to the artists of today.”

The author Sarah McMenemy is the creator of this series and also including “London: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape” and “Paris: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape”. These foldout books with cutout paper are a great tool for kids to learn with and not having to leave the comfort of their homes. I am sure that it will also spark some inspiration with some kids to plan their future trips in their life. Look forward to reviewing future editions of this series.

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Author/Illustrator: Mind Wave Inc.
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I don’t know what it is about the super cute Moshi that people cannot get enough of.  Well luckily, thanks to Wind Wave we have this new activity books that is completely bursting with Moshi characters and fun stuff to do.  It is only 28 pages but it is surely jam-packed.

Everyone knows that all Moshi’s loves to dress up. At first glance, all Moshi look the same — but look again, and you’ll see they’re all different. In this book you will be able to help Strawberry Moshi and her friends do puzzles and activities like: search and find, coloring, spot the difference, mazes, connect the dots.  You can even design your own Moshi and with a page of more than twenty stickers!

Author/Illustrator: Martin Handford
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Deluxe Anniversary Edition
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

It is hard to believe but I remember getting this book right when it was released in September 1988. That is many years ago but finding Waldo isn’t any less fun. “Where’s Waldo Now?” was also just released in “Where’s Waldo Now?: The Wow Collection” but not the deluxe edition. Candlewick is the publisher that is re-releasing this book but with some anniversary goodies.

What can you expect with this said anniversary treatment? There is a striking new cover jacket. There is an original poster on the underside of the jacket. The games are expanded with a spot-the-difference game between the jacket and the self-cover designs. There is a gatefold with a new visual checklist on every spread, as well as a never-before-seen section of artwork revealed on every spread. Most importantly there is new things to search for…which means the fun continues.

The scenes included are: The Stone Age, The Riddle of the Pyramids (2590 BC), Fun and Games in Ancient Rome (58 AD), On Tour with the Vikings (985 AD), The End of the Crusades (1188 AD), Once Upon a Saturday Morning (1388 AD), The Last Days of the Aztecs (1520 AD), Trouble in Old Japan (1588 AD)m Being a Pirate (1738 AD), Having a Ball in Gaye Paree (1870 AD), The Gold Rush (1888 AD) and The Future.

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Author/Illustrator: Martin Handford
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Paperback
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of “Where’s Waldo”, then this is the collection for you.  This “Wow Collection” comes with six amazing books with an eighty-piece Where’s Waldo? jigsaw puzzle included, all within a very sharp slipcase. This the complete collection and everything that any fan would go nuts over.  Get ready to spend spend hours of eye-watering fun trying to find the world’s most clever hiding man. I am looking forward this to introducing this series to my daughter.

The volumes of the series included are as follows:  The Original “Where’s Waldo?”, it’s sequel “Where’s Waldo Now?”, “Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey”, “Where’s Waldo? In Hollywood”, “Where’s Waldo? The Wonder Book” and “Where’s Waldo? The Great Picture Hunt”.  These books are timeless and still hold up today. I felt like I was transported back into my childhood and getting a chance to revisit these great puzzles. Yes, this is even a challenge for a 30 year old man as it was when I was a young boy.  I highly recommend this to all fans and parents who are looking for hours of entertainment.

Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Marc Boutavant
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: November 13, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

There is something about animals  that kids just love.  This is the latest book in this series after “Who’s Like Me?” and “What Will I Be?”. There is something that is so clever with these books that deserves to be recognized. The subtitle is “Flip the Flap and Find Out” and that is something that kids need..interactive aspects in books. You are able to learn more with this series by lifting the flaps and learn about animal life. These two books are guaranteed to be packed with fun-filled series which is perfect for preschoolers.

“What Happens Next?”: Here’s a hungry chameleon with a long, long tongue. And here’s a big juicy caterpillar. Can you guess what happens next? What if a honeybee comes upon a beautiful patch of flowers, but the members of her hive don’t know how to find her? Or if two chimps want to munch on termites that are out of reach deep inside a mound? Peek under large flaps to find out — and refresh your memory at the end!

“Who Lives Here?”: The jungle is warm and steamy. What kind of animal might live there, a snow goose or a sloth? What about a still, cool pond — could that be home for a howler monkey? Find out why meerkats like dry sunny grasslands (hint: they like to dig holes to hide in) or why clown fish feel right at home in a coral reef. Small flaps and a matching spread at the end make learning about habitats fun.

These series is authored by the very clever Nicola Davies. She is a zoologist and award-winning author for many children’s books including “Surprising Sharks”, “Extreme Animals”, and “Gaia Warriors”. They are also all illustrated by Marc Boutavant, who has worked on each book on this series. I think the drawings are super cute and work very well and eye-catching for kiddies. Candlewick, if you are reading…give us more! Can’t wait to see what is next!

Author: Jane Ray
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect with a pop-up adaption of Cinderella – that wasn’t from Disney. But I was really pleasantly surprised. This pop-up book transform the story of Cinderella into the three-dimensional and really tells gives this fairy-tale a very elegant portrayal. The illustration of Cinderella and her royal night are very impressive, yet simple.  I highly recommend this to all fans of this timeless story.

Author Jane Ray delivers this wonderful book within its layered cut-paper artwork. There are six very detailed pages ranging from the kitchen landscape, the magical garden, the ballroom and of course the pumpkin coach. There are also fantastic side panels that provide text to tell the story.  So this can be used as a straight up picture book or also a read-along storybook.  Having a little girl myself, I can see her revisiting this book very often and sending her off to sleep each nice with dreams of being a princess.  Good job Candlewick!

Author: Martin Handford
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of “Where’s Waldo?” from day one! This year the man who loves to hide is celebrating his twenty-fifth year. Waldo is bringing the holiday spirit in with this new sticker book. It is fun for kids but obviously doesn’t have much reply once the stickers are used. I was really hoping for a book of all puzzles and less stickers…but hey! kids love stickers! For $6.99, this is a no-brainer for kids.

“Santa Spectacular” gets Waldo’s world all decked out for Christmas! There are snowmen, skis, toys, and much more from Waldo’s previous adventures all combined with unique new artwork to create a hide-and-seek holiday extravaganza. That’s right you are creating the hide-and-seek, this time around.  There are hundreds of stickers  inviting readers to create their own winter wonderland for Waldo. Martin Handford is the man behind the Waldo books since the beginning, so expect the treatment here.

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Author: Corina Fletcher
Illustrator: Britta Teckentrup
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Nosy Crow; Pop edition
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I am not sure what it is about farms and kids but they always seem to go one and one.  Good ole’ McDonald has been always been a part of kids learning.  When I saw that Nosy Crow was making a pop-up book about a farmyard, I couldn’t help but request for my own daughter.  But there is more this beautifully detailed pop-up book isn’t just a beautifully detailed pop-up book.  After reading the pop-up book this then unfold and transforms it into a 3D farmyard landscape playmat.  I am blown away when I first unrolled this interactive book.  Also included are stand-up cardboard animals and a tractor that you can move all around the farm!

Author, Corina Fletcher is a designer specializing in pop-up books and paper engineering and has twenty years of experience. She really delivered a very innovative approach to the typical pop-up book. The illustrations by Britta Teckentrup are also very colorful and friendly. The only bad thing about this bad, which really isn’t bad, is that you will probably never see this book put back into pop-up book format once the kids find out that it unravels into a playmat. This is a must-have for all kids 3 and up for sure! Also makes a great Christmas gift…hint hint parents!

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Author: Sesame Workshop
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Paperback
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I am not the biggest fan of “Sesame Street”, I prefer Disney but they cats know how to teach kids.  I mean I turned out pretty decent from my Sesame Street learnings.  This book is called “Brand New Readers” and could not be any more engaging for little kids who are learning to read.  It comes in a very nice hard case with individual books included inside.  There are ten short full-color books featuring Big Bird, Grover, Elmo, Abby, Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster, and more.

If that is not enough there is also a fold-out poster with full-color stickers, which is used for tracking which books are read.  It is topped off with a “Brand New Readers” certificate of achievement, which will assist in building children’s confidence when the series is completed. There is also a make-your-own Brand New Reader book, which will work to encourage our brand-new writers.  This book will allow act as a great teaching for a parent to make reading not only easy but also fun. This is a must for all kids, who are looking to take the next step in their life.

Author: Jean-Christophe Castelli
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Harper Design
Release Date: October 30, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Yann Martel’s international bestseller “Life of Pi”, since it’s release back in 2001.  It is a very ambitious story to turn into a film.  This release is the film’s journey from the pages of the book to the big screen.  It is part scrapbook, part travel guide and part production diary.  When I did my initial flip-through of the book, I couldn’t help but stop many times throughout.  To me that usually means that I am going to love the book.  It was very accurate, since I couldn’t put this wonderful graphic illustrated collection of “The Making of Life of Pi” down until I read it page-to-page.

There are many intimate interviews for the cast/crew, as well 275 photographs and illustrations including storyboards, sketches and artwork, thanks to photographer Mary Ellen Mark and artist Alexis Rockman. This book should have been called “a visual journey” because that is what it really felt like to be.  Whether it was marked-up screenplays or personal notes, this really told the story of how  Oscar-winning director Ang Lee brought Yann Martel’s international bestseller to life.  If you are viewing this book using the enhanced eBook, you get to experience the special features and also get a look inside the fifty-page fully illustrated “survival guide” that shipwreck survivor Steven Callahan created for Pi refers to during his journey.

“The Making of Life of Pi” is the ultimate guide to the making of the film from pre-production through final cut. The film is such a large scale and you get to experience the how this, like I said, ambitious film was turned over to the big screen. We get to meet the unknown sixteen-year-old actor Suraj Sharma, who is taking the lead role of Pi.  We find out how he got the role and even did his own stunts. You also get to see that there was a massive wave tank that was built just for the for the film.  You even get to meet the film’s co-star, or should I say co-stars.  King, Themis, Minh, and Jonas are the four Bengal tigers used in the film.  Lastly we get to see how the heavy amounts of visual effects were used and blended to create this wonderful journey, all while shooting in 3D.

The book is authored by Jean-Christophe Castelli, who has a long working relationship with Ang Lee.  He started working with him way back for cultural research on “The Ice Storm” (1997) and then followed by the story development of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000).  There is a wonderful foreword from “Life of Pi” author Yann Martel.  This is a great sign, which means that the author endorses the film and believes in it. There is also an introduction from the film’s director Ang Lee.  I have been a big fan of his work in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” but not some much recently but this film looks to change that very soon. Thanks to this book, I will be first in line now to see “The Life of Pi” in theaters.

Author: Andy McVittie
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: October 30, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The “Assassin’s Creed” video game series is one of the most unique available today.  The first game launched in 2007 and since then the first four Assassin’s Creed games have sold more than 38 million units worldwide.  The franchise quickly established itself one of the best-selling series ever. My only question is WHERE IS THE MOVIE ADAPTION? There has been a lot of hype and anticipation behind the arrival of “Assassin’s Creed III”.  This book is an exclusive art book to showcase the wonderful art that has gone into making this new installment.

If you are fan of this franchise, I cannot stress how this book is a must have.  One of the factors that makes “Assassin’s Creed” so successful is that it has some of the most original and deep art matched with storytelling in the business. The book is authored by Andy McVittie, who has been working in the video games industry for more than twenty years. He is known best for his work in well-known magazines like  Nintendo Official Magazine and PlayStation Plus.  So he knows his video games and his passion is shown throughout this book.

What makes “Assassin’s Creed III” unique in the franchise is the introduction of a  new assassin and takes place in a revolutionary world. So this book is a perfect introduction to this character and the new world that the story takes place in.  If you are hardcore fans, you are going to be drooling over the new interactive cityscapes and frozen winter landscapes showcased in this book.  Also revealed are the new threats from the natural world including weather systems that affect actual affect gameplay.  Also fans will be happy to know that all these has been perfectly and (most importantly) historically recreated by the Ubisoft studio. So get ready to completely immerse yourself in this book, since “Assassin’s Creed III” to certain to be the biggest and best yet in the series.

Author: Peter Cowie
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Insight Editions
Release Date: October 30, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Godfather” is one of the most iconic franchises in the history of cinema. The American Film Institute ranked this masterpiece Number 2 of the “100 Greatest Movies of All Time.” 2012 is the 40th anniversary of the film. “The Godfather: The Official Motion Picture Archives” is a nice look behind-the- scenes to see what it was like to make one of the greatest movies of all time. I remember the first time that I saw “The Godfather” and the effect it had on me as a film buff.

This book contains rare, removable memorabilia from the “Godfather” movies.  Insight also released another similar making-of book this past summer with “The Dark Knight Manual”.  I love the idea of being able to read through a book like it is a scrapbook and not a technical manual. I only wish this book was longer than its scant 96 pages.  I would have liked to see this be a lot longer, especially since it is covering the span of the franchise through its three films.  Overall though fans of the franchise should dig these very creative and unique book.

This book contains many previously unseen behind-the-scene images from the Paramount Archives. I mentioned this book was like a scrapbook and the reason behind that is the 15 removable facsimile documents that were created for this including: a poster publicizing the original film, a special leaflet on the prosthetic teeth worn by Marlon Brando, continuity sheets and a page from Mario Puzo’s novel annotated during the writing of the screenplay.

“The Godfather: The Official Motion Picture Archives” is authored by Peter Cowie, who is a film historian who has written extensively on Francis Ford Coppola’s work. He is the author of over 30 books, including a biography of Francis Ford Coppola. Fans of the series are also going to really enjoy seeing the previously unpublished photos from the set and on-location filming capturing the look and feel of 1970s New York. There are also some really great rare stills from the film’s deleted scenes. If you can get over the length of the book, then you will find that this is definitely the definitive behind-the-scenes guide into the making of this wonderful film.

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Author: Brian Sibley
Hardcover: 164 pages
Publisher: Harper Design
Release Date: October 23, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of Harry Potter, not a crazy fan, but definitely a huge fan.  This is the first time that I am experiencing the book “Harry Potter Film Wizardry”, but I wouldn’t really call it a book.  It is more like an amazing interactive experience. This book for the first page literally transports you into the world of “Harry Potter” and doesn’t let you go.  Every single page is not filled but jam-freaking-packed with goodies.  This book has recently been revised and expanded but I don’t know how it could get any better.  If you are a fan of the “Harry Potter” franchise than this is the ultimate item to add to your collection.  But even better if you are the causal fan or maybe not a fan at all, this will provide you with more information that you can even process.

This book not only covers everything you need to know about Harry Potter and the film series, but also cool facts like why Yule Ball ice sculptures never melt? where Galleons, Sickles and Knuts are really “minted”? How to get a Hippogriff to work with actors? The inspiration behind Hogwarts castle?  and Why Dementors move the way they do?  I can’t say how amazing this all is.  Being a big fan, I am always looking to find out new and cool things and this definitely delivers.  If you are wondering what is different with this revised and expanded, there is plenty new! There are additional pages included which cover the final two film installments.  There is also an exclusive, stand-alone photo album, with never-before-seen photos with the cast and crew.  Worth it just for the purchase a lone.

Author Brian Sibley is known for his work with the BBC, including serialized dramas for J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”, C. S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia”.  After handling those wonderful franchises, he is definitely the best person for this book.  He knows quality and delivers it. David Heyman, Executive Producer for the “Harry Potter” films, gives a wonderful introduction to this essential guide of the series.  You can tell that the book was written and designed in collaboration with the cast and crew that since it really takes you deep into the series and shares filming secrets, rare artwork, and other exclusive stories. If the book doesn’t look sharp enough it is also full of removable reproductions of props and papers the “Harry Potter” films.   Congrats and thanks to Harper Design, you just delivered my favorite “Harry Potter” book yet!

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Author: Gareth Hanrahan
Illustrator by: Peter Mckinstry
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Insight Editions
Release Date: October 2, 2012

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

I have to admit that I have never read J.R.R. Tolkien’s original books that inspired Peter Jackson’s trilogy, as well as the upcoming “The Hobbit” trilogy. But still I am huge fan of the series and I know quite a bit about the world that Tolkien has created.  This book, when it comes down to it, is an illustrated book that is really only aimed for kids.  Unless you are a die-hard Tolkien fan, I do not see any adults really diving into this book.  The focus is put on the series’ mythical characters and awe-inspiring locations. If you are looking to engage yourself in the incredible journey through Middle-earth, then then watch the movies and skip the book.

When I open a book I really need to fall in love with the illustrations right away otherwise I loose interest fast.  Peter Mckinstry did a decent job with designs these character with his approach but I just wasn’t on board. The book over plays like a encyclopedia. It aims to give details on various different aspects of Tolkien’s world exploring Middle-earth, ranging form the Hobbit’s Shire to dark world of Mordor. I would only recommend this book for two reasons, if you have a young kid or if you are desperate for the upcoming prequel “Hobbit movies”, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (December 2012) and The Hobbit: There and Back Again (December 2013).