Author: Joss Whedon
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: Titan Books; Anv edition
Release Date: October 2, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Is it possible to give six stars? Because this book is one of the finest I have received in a long time. “Firefly” is really such a phenomenon. The series was canceled before it even finished airing its first season, which is now over 10 years ago, yet this show is still more popular then ever. “Firefly: A Celebration”, the anniversary edition, was released last year to celebrate 10 years. I spent the better part of 5 months trying to get my hand on this book, but it was well worth the time and effort. If you are a fan of Joss Whedon or his work, then this book should be on your must-have list!

“Firefly: A Celebration” includes Titan Books’s three bestselling Firefly titles together in one place including “Firefly: The Official Companion- Volume 1 & 2” and “Firefly: Still Flying- A Celebration of Joss Whedon’s Acclaimed TV Series”. These books were only previously released in softcover, so this is a real treat but there are a few extras treats. This gigantic collection of Joss Whedon’s work now spans over 500 full color pages. Let me tell you full color doesn’t even give it justice. The pages are extremely hard stock and the images are beyond pristine. The presentation of the book is yet another marvel. It comes in a foil-stamped leather-effect binding, which is just so classy and earns it spot right on the top of my coffee table.

There are several in-depth interviews with Joss Whedon and the cast and crew. There are full and uncut shooting scripts from every episode in the series. There are also new stories from the writers of the original TV episodes, which is a must-read for any fans. Like I mentioned of course the images in the book are to die for. There are tons of rare photos including production art and behind-the-scenes. There is also a character profile for each main cast member from the show and also showcases on their props and costumes.

If all that above is not enough to make you run out to buy this book. There is also an exclusive bonus for this edition, including a pocket at the back of the book which contains 9 frameable photo prints of the cast. These are rare and previously unseen images, which makes is a main draw for this book as well. Lastly, there is a facsimile of one of the prop banknotes used in the show. I mean honestly, what more can you ask for? I was literally jumping around like a little kid with this book, but not for a long time since the sucker weighs like 5 lbs. Easily one of the most impressive books ever produced for a TV show. I commend Titan Books on another amazing release and thanks for helping keep “Firefly” alive for its fans.

Author: Michael Okuda, Denise Okuda
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Barron’s Educational Series
Release Date: March 1, 2013

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Being a big Star Trek fan-or Trekkie, I just had to add this latest book to my collection. The U.S.S. Enterprise is represented all around my office with model, toys and even Christmas ornments. So if you are a fan of “Star Trek” then who wouldn’t want to be transported to the Final Frontier for a 3D tour within this book? I have to say I was hoping for a little more since this book really is putting its audience under the age of 12.  Nonetheless, I like to consider myself young at heart.  This brand-new book contains a detailed 48 pages contains a 3D tour of everyone favorite way to cruise through space, the U.S.S. Enterprise.  This year is a big year for “Star Trek” with “Star Trek: Into Darkness” coming out this May, as well as the 25th anniversary of “Star Trek: The Next Generation”,  so fans are sure to be on “Star Trek” overload.

As long as they are aware that it is rather short and aimed at a younger audience they should still be left satisfied. If you are a new “Star Trek” fan or a life-long fan, this contains the history of the starship Enterprise in detail and with very sharp illustrations.  I was excited to get a chance to see the Enterprise from new angles and it almost feels like you are a fly on the wall. So what can you expect to see inside the ship? How about the ship’s bridge, the captain’s chair, the main consoles, as well as their Starfleet members living quarters.  Even though the book is only 48 pages, there is still some decent information packed into it.

So if you are left wanting a little more from this book, it also contains a CD-ROM, which gives a digital detailed tour of the Enterprise . This software program was developed along with the creators of the “Star Trek” sets that were used in the films and on the television series, so you know that it is accurate.  I feel that this kind of makes up for the length of the book and gives the reader an added bonus. Speaking of accuracy, the book is authored by Michael Okuda, and his wife Denise.  In fact Michael was the scenic art supervisor for “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, and the designer of the ship’s control panels, computer readout animations, and other features. So that also shows the book is in good hands. Like I said, try having a fan pass this up.

Author: Mark Salisbury
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Disney Editions (February 5, 2013)

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I first heard that Tim Burton was making a full-length stop-motion feature remake of his original 80’s short film of the same name. I think I did a back flip.  When I saw the film on the other hand I was a little bit disappointed.  Don’t get me wrong the film was visually amazing.  I am huge fan of the art of stop-motion and I feel that it doesn’t get enough attention that it deserves.  The film has grown on it quite a bit with repeat viewings. There is a lot to this film that can be missed with just one viewing.

Let me tell you after reading through “Frankenweenie: The Visual Companion”, I have more appreciation for the amount of work that was put into this film.  I will be scheduling a screening within the next week to revisit this film again just thanks to this book.  To start off there is a terrific foreword by the man himself Tim Burton.  This project has been a real labor of love for him and it really setup up the pace for this book.  Disney Editions has delivered a absolutely gorgeous hardcover book with some really amazing photos jam-packed throughout. I end up reviewing quite a bit of companion or art-of books for various films or video games and this one literally is one of the best I have seen since “The Art of Tron Legacy”.

When it comes to the author Mark Salisbury, if he is doing a companion or art-of book then I know that it is going to be amazing.  Just in 2012, he also authored “Dark Shadows: The Visual Companion” and “Prometheus: The Art of the Film”.  They were easily two of my favorite in 2012.  If you are looking for an in-depth look at the making of “Frankenweenie”, then you will not be left wanting more there.  There is everything from early sketches, puppets development and tons of amazing behind-the-scenes photography. The film is black and white but this book is packed with great color while still respecting and giving ode to the black and white charm the film carriers.

This book was originally scheduled to be released with the film’s theatrical launch but was pushed back to February, which I guess is time with the recent Blu-ray release.  I have to tell you that this is worth the wait for sure.  It is too bad that this film was not better received since like I said after reading this book, you really have to tip your hat to these talented people that are responsible for this film.  Lastly be sure to take a little peak behind the dust cover for a very nice surprise.  I look forward to future releases from Disney Editions, as they have literally never delivered nothing but perfection.

Author: James Howe
Illustrator: Randy Cecil
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: February 12, 2013

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love dinosaurs? How about dinosaurs that do ballet?  That is what we have here with “Brontorina”.  Author James Howe is an E. B. White Read Aloud Award winner and is known for his other books including “Bunnicula”. I have to admit this is a cute story but just not for me.  Also it just bothers me a little bit that it is old softcover.  When it comes to kids books they need to be durable.  I do not see this book lasting very long when a rough kids gets their hands on it. Lastly the illustrations by Randy Cecil are very simple and the colors really don’t jump off the page for me.

Official Synopsis: From the sure-footed duo of James Howe and Randy Cecil comes a hugely endearing new character — in a humorous, heart-warming tale about holding on to your dreams. Brontorina has a dream. She wants to dance. But Brontorina is rather large — too large to fit in Madame Lucille’s dance studio. Brontorina does not have the right shoes, and everyone knows you can’t dance without the proper footwear. Still, Brontorina knows, deep in her heart, that she is meant to be a ballerina. James Howe introduces a lovable dinosaur whose size is outmatched only by her determination, and whose talent is outmatched only by her charm. Accompanied by Randy Cecil’s beguiling illustrations, here is an irresistible story that proves that no problem is too big when the heart and imagination know no bounds.

Author: Nosy Crow
Illustrator: Benji Davie
Board book: 8 pages
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Release Date: February 12, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Nosy Crow, I do not even think twice before picking it up.  I have grown to love these books.  I am new to the “Bizzy Bear” series but I think I have found a new favorite.  This book is also extremely interactive for kids.  My eight month old daughter had a blast not only listening to me reading it but also playing with it.  The book is jam-packed with interactive aspects like pulling and sliding.  It really takes the act of reading a book to a whole new level.  I highly recommend this.

Fire Rescue!: With chunky sliders to push and pull, this robust little board book is perfect for activetoddlers. Rich in visual detail and with touches of humor, it is sure to become a classic in the family library. Bizzy Bear is lending a hand at the fire station when he receives an emergency call summoning the team’s help. Join the fire fighters as they race to the rescue in this action-packed story for the very young!

Pirate Adventure: With chunky sliders to push and pull, this robust little board book is perfect for active toddlers. Rich in visual detail and with touches of humor, it is sure to become a classic in the family library. Today, Bizzy Bear is packing his ship, hoisting the Jolly Roger and setting sail on an exciting pirate adventure! Little readers will love helping Bizzy steer his ship, dig for treasure, and open the treasure chest.

Benji Davies has a wonderful vision and has provided some really fantastic illustrations. They are very colorful and easy-catching. He has worked on other volumes from the “Bizzy Bear” series. The only thing I wish is that it was longer than eight pages. Still though in those eight pages, it is very entertaining enough for maybe repeat readings. I also look forward to further installments in this series and also future books from Nosy Crow. Count me in!

Author: Michael Mallory
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Universe
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When it comes to the genre of science fiction, it is my third love only behind my wife and daughter 😉  I am a huge sci-fi junkie whether it is kicking back watching Syfy Channel for the last 20 years or eating out at the Sci-Fi Diner at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.  It is a very big part of my life. When I found out that Syfy Channel was advertising this book during two-day “The Twilight Zone” New Years Marathon, I knew I just had to have it. The book is very snazzy looking, courtesy of Universe Publishing. It is a really sharp book and also a real good page-turner. There are a few things that I would have liked to see a little more and some things a little less.  As a fan, the sci-fi genre is way to large to encompass in just one 250+ page book.  This is perfect that what it is aiming to be and with Syfy behind it you know that means great content and quality. It gives a general overview spanning over everything that has inspired science-fiction fans to love this genre for many many years. You like “Star Trek”? “Star Wars”? “Doctor Who”? Then this book is for you!

Michael Mallory definitely has knowledge of this world having authored “Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror”, as well as “Marvel: The Characters and Their Universe”.  I have a feeling that he made a book that he himself would be interested in reading. My only complaint is that I would like to have seen more on each film/TV show but like I said this book isn’t a focus on “Star Trek” or “Star Wars”, it is a overall look at the genre. The pictures used throughout are crystal clear and the paper stock is firm and durable. Universe definitely delivers quality here. “The Science Fiction Universe and Beyond” is arranged chronologically and shows the progression of the sci-fi genre over the decades. This isn’t just a book with premises, there is also interesting back stories and trivia included for each one. The book starts with a very nice introduction from Thomas P. Vitale, who is the Executive Vice President of Programming and Original Movies at Syfy. You can tell that he is really loves what he does as well and really sets this book up to shine.

The first chapter is called “Early Dreams and Nightmares” and starts right at the beginning with “A Trip to the Moon”, dating back to 1902 from Georges Méliès to Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis”. This chapter also has a spotlight section on serials like the old George Reeves “Superman” series. The second chapter takes look at the “Exploration of Space” with “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951) and it’s remake as well to John Carpenter’s “The Thing”. There is also a spotlight on “Planet of the Apes” as well as its sequels/prequels/remakes. The third chapter is titled “What Have We Wrought?” and kicks off with my main man Godzilla. Who doesn’t love the big lizard and his love for destroying everything in his path. It also takes us on board the Nautilus in “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, one of best sea voyage films. The spotlight in this chapter focus on the legacy of “The Twilight Zone”. This show alone is so influential and plentiful that it could have filled a book in its own. Chapter four is called “Space and Relative Time” and you know what that means…creatures from outer space! and touches on films like “2001: A Space Odyssey”, which is one of the most influential entries in this genre. Chapter 5 is titled “Medium with a Message” and is a voyage in the futuristic world with classics like “Westworld” and “Logan’s Run”. The spotlight here is my favorite “Star Trek”. Where would the genre be without the presence of “Star Trek”, who knows?

Chapter six look into “A New Beginning” with “Battlestar Galactica”, “Blade Runner” and “Tron”. Three things I can watch anytime, anywhere! Of course the spotlight on this chapter is “Star Wars”, again is such a beast in terms of content but is represented nicely here. Chapter seven is called “Alternate Times, Alternate Realities” and focuses on genre favorites like “The Terminator” franchise and “Jurassic Park”. The spotlight here is “Doctor Who”, which is finally making a large splash in the US, thanks in part to Syfy. “Aliens Among Us” kicks off chapter eight with shows like “Farscape” and films like “Men in Black”. The spotlight for this is a little more broad focusing on all superheroes, especially “The Avengers”. The last chapter looks into the genre in whole in “The Science Fiction Culture”. It looks behind TV series like never-giving-up fan favorite series “Firefly”, the explosion of “Avatar” and its effects on the industry. It wraps up this great book and leaves you drooling for more. In the description for this book, it uses the phrase “in this volume”, so hopefully that that is the plans and we can hopefully see further installments in the near future.

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Author/Illustrator: Jane Cowen-Fletcher
Board book: 18 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

With a 8 month old baby, this book couldn’t come at a better time.  Jane Cowen-Fletcher really delivers a very sweet book with a really nice message.  Her illustration on the book are also very endearing and adds something special to this board book.  She has also done some great other like “Baby Elf’s Christmas”, I recommend this and her other books very highly.

Official Synopsis: What are some easy ways to be kind? Say hi to your friend. Be nice to your puppy. If you see someone fall down, maybe you can help them up! How about sharing your cookies or crackers? Or giving a tired someone a ride in your little wagon? From taking turns to saying you’re sorry, trying not to be angry to giving a big hug, these simplest of gestures, rendered in Jane Cowen-Fletcher’s adorable style, show that being kind feels so good that even a baby will want to try it.

When this first came, I sat my daughter down and read it to her and let me tell you she was loving it.  In fact, I had to read it a few times just because she keep grabbing at the book and wouldn’t take her eyes off it. Our daughter has had much interaction with other little children but this book really delivers good lessons on how to treat others. With some kid books I have read the words just really flow but that is not a problem here. I look forward to see what Jane Cowen-Fletcher is going to do next and count me in for sure!

Author: Sam McBratney
Illustrator: Anita Jeram
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: January 22, 2013

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Now that I have a 7 month old daughter, I have realized the importance of board books.  The Nutbrown Hares are such a cute bunch of characters.  They are simple books yet they are still educational.  This edition focuses on “Colors”.  It is very short running only 14 pages but is very good way for kids to learn about colors.  My daughters favorite color (or so we think right now) is green and she really lit up when that page came around in this book.

Official Synopsis: Is there a color that Little Nutbrown Hare doesn’t like? Here’s a beautiful red flower to sniff, a blue-winged bird to make friends with, yellow daisies to pick, and a leaping green frog to chase. But when it comes to brown, that’s a color to love, not just like — especially if it’s related to Big Nutbrown Hare!

The author of the book is Sam McBratney, who is behind the “Guess How Much I Love You” series and teamed up again with Anita Jeram, who is the illustrator of these storybooks.  There is something about Anita’s illustrations that I just love and I know my daughter appreciates very much.  These board books really deliver a lot in a very small amount of space.  I can’t wait till the next chapter is released. If you have young babies or toddlers, then I highly recommend this to entertain and still learn.

Hollis Wilder is the owner of Sweet! by Holly, which is a cupcake shop located in Orlando, FL. She is also a two-time Winner on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars”. Besides running a successful business she also does a lot of motivational speaking and is releasing a cookbook in May 2013 called “Savory Bites: Meals You Can Make in Your Cupcake Pan”. Media Mikes had a chance to ask Hollis a few questions about cupcakes as well as her new book.

Mike Gencarelli: When you opened your store, Sweet! by Holly, did you ever think you would be where you are today?
Hollis Wilder: Absolutely not! But in truth I did not plan most of the incredible things that have happened in my life, personally or professionally. What I have gotten far exceeds what I was hoping for!

MG: How does it feel to rank in the The Daily Meal’s Top 50 Cupcakes in America this year?
HW: Always great to get recognition from media sources, but the most important confirmation comes daily from regular customers who like what we are making and keep returning to buy more.

MG: Besides cooking you also deliver motivational talks and presentations to colleges and companiesabout empowerment, success and personal growth; tell us about that side of you?
HW: I speak about how we all need to find our own, “cupcake,” whatever that might be. Trust your inner voice and not the white noise around you. Food is a vehicle for me to communicate what is of value to me and how I try to give back to my community. I try to share the information that I have collected during my own personal journey. I love nothing more than helping others find their own excellence and develop the courage to pursue it.

MG: How did you decide to become an author with “Savory Bites: Meals You Can Make in Your Cupcake Pan”? Can you give us a sneak preview as to what we can expect from the book?
HW: I was pursued by one of the top publishers in the country, Abrams. Savory meals all prepared in a cupcake pan. It’s all about creating homemade culinary experiences without sacrificing convenience. also, I promote what I call, living life in portions. Instead of dishes that have no beginning or end, like a casserole, I put meals in the perfect portion of a traditional cupcake pan. I am promoting use of the savory bites in our new concept potluxe dinners, a reconstruction of old-fashioned potlucks but with a cutting edge perspective on ingredients and portions. Lots more to come on this as we approach release of the book in May.

MG: What else do you have planning in the cards for 2013?
HW: If i think about all the wonderful projects on my plate for 2013, I get totally overwhelmed. I’ve learned to stay in the moment and do what’s in front of me and things work out. I wrote the cookbook while running a growing business and managing a family with two small children, so basically I was creating meals and testing recipes while everyone was sleeping. This year will no doubt bring more challenges, successes and failures, but in the end I am grateful for all the incredible opportunities I have been given to challenge myself to be the very best Hollis I can be!

Author: Dorling Kindersley
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Release Date: June 20, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“The Star Wars Character Encyclopedia” is truly the definitive illustrated guide all your favorite characters of the Star Wars galaxy!  This universe of characters is constantly expanding and growing, this book is an amazing introduction for kids to this vast universe.  It is also a great way to learn more about your favorite “Star Wars” characters.  I am a big “Star Wars” fan but there are still various droids and secondary characters that I do not know the names and back story for. This book really packs the power of the force from all six “Star Wars” movies.  So if you are a “Star Wars” fan or trying to introduce the series to your children (like myself), then The Star Wars Character Encyclopedia is a must buy!

Official Synopsis: The Star Wars Character Encyclopedia is the definitive illustrated guide to Luke Skywalker, Jabba the Hut, and all of your favorite characters of the Star Wars galaxy! Feel the force as you flip through pages of profiles of all your favorite characters from the Star Wars galaxy. With stat boxes, expert text, incredible movie stills, and more than 200 profiles, this is book is a must have for Star Wars fans of all ages.

This book literally features over 200+ characters from the six “Star Wars” feature films.  There is everyone from the lovable heroes Luke Skywalker to the villainous Darth Vadar. If you are a “Clone Wars” fan, then DK Publishing also released “Star Wars Clone Wars Character Encyclopedia”, which dives just into the animated series. I recommend both books since they are “Clone Wars” just expanded on the “Star Wars” universe. In the short of it, if you ever want to learn about “Star Wars” and other great franchises, DK Publishing is where it is at!

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Author: Hannah Dolan
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Release Date: September 19, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you want to know anything about LEGO Star Wars…then this is a book for you! Thanks again to DK Publishing to delivering such an in-depth and excellent source to this wonderful brand. This book showcases over 300 mini-figures from this series within its 200+ pages.  If that isn’t enough this book also includes exclusive LEGO Star Wars Han Solo mini-figure   Whether you are looking to introduce your kid to LEGO Star Wars or refresh yourself, this book is a perfect way to learn everything you need to know about LEGO Star Wars.

Official Synopsis: DK is bringing two of the world’s most popular properties together again in a fun, chunky format that kids and adults are sure to love! This illustrated encyclopedia features in-depth profiles showing interesting and never-before-seen elements of all your favorite LEGO® Star Wars® minifigures. With more than 400 captivating images and tons of fascinating facts, the LEGO® Star Wars® Character Encyclopedia is sure to keep both LEGO lovers and Star Wars fans reading for hours!

Overall, I am was not sure what to expect with this but honestly I was totally blown away.  Within the book are some really great detailed pictures with a lot of fun and obscure facts throughout the LEGO Star Wars history. The presentation of each character is crystal clear and you can tell that a lot of time and preparation was put into the development of this book.  I consider myself a LEGO Star Wars fan and yet this book delivered some facts that I even didn’t know. I look forward to sharing this book with my 7 month old daughter to start introducing her to this amazing universe of characters.

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Author: Simon Beecroft
Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Release Date: September 21, 2009

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

DK Publishing is known for taking care of the nerds with books focusing on  Star Wars, Harry Potter and Batman and much more. This Visual Dictionary looks into the world of LEGO Star Wars, it is a blend of characters with showcasing on the current available LEGO Star Wars sets. To top off the coolness of this book, it comes with an exclusive Like Skywalker mini-figure. If you are looking for the go-to book for LEGO Star Wars, I would highly recommend “LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia”. This book would be perfect if it ran a little longer, it clocks in at under 100 pages.

Official Synopsis: In true DK style, LEGO® Star Wars™: The Visual Dictionary elucidates, illuminates, and excites even the most discerning LEGO Group, Star Wars™, and minifigure fans around the world. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, and more are brought to life with dozens of little-known facts and hundreds of photos of accessories, vehicles, weapons, and even the Death Star! Learn about the history, manufacturing, and construction of the minifigures of the Star Wars galaxy, and come away a LEGO® Jedi Master.

One thing this book was successful at was making me want run out and purchase some new LEGO Star Wars sets.  Luckily Santa Claus brought me the new LEGO giant R2-D2 set, so this book has inspired me to get to building that set ASAP.  Even though I prefer “LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia”, this book has more detail in various aspect of LEGO Star Wars, not just the characters. So it is recommended to have both book as a companion to each other. With the LEGO Star Wars universe only growing each year, I am excited to see what DK Publishing is planning next.

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Author: Better Homes and Gardens
Hardcover: 548 pages
Publisher: Wiley
Release Date: December 10, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

My wife and I recently got a new slow cooker, double the size of our last, so we have been dying to try out some new recipes. When I started looking around at newly released slow cooker recipe books there is no shortage but none of them really stood out like this release from Better Homes and Gardens.  Just the look and feel of the book really drew me in.  It comes in a nice hardcover with a binder feel and tabbed pages.  It is very each to leave open and view on the counter while cooking.  What I also liked about the book is simply the title recipes that you can prepare “year-round”, I think that is key.  They are all also low maintenance and low-fuzz and that is a must for us.  We have little time to prepare dinner and these include the recipe for success.

Another main draw for me is that there are over 500 recipes included throughout.  The sections included in this book are breakfast and bunch, soups and stews, sandwiches, casseroles, meat,  poultry, and desserts.  There is also a section for those looking for even healthier food with “Skinny Slow Cooker”. There is something for everyone here for sure within these delicious recipes. What I also liked about this book is that is for the everyday cooker and actually attempts to help you cook… and cook well.  There are tips and guides in order to make the recipes extra yummy. I like to think that I am decent cook, not as good or creative as my wife, and this really spoke to me and inspired me to cook.

Let’s get to some of the yummy recipes now.  In the casserole section, I turned immediately to the recipe for “New Potato, Broccoli, and Chicken Casserole”.  I couldn’t help but prepare straight away. Let me tell you it was beyond amazing! I am usually not one to try something off the “skinny” menu but I turned to the “Slow-Cooked Beef Fajitas”, I couldn’t say no…and I am sure glad that I didn’t.  I recently tried “Ratatouille” in Disney World and I really liked it but the recipe here to be honest is so much better…sorry Disney. What is a recipe book with out great desserts! I am a big fan of brownies and I couldn’t say no to “Fudge Brownies with Strawberries”.  Let’s just say when I make them again, I will be doubling the recipe, since I couldn’t get enough of these.

What is also very attractive about this book is that it comes packed with hundreds of mouth watering photos, which really left me wanting to run out to my nearest Publix supermarket in order to get more groceries.  I have a feeling that this book is going to get used quite a bit over the next few months.  It is going to take a long time to make over 500 recipes, especially since I do not think that there is one item in this book that I wouldn’t want to eat immediately. Released perfectly timed for the holidays, this will make a nice Christmas gift for anyone! It is also very reasonable priced for the quality of product that you are getting.  I look forward to the next release from Better Homes and Gardens

Author: Daniel Falconer
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Harper Design
Release Date: December 14, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of “The Lord of the Rings” franchise and what Peter Jackson has done to the series, then “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Chronicles” is definitely for you.  The book focuses the art and design of the first film in the new trilogy “The Hobbit”. With Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson behind this film you know that it is going to hold the same charm that he brought over 10 years ago. I have to admit that Harper Design delivered here my favorite making-of film adaptation of the year. This is sure to leave every fan of the series literally drooling for more and counting down the days till next December for “The Desolation Of Smaug”. Perfect gift for the holiday season!

When you hold this book you just feel like you are holding a map of Middle Earth.  The cover is edged with a lot of detail and overall quality. Inside the book is jam-packed with over 1,000 images of every aspect of the production from concept artwork to photographs and development paintings.  Amongst the images is commentary from their artists including the concept art directors, Alan Lee and John Howe and others from the Art Department and Costume Department at Weta Workshop. I also need to point out that the book also has a very cool bonus fold-out map printed in glow-in-the-dark ink and a giant four-page fold-out of Bilbo’s contract. I mean that is worth the purchase alone.

I feel like the this book acts like a visual special features in book form. The detail of these pictures are just amazing.  We get to meet and learn about every aspect of the film’s characters, especially those awesome dwarfs. You see everything from costumes to hair to make-up etc.  Since this book was put together by Weta Workshop senior concept designer Daniel Falconer, you know that that means quality. This is official and guarantees that this book comes back with insider information and the top notch visual imagery. If you are a fan of this movie, then this book is a perfect companion and will hold you over until the extended Blu-ray release in 2013…or until you see the film again in theaters.

Author: Neil Gaiman
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: William Morrow
Release Date: November 1, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are familiar with Neil Gaiman’s work, then surely you know about his best selling book “Stardust”, which was first published back in 1999. If you haven’t and enjoy classic fairy tales- then this book is for you.  This book is a really quick read and just very fun.  There is romance, action and everything you can want in a fairy tale story. Of course, it goes without saying that the book is far superior to the movie adaptation, in case you made the mistake of watching that film before reading the book.

This new “Gift Edition” of the book comes beautiful trim-look within its clothbound hardcover.  There is a new gold-stamped cover, as well as a new interior design with a illustration and chapter opener by artist Charles Vess. The new release also includes an introduction by Neil Gaiman, as well as the author’s postscript, “Wall: A Prologue” and updated acknowledgements. If you own this book already, I am not sure it really warrants a repurchase but if your copy is running a little ragged this looks very sharp on the bookshelf.

Official Synopsis: Tristran Thorn will do anything to win the cold heart of beautiful Victoria Forester—even fetch her the star they watch fall from the night sky. But to do so, he must enter the unexplored lands on the other side of the ancient wall that gives their tiny village its name. Beyond that stone barrier, Tristran learns, lies Faerie . . . and the most exhilarating adventure of the young man’s life.

With the holiday’s right around the corner, this would be a nice gift to give to friends that are Gaiman fans or even better those that are not and looking for a way to get introduced.  This is a great way to get into Gaiman’s work.  Plus, who doesn’t love a timeless fairy tale?  If you are a mega-fan you might want to check out the “Gift Edition: Deluxe Signed Limited”, which comes in a collectible slip case.