Mr. Pig's Holiday Gift Guide

It's snowing in the Enchanted Woods! Everything looks so pretty, including the Little Crooked Cottage. I've already finished the holiday decorating, baking, and all of my shopping! (I'm a type A pig.) What's that? You haven't even started?! Not to worry! The Cottagers just gave me their holiday gift suggestions for the 2014 edition of. . .

… a list of inspired (if a little crooked) gift ideas for quirky book lovers of all ages!

* KRISTEN TRACY'S GIFT PICKS *

1. THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Canvas Pouch from Out of Print Clothing

"I am a huge fan of stocking stuffers and Eric Carle. So this is the gift that keeps on giving."  

















2.  Marzipops - marzipan lollipops!

"I like treats. And I like animals. So of course I love animal-themed marzipan lollipops. If somebody in your life has a fondness for almond paste and monkeys, then this is the gift for you!"













3. Washi-tape book Yano design (ETSY)

"If you are a craft person (or even if you're not) and want some washi tape, this is a great find."

 * KARA LAREAU'S GIFT PICKS *

1. THE TWELVE TERRORS OF CHRISTMAS by John Updike, illustrated by Edward Gorey

"John Updike + Edward Gorey + Christmas? Yes, please!"

2. CHRISTMAS by Robert Sabuda

"A lovely miniature pop-up book from celebrated paper engineer Robert Sabuda. Add a little POP to someone's stocking!"

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack 

"An oldie but goodie. Because it just isn't the holidays unless the Vince Guaraldi Trio is playing."

* JAMIE MICHALAK'S GIFT PICKS *

1. THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES by B.J. Novak

"Here’s how this book works. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say . . . BLORK. Or BLUURF. What kid doesn’t want to hear a grown-up say, 'My only friend in the whole wide world is a hippo named Boo-Boo Butt'?"

2. DUDE DIARY by Mickey Gill and Cheryl Gill

The un-diary for boys. Dude Diary is filled with prompts for writing and drawing about stuff like favorite candy bars, friends, burps, gaming scores, and what's on your mind. Mixed in are outrageous "what if" questions. Dude Diary comes with a lock and key, so boys can keep their awesome ideas secret. 

3. OCEAN: A PHOTICULAR BOOK created by Dan Kainen, written by Carol Kaufmann

"Photicular moving images depict a glow-in-the-dark Deep-Sea Anglerfish swimming, a Sand Tiger Shark snapping, and a jellyfish, um, . . . doing whatever it is that jellyfish do. Children will feel like they’re on a dive as they learn about each sea creature."

* ANIKA DENISE'S GIFT PICKS *

1. HERE COMES SANTA CAT by Deborah Underwood and Claudia Rueda

"Cat is just the right amount of naughty and nice. Never mind Twas the Night Before Christmas, Here Comes Santa Cat is my new favorite holiday read-aloud."

2. Santa Cat Hat (PetSmart)

"I'm all about theme-gifting for the holidays. Why not give Here Comes Santa Cat with a Santa Cat Hat from PetSmart and let your kitty do a little cos-play while you read the book?"

3. Haiku Magnetic Poetry Kit

"Upon the fridge

words on magnetic tiles.

A great gift for poets." 

* MR. PIG'S GIFT PICKS *

1. 365 DAYS OF WONDER: MR. BROWN'S BOOK OF PRECEPTS by R.J. Palacio-

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"Start every day on an inspiring note with this companion to Wonder—a collection of wise sayings from Anne Frank, Martin Luther King Jr., Confucius, Goethe, Sappho, and more, as well as over 100 Wonder fans who sent R. J. Palacio their own precepts. A great gift for teachers!"

2. BIG MAGIC FOR LITTLE HANDS: 25 ASTOUNDING ILLUSIONS FOR YOUNG MAGICIANS by Joshua Jay

"Levitate your sibling several feet off a bed. Or escape Houdini-like from tightly bound ropes. This large book, with vintage-style illustrations, is packed with 25 amazing illusions for kids ages 7 and up. Each easy-to-perform feat is clearly illustrated with step-by-step drawings and accompanied by insider tips."













3. Pass The Pigs Party Edition

"At first, I was slightly offended when one of the Cottagers brought this party game to a fete in the Cottage. But it's actually great fun!"