Imagine, discover, grow

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE 2021

by Sabrina Kahwaty

OVER THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF, we’ve probably all welcomed escapism in many forms, including books. For children also in need of a break from current world stress, these new titles can take them to a magical world where a boy can win the love of the moon, the depths of the animal kingdom, or a time where difference is appreciated. Check local libraries or your favorite bookstore.

Written and illustrated by Rino Alaimo Workman Publishing, 2021 Adapted from his internationally award-winning independent film, Rino Alaimo’s The Boy Who Loved The Moon tells the story of a lonely boy desperate to win the moon’s love. There is nothing he won’t do—from swimming the deepest ocean to slaying the mightiest dragon—but he is continually rejected. The boy learns a powerful lesson when he discovers that the truest way to earn love is by offering a new perspective, not Herculean achievements. The dazzling illustrations are the book’s chief charm; each page is set on a black backdrop until the story’s moment of truth and the pictures seem to glow. This adapted folktale, recommended for ages five through eight, is as entrancing as it is heartwarming, and may spark conversations about love, perseverance, and doing good for others.

Imagine, discover, grow continued

Written and illustrated by Michelle Romo Workman Publishing, 2021 It’s bedtime, and Spencer the cat has many things to do—brush his teeth, take a bath, choose pajamas and a story, and say good night to his family. Little ones will enjoy watching or helping Spencer complete his tasks. The book also allows kids to practice words in Spencer’s world and their own by breaking down vocabulary with pictures on each page. With soothing sentences and appealing illustrations, Good Night Spencer is a perfect bedtime companion for ages zero to four.

Written and illustrated by Jun Ichihara Edited by Dr. Kazuo Hiraki The Experiment, 2021 Meet moimoi, “the colorful creatures that babies love to look at.” Japanese parents swear by moimoi, highcontrast designs developed by Dr. Kazuo Hiraki at the University of Tokyo’s “Baby Lab.” Dr. Hiraki found that babies looked at moimoi for twice as long as the competition—they will even stop crying to look. Parents and caregivers can have fun reading this book aloud by changing the tone and pitch of each “moi,” and even adding melody. Soothe babies and toddlers alike with bright, captivating designs and your own creative sounds in this eyecatching board book.

Written and illustrated by Sami Bayly The Experiment, 2021 From the creator of A Curious Collection of Peculiar Creatures comes a new encyclopedia filled with sixty magnificent animals from the Australian magpie to the vampire bat. Bayly’s mission is to “shine a light on the more misunderstood species” by explaining natural adaptations that have led them to be perceived as dangerous. Make no mistake: many of them are, but Bayly has provided gorgeous watercolor illustrations and mind-blowing facts to help young readers appreciate these animals’ abilities and contributions. A perfect gift for children ages eight to fourteen (or anyone fascinated by the animal kingdom) this new publication provides a valuable lesson in not judging a book by its cover.

Imagine, discover, grow continued

By Sheila Modir, PHD and Jeff Kashou, LMFT Illustrated by Monica Mikai Workman Publishing, 2021 Zahra sees and feels the world in intense colors. When she’s happy, she feels a “rush of razzle-dazzle pink” in her hands. When she’s sad, she feels deep blue in her eyes. She isn’t quite sure what to feel about the color of her skin, especially when kids at school tell her she is different. Through conversation with her parents, who highlight celebrated and accomplished figures with brown skin, both throughout history and Zahra’s everyday life, she finds pride in her skin and herself. Put together by an inclusive team after extensive research, The Proudest Color is a thoughtful introduction to race, racism, and racial pride for children ages five and up, complete with notes to parents and caregivers on how to facilitate cultural socialization—the promotion of cultural, ethnic, and racial pride—that can help a child develop positive racial identity in the face of discrimination.

Enjoy a unique winery to relax and refl ect in! Visit our upscale tasting room, or 43 acre lake-view property surrounded by orchards. Sample the award-winning 90 point wines and meads, pairings with wine and chocolate or Amish cheese and charcuterie offered daily.

“CANTVILLE” IS UNIQUE AND ULTIMATELY INSPIRING… BY AN AUTHOR WITH A GENUINE FLAIR FOR ORIGINALITY, INSIGHTS INTO THE HUMAN CONDITION, AND AN EFFECTIVE NARRATIVE STORYTELLING STYLE.

-MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

CANTVILLE IS A PARABLE OF OUR TIMES, AND A HOPEFUL GLIMPSE INTO OUR FUTURE. IN THE HANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, THIS SIMPLE STORY CAN INSTILL LIFELONG PATTERNS, WHEN IT REACHES ADULTS IT OFFERS THEM A SECOND CHANCE TO CHANGE EXISTING PATTERNS AND COURSE CORRECT.

-MICHELE GRANBERG, MINDSET COACH & HOST OF POSITIVE ENERGY TVSHOW

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY SERGIO DRUMOND AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM OR YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE/BRICK AND MORTAR BOOK STORE. HARD COVER, PAPERBACK OR EBOOK

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Read It and Eat is a fun quarterly subscription box that combines two of life’s simplest pleasures— books and food. Because really, what’s better than curling up with a great book in one hand and a tasty snack in the other?

• A curated food item from a small, family-owned, or BIPOC business • A surprise goodie also supporting small businesses! • A donation • A donation to a non-profit that fights food scarcity and hunger • A gently-used food writing book (Non-fiction, not a cookbook)

Made in Buffalo

Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation’s West End development on Bu alo’s vibrant waterfront features 20 upscale, new-build townhomes on 2.4 acres. Each customizable unit features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3 patios, attached garage, and views from every room.

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