Jillicious Gift Ideas!

Need a few ideas for your last minute shopping?  Read on!

Everything I Need to Know I learned in a Little Golden Book   
by Diane Muldrow

I LOVED the Little Golden Books.  I read and treasured so many, favorites being The Poky Little Puppy and The Saggy Baggy Elephant.  This new book celebrating this special collection was created by Diane Muldrow.  Longtime editor of the beloved Little Golden Books, Muldrow realized that these books offer excellent advice for almost every real-life situation.  She combined these lessons and original illustrations into this special little guide to life manual.   Give Everything I Need to Know I Learned in a Little Golden Book  to those who grew up reading the Little Goldens, to  lovers of children's literature, or to anyone who needs to be reminded what is important in life.

Book Lust To Go
by Nancy Pearl

A friend gave this at a recent book exchange, and I thought it was such an excellent idea for a book!  Librarian/author Nancy Pearl has created a guide of recommended reading for travelers.  Book Lust To Go includes fiction and nonfiction books to read before traveling to a new locale.  From San Francisco to Sri Lanka, travelers will find recommendations for over 120 travel sites.  A must for the traveler (or armchair traveler!) on your list!

  
Tequila Mockingbird  
by Tim Federle

Having recently finished Federle's first middle grade novel, I came across this fabulous little book he also published this year.  The cocktail guide contains 65 recipes that pay homage to literary favorites including Brave New Swirled, Gin Eyre, Romeo and Julep, Huckleberry Sin, and Are You There God? It's Me, Margarita.  Tequila Mockingbird is a fun gift for the readers, book club members, or cocktail enthusiasts on your holiday gift list. 

Anna Karenina: A Fashion Primer
by Jennifer Adams 

This darling board book is perfect for every little (or not-so-little!) fashionista on your list.  A dear friend gave it to me, and I am head over heels.  Author Jennifer Adams has created several other board books for the young reader inspired by classics such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Jane Eyre, and Wuthering Heights. I think I've got a new collection to work on!

Poems to Learn by Heart
by Caroline Kennedy, illustrated by Jon Muth

This collection of poems has a verse for every occasion.  Some silly, some serious, some familiar, some new, but all worth reading, reciting, and remembering.  I love this illustrated collection; it reminds the reader of the beauty of verse and the power of learning something by heart. Give this to wordsmiths young and old. 

Snowflakes Fall
by Patricia Maclachlan, illustrated by Steven Kellogg

Patricia Maclachlan and Steven Kellogg collaborated to create this heartfelt tribute to the lives lost in the Sandy Hook, Connecticut tragedy.  In this special book former Sandy Hook resident Kellogg and the Newbery Medalist Maclachlan celebrate individual uniqueness, the gift of life, and the hope that is found in renewal.  Give this to one who has experienced loss this year or to anyone as a reminder to treasure each day. 

 

Battle Bunny
by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett, illustrated by Matthew Myers

Now to end on a light note ... and to bring things full circle.  Hilarious authors Scieszka and Barnett along with illustrator Myers have created a truly original picture book.  It begins as a gentle, Little-Golden-Book-like story about a bunny's surprise birthday party.  Then, Alex, who receives the book from his Gammy, takes a pencil to the sweet Birthday Bunny and turns it into Battle Bunny, a devil-may-care rabbit intent to take over the world.  It is a riot!  Give this to young readers with a sense of humor.  After reading, these young creators can go to the Birthday Bunny site to download a clean copy of Birthday Bunny and then recreate the story in their own way.   


Good luck finishing up the last minute shopping.  Best wishes for a happy, book-filled holiday!  :)

Jillicious Side Dish: Favorite Things

A few recent finds for bibliophiles ...




 
Tommy Hilfiger Book Dress

A friend alerted me to this darling shirt dress covered in books.  A must for a librarian or bibliophile, right? 




Kate Spade's Required Reading Collection

 

I love Kate Spade.  And, when she introduced the Required Reading Collection, I knew we were soul mates for life.  These are pricey, but definitely worth saving for! 

Bon Shopper
Index Shopper


Longchamp's Shopping Tote

I am addicted to these totes by Longchamp.  They are perfect for the bibliophile as they are roomy enough to accommodate purse essentials PLUS the necessary book (or two!) AND an iPad and/or Kindle. I've tried purchasing other purses, but quickly return to this tote for its roominess.     

Jillicious Snacks: Back to school means new crayons!

One of my favorite things about every new school year - as a student and now as an educator - is buying new school supplies.  As a kiddo, the highlight was always the fresh, pristine, perfectly-sharpened crayons.  I still love new crayons which is probably what led to the immediate love of these two selections: 

 

The Day the Crayons Quit
written by Drew Daywalt
illustrated by Oliver Jeffers 

When Duncan opens his box of crayons, he finds a stack of letters from his angry crayons.  Each color is upset about something, and their letters detailing their complaints are hilarious.  Poor Blue is dwindling to nothing as he must constantly color in all the water and skies, Red is tired of working holidays, and Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking.  In the end, Duncan, desperately wanting to color, finds a way to appease his disgruntled team. 

I absolutely adore this new picture book!  It is such a clever, charming story.  Jeffers' endearing illustrations are the perfect compliment to Daywalt's witty text.  Readers (of all ages!) will enjoy this back-to-school tale as they open their own fresh boxes of crayons.  


And while on the subject of crayons, I must highlight my little back-to-school gift to myself!  

 YSL: Prêt-à-Porter: Coloring, Activity, and Inspiration Book
by Glenat     


This book celebrates the 40 years of fashion created by the late Yves Saint Laurent.  It is tons of fun!  The pages are filled with cool fashion sketches to color and YSL-inspired activities to encourage creativity.  It's a coloring book for grown-up girls!  The perfect gift for the fashionistas in your life.  :)    




To those of you returning to school, best wishes for a great year.  May the months ahead be filled with wonderful new supplies, books, and experiences!  :)  

Jillicious Side Dish: Favorite Things!

  

I thought I would start a new feature showcasing some of my favorite things that celebrate the literary life.  Here are some recent favs:

 
Favorite Books Bracelet

Little Literature on Etsy sells favorite series bracelets or necklaces; or you can design your own!  I chose 5 of my favorite books for my custom bracelet.  A great homage to your favorite reads as well as an interesting conversation piece. 


Book Earrings 

Overdue Industries on Etsy sells jewelry made from vintage book covers.  This is a fun gift for your book club or for yourself!  :)   


 Out of Print Tees

I love Out of Print Tees featuring favorite book covers.  I could seriously order 20!  Captain Wonderful just surprised me with this darling Little Women tee made from a vintage cover.  Now, just 19 to go .... :)  


Out of Print Pouches

And if the tees weren't enough, Out of Print offers all kinds of accessories including these darling pouches!  I love the library card and the Poe-ka dot.  :)  A great catch-all for anything!


The Strand Totes

The amazing NYC bookstore, The Strand, sells the handiest little totes.  I bought this Kate Spade version on a trip to New York, and I use it all. the. time.  It's the perfect size for class or conference! (Side note: If you love The Strand, you definitely need to read Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan!)  


Stay tuned for more fun finds!