Abrams & Chronicle Books

Book SynopsisSome people have 14,000 Things to Be Happy About. You're not one of them.11,002 Things to Be Miserable About is a list of all the reasons NOT to wake up in the morning. Ironically enough, when you put all of them under one cover, it's actually very funny. This decidedly absurd inventory of misery is perfect for sardonic and disaffected youth, for people seeking gifts for Traumatic Event Birthdays (like twenty-one, twenty-five, thirty, forty, and, well, anything after forty), and for anyone else with an offbeat sense of humor. Enjoy.Some of the entries are pretty basic, like imitation crabmeat, student loans, and David Hasselhoff, but other entries actually include educational things, like dust mites, which make up one-third of the weight of a six-year-old pillow. See, you can laugh and learn.

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Book SynopsisHeartwarming and hilarious real-life letters from kids at summer camp sure to amuse anyone who's ever been a homesick child or a parent of one.In the bestselling tradition of nostalgic looks at classic rites of passage, such as Camp Camp and Bar Mitzvah Disco, P.S. I Hate It Here: Kids' Letters from Camp captures a childhood experience shared by millions. This collection of real letters written by children ages eight to sixteen to their parents about their adventures at summer camp are laugh-out-loud funny and will have readers reminiscing about their own camp days.More than 150 letters cover all the imaginable scenarios of sleep away camp, from acing the cabin lice inspection, to rowing in the ricotta race, to breaking the bad news about a retainer lost in the wilderness. These letters reveal that kids are wittier and more sophisticated than we might assume, and that the experience of being away from home for the first time creates hilariou

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Book SynopsisA collector's edition of the four-issue comic book miniseries, that features the beloved characters from Matt Groening's two most popular TV series in one terrific adventure.

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Book SynopsisWhen Tom can't find a partner for a book-making assignment and finds Sam's secret hole behind the children's reference section, will the pair be able to work together, or is Sam's secret identity spoiled forever?Trade Review"'Ready-made to introduce a classroom writing activity... this is fun, fun, fun.' (Booklist, starred review) 'Kirk's gouache illustrations lend warmth to his tale, which should encourage young would-be writers.' (Kirkus Reviews) 'An excellent premise... engaging, expressive...' (School Library Journal)"

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Book SynopsisA beautifully-crafted debut novel reminiscent of Sharon Creech and Kate DiCamillo

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Book Synopsis Two friends learn about each other—and themselves—in author/illustrator Daniel Kirk’s picture book adventure Library Mouse: A World to Explore.   One night in the library, Sam meets fellow mouse Sarah. Sam learns that Sarah is quite the explorer. She loves to scurry to the tops of shelves and explore the darkest corners of the building. Sam never climbs far up—he’s too afraid! He prefers to research subjects—such as exploration—and write about them. Sarah doesn’t know much about writing or research, but could reading and research help her learn more about the places she wishes to visit?   Together this duo shows that, with teamwork, anything is possible.  Library Mouse series:Library MouseLibrary Mouse: A Friend’s TaleLibrary Mouse: A World to ExploreLibrary Mouse: A Museum AdventureLibrary Mouse:

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Book SynopsisStephen Green-Armytage''s Extraordinary Chickens is back in a new chunky format. With gorgeous colour photographs and informative text, Green-Armytage surveys more than fifty breeds from around the world, capturing with his camera chickens of all sizes, shapes, and colours, plus detailed sections on chickens'' curious feet and sculptural combs. Included are breeds developed in Japan, Malaysia, Britain, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Australia, South America, the United States, and elsewhere. For breeders and enthusiasts, this tiny yet comprehensive volume will be a treasure; for others it will be a revelation, worth having for the sheer enjoyment of the striking photographs and the amazing animals they portray. Its compact size makes it a wonderful gift.Trade ReviewWow! If you thought chickens were scrawny brown things, pecking around in the dirt you won't believe your eyes when you see what's between the covers of this fun-sized, all-colour book on chickens. Chickens with bouffant hairdos, chickens with "fur", chickens that look as if they have been drawn by animators on acid. Long legs, short legs, legs with "trousers" on, legs with scales. Proud roosters strutting their stuff, miniature bantams with Napoleon complexes, coy araucanas hiding their heads. Photographer Stephen Green-Armytage manages to capture the nature and beauty of an enormous range of exotic, ornamental chickens from around the world. Accompanied by knowledgeable descriptions and origins of each bird, every photograph is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face if not an outright chuckle at the absurdity of some of their appearances and expressions. Chicken fancier or not, this is a must for lovers of animals, birds, the exotic and the bizarre. Fabulous. - Lucy WatsonTable of ContentsThe strange and beautiful world of exotic chickens; notes on the ornamental breeds; international portfolio - chicks & eggs; legs, feet & spurs; single & split combs; pairs.

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Book SynopsisWhen we imagine birds, we think of them soaring through the sky, high above our headsyet photographs of birds in the air are surprisingly rare. On Feathered Wings features the work of seven photographers who have spent their lives camping out, donning waders, and lying in wait for the greatest shots of birds doing what they do best: flying! Selected by birder and photographer Richard Ettlinger, these gorgeous, often thrilling images show hunters, migrators, waterfowl, and songbirds living on the wing: hunting, feeding, fighting, traveling, or just gliding along. An essay by Ettlinger gives an overview of the mechanics and evolution of bird flight. From falcons and eagles to swallows and hummingbirds, On Feathered Wings serves up a rich collection of images that is sure to delight birders both novice and veteran, and anyone who has ever looked to the skies in wonder.

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Book Synopsis Whatever Happened to the World of Tomorrow?, the long-awaited follow-up to Mom''s Cancer, is a unique graphic novel that tells the story of a young boy and his relationship with his father. Spanning the period from the 1939 New York World''s Fair to the last Apollo space mission in 1975, it is told through the eyes of a boy as he grows up in an era that was optimistic and ambitious, fueled by industry, engines, electricity, rockets, and the atom bomb. An insightful look at relationships and the promise of the future, award-winning author Brian Fies presents his story in a way that only comics and graphic novels can. Interspersed with the comic book adventures of Commander Cap Crater (created by Fies to mirror the styles of the comics and the time periods he is depicting), and mixing art and historical photographs, this groundbreaking graphic novel is a lively trip through a half century of technological evolution. It is also a pTrade Review"The clean, simple comic-strip quality of Fies's art fits the story perfectly, highlighting the gravity of the situation while cutting away undue sentimentality. Mom's Cancer is a quiet, courageous account of one family's response to a universal situation." - Publishers Weekly starred review."

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Book SynopsisRaised in Queens, where he worked as a plumber while honing his guitar chops, Johnny Ramone eventually became a founding member of The Ramones, one of the most influential rock bands of all time. This is Johnny Ramone's story and the story of The Ramones from start to finish, told in Johnny's own words and on his own terms.

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Book SynopsisAntony Hegarty, lead singer of the critically acclaimed band Antony and the Johnsons, presents his debut book collection of art - a gorgeous combination of visual art, song lyrics and other various mediums (painting, drawing, photography and collage) that inform each other and provide an interesting commentary on Antony's music.

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Book Synopsis Discover the life and legacy of celebrated Mexican artist Diego Rivera in this picture book by award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh.  A Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner!  STARRED REVIEW *“The author makes art both aspiration and action. . . . This book will thrill budding artists.” ―Kirkus Reviews  “Young artists will find inspiration for their own creations.” ―Booklist   Diego, one of the most famous painters of the 20th century, was once just a mischievous little boy who loved to draw. But this little boy would grow up to follow his passion and greatly influence the world of art. After studying in Spain and France as a young man, Diego was excited to return to his home country of Mexico.   There, he toured from the coasts to the plains to the mountains. He met the peoples of different regions and explored the cultures, architecture, and history of those who had lived before. Returning to Mexico City, he painted great murals representing all that he had seen. He provided the Mexican people with a visual history of who they were and, most importantly, who they are.   Tonatiuh, who has also been inspired by the art and culture of his native Mexico, asks, if Diego was still painting today, what history would he tell through his artwork? What stories would he bring to life?   Drawing inspiration from Rivera to create his own original work, Tonatiuh helps young readers understand the importance of Diego Rivera’s artwork and to realize that they too can tell stories through art. Trade Review**STARRED REVIEW** “By establishing a link between modern readers and Rivera and challenging them to "make our own murals," the author makes art both aspiration and action. Both solid introduction and exhortation, this book will thrill budding artists.” * Kirkus Reviews *“Kids will want to talk about the great painter, and young artists will find inspiration for their own creations.” * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisIn this charming and humorous story, Miriam discoverswith the help of her family and a little matzah breadthe true meaning and importance of Passover. Miriam loves spending time with her family during Passover, and all week long she is happy to eat lots of matzah. But when she wakes up on the last day of the holiday, she is sick of matzah and refuses to eat it ever again. Then Grandpa makes his special matzah brei for the whole family, and Miriam learns there's more to Passover than just the matzah.Award-winning illustrator David Slonim brings to life this story by celebrated author Lesléa Newman. The book includes a recipe for matzah brei, a brief summary of the Passover holiday, and a glossary of terms.Praise for ASweet PassoverDeliciously traditional. Kirkus ReviewsAwardsSydney Taylor Book Award - Notable book, Younger Readers Category, 2013

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Book SynopsisA thrilling picture book biography of Civil War soldier Sarah Emma Edmonds, from award-winning creators Marissa Moss and John Hendrix When Frank Thompson sees a recruitment poster for the new Union army, he’s ready and willing to enlist. Except Frank isn’t his real name. In fact, Frank is really Sarah Emma Edmonds, in disguise.   Only nineteen years old, Sarah has already been dressing as a man for three years and living on the run in order to escape an arranged marriage. She’s tasted freedom, and as far as she’s concerned, there’s no going back.   Eager to fight for the North during the Civil War, Sarah joins a Michigan infantry regiment. She excels as a soldier and even takes on the grueling task of nursing the wounded. Because of her heroism, she is asked to become a spy, cross enemy lines, and infiltrate a Confederate camp. For her first mission, Sarah must once again disguise herself and rely on Trade Review“The incredible story of how Sarah Edmonds becomes Frank Thompson is full of adventure, bravado and pathos.” * San Francisco Chronicle *“Readers won't stop until the last page of Marissa Moss' exciting Civil War story about Sarah Edmonds' life as a man in the Union Army. Vivid illustrations by artist John Hendrix match Moss' exciting account of Sarah's life in the Army.” * Sacramento Bee ***STARRED REVIEW** “Hendrix's artwork is, as usual, a showstopper, and his bold caricatures convey Edmonds's strength and determination. Moss delivers a riveting narrative, making it clear that Edmonds was fighting for more than one kind of freedom.” * Publishers Weekly, starred review *“The pen-and-ink with acrylic wash illustrations are full of vibrant detail. Hendrix presents a meticulous view of military life, including army camp layouts and fortifications. Hand-drawn typography highlights important or humorous points in the text and adds even more visual interest.” * School Library Journal *“Hendrix’s art emphasizes the horror and drama of war. Using hand-lettered text reminiscent of broadsides of the time, he visually shouts danger to the reader when tension is the highest.” * The Horn Book *“In ink-and-wash illustrations, Hendrix again displays his knack for visual narrative. The aerial view of Edmonds approaching the Confederate camp is particularly effective. This large-format picture book illustrates Edmonds’ courage and determination while conveying a good deal of information in a highly readable way.” * Booklist *“Admirable and enlightening. Moss is a lively prose writer, and Hendrix’s illustrations inject humor into what is actually a serious subject.” * The New York Times ***STARRED REVIEW** “Boldly illustrated. The text is full of interesting details. This book strikes a fine balance which conveys the horrors of the Civil War without portraying too much blood and violence for elementary readers. A very useful and researchable picture book." * Library Media Connection, starred review *

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Book SynopsisA modern illuminated haggadah, illustrated by master miniaturist Arthur Szyk in Poland just after Hitler's rise to power, with all-new translation and commentary by leading Jewish theologian Rabbi Byron L. Sherwin.

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Book SynopsisA first graphic novel about becoming an artist, from an artist with voice and style uniquely appealing to teenage girls.

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Book SynopsisOnce considered part of the counterculture movement, tattooing is now undoubtedly a mainstream practice. Although the history of tattooing is rooted in ancient customs and beliefs, it is a constantly evolving art form, as skilled practitioners continually reinterpret traditional motifs and experiment with new ones. With more than 1,000 illustrations from 125 of the most important artists working today, this book is the most comprehensive survey of tattooing ever published. Collected here are designs from around the globe, spanning a broad range of styles, including Japanese and East Asian iconography, classic Americana, and photorealism, among others. Featuring the work of tattoo legends alongside pieces by pioneering artists pushing the limits of the medium, this visually arresting survey is the essential reference work for anyone interested in this exploding art form.

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Book SynopsisAt last--vivid, full-color postcards featuring Frida Kahlo's most popular works in a high-quality, inexpensive collection. This compilation of Kahlo's most famous and haunting works was selected from her passionate self-portraits, exotic still-lifes, and semi-surreal scenes. 22 full-color postcards.

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Book SynopsisVibrant illustrations and a simple, rhythmic text are perfectly blended in this spirited homage to friendship as a little girl recounts all the things she has learned from an enchanting menagerie of animal friends: I learned to run from my friend the horse. I learned to sing from my friends the birds. I learned to read from my friends the books. And I learned to love from a friend like you. The bold graphic design and brightly colored illustrations that have become the trademark of Taro Gomi''s work will appeal to both children and adults.

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Book SynopsisBoomer''s ready for his morning walk. Here''s his leash. There''s the door. But try as he might, he can''t get anyone to pay attention to him. The humans in the house don''t rush out the door after breakfast as they normally do. And, most confusing of all, strangers arrive to pack all the things in Boomer''s house into boxes. There''s definitely something unusual going on.The simple text and heartwarming pictures charmingly depict Boomer''s confusion, anxiety, concern, and ultimate delight on this day familiar to allmoving day.

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Book SynopsisSmoothie stands are popping up like espresso bars all over the country, but these refreshing drinks are a cinch to make at home. It takes just minutes to whip up a smooth concoction of succulent blackberries, sweet blueberries, chilled grape juice, and rich vanilla yogurt. Or to savor a juicy mango combined with ambrosial buttermilk, zesty fresh ginger, and tart lime juice. Smoothies is bursting with tempting suggestions for adventurous mixtures of fruits, flavorings, sorbets, yogurts, soy milks, and other deliciously healthful ingredients zinging with energy.

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Book SynopsisThis duo of address books features steamy and hilarious gay and lesbian pulp covers on each tab and includes revealing reviews of the racy novels! Like the pulp novels featured inside, these softcover address books have gilded edges. This is a must-have item for anyone fascinated with gay cultural history, or delighted by wicked, funny camp.

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Book SynopsisThe authors offer an array of salads for starters, dinners, parties, picnics and desserts. The 150 recipes are aimed at the gourmand, health freak, dieter, vegetarian, hurriers, worriers and people who hate cooking.

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Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1991, a BOARD BOOK in which ten little rabbits use native American traditions to teach youngsters to count from one to ten. Illustrated in full colour by Sylvia Long.

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Book SynopsisEven traffic becomes fun with this game. To play, passengers score points by locating objects in their cars and gain extra points for engaging people in other cars. Contains easy-to-read type and whimsical illustrations. Full-color.

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Book SynopsisUsing simple words and bright illustrations, author-illustrator Taro Gomi takes children on a playful tour of the four seasons.

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling artist Sylvia Long comes an enchanting collection of over seventy-five classic Mother Goose rhymes. Imbued with the artist''s love of nature and overflowing with charming details, this spectacular compilation includes such timeless favorites as Old Mother Hubbard, Mary had a little lamb, and Rock-a-bye baby. Sylvia Long''s Mother Goose is a perfect gift that, like the rhymes themselves, will be passed from one generation to the next.

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Book SynopsisIn wide-ranging poems, Soto explores topics of ethnic identity, death and aging, lust and love.

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Book SynopsisIn this playful rendition of the traditional game of I Spy, very young readers will meet a menagerie of their favorite animals. Turn the pages of I Spy in the Jungle and see if you can spy lions and great, big gorillas lurking among the trees. Then, strap on your flippers and go under the sea where angelfish swim and sharks dive between the pages of I Spy in the Ocean. Bright, lush illustrations accompany these fun board books that are perfect for nature lovers of all ages!

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Book SynopsisStriking art gives this classic fairy tale a fresh look that will enchant a new generation of readers. Retold in both Spanish and English, this universally familiar story is now a springboard to inspire readers to recognize words in both languages. The dual-language text makes this book a useful and beautiful addition to both home and classroom libraries.

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Book SynopsisSuper Smoothies offers 50 recipes for refreshment.

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Book SynopsisWhen Selis set off to explore this vast country, he brought along his best friend Seamus, his loyal dog Otis, and his trusty 1965 Polaroid Land Camera. "Dog Bless America" is the result of this three-month-long--and very canine-friendly--sojourn. 94 color photos.

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Book SynopsisWith plenty of traditional stir-fry recipes, advice on choosing the right wokand accessories, and tips on proper wok upkeep, "Wok Every Day" makes it easyto wok like a gourmet.

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Book SynopsisTired of being "connected" in the new electronic age? Get back to basics with "PaperPalm," the new alternative to the electronic handheld device. With a pencil included, you'll have no trouble using this versatile organizer anytime, anywhere-even during takeoffs and landings.

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