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LINDA’S MYSTERY OF THE MONTH FOR KIDS
SANTA'S TWIN by Dean Koontz, illustrated by Phil Parks
William Morrow, $20.00
Who knew that Santa has a twin? And who but master horror writer Dean Koontz would know that he’s an Evil Twin? This wickedly delightful tale in verse form is lavishly illustrated by Phil Parks. Find out just how nasty Santa’s twin can be when he kidnaps his brother, and takes over his holiday job – minus the ho ho ho and twinkle in his eye. Hardcover with dust jacket, this book is rated for ages 5-10, and anyone who has ever considered stuffing Santa’s toy bag with mud pies, cat poop and broccoli!
LINDA’S OTHER PICK OF THE MONTH FOR CHILDREN (because she just could not stop with one this month!)
BRUNDIBAR by Maurice Sendak and Tony Kushner
Hyperion Books, $19.95 (first edition)
Aninku and Pepicek must get milk for their ailing mother. They rush to the market, only to learn they must have money to buy the milk. So they set about singing in the town square in order to earn the money they need. Alas, the bullying, bellowing hurdy-gurdy grinder Brundibar chases them away. Aninku and Pepicek must find a way to defeat the bully – and with the help of some animal friends and three hundred helpful school kids, they do just that. This book is based on a Czech opera completed in 1938; the opera was performed fifty-five times by the children of Terezin, a Nazi concentration camp. Sendak’s imaginative, colorful illustrations and Kushner’s light touch as he retells the story are a wonderful reminder of the hope and resilience of all children. Hardcover with dust jacket, this book is ageless and timeless.
BOOKMARK BUDDIES
Manufactured by King Plush, Inc., $3.00
Stretchable stuffed animal bookmarks that make reading fun! Clair likes Kickamee Cow, Linda’s favorite is Snorkel the Elephant; Mike grabbed Mulberry Moose. Let us select one of 14 different whimsical animal bookmarks for you, from a rainbow colored fish to a bespectacled bookworm, a lion, a hippo, a blue dog, pink pig, and more. Perfect little gifts for readers of all ages!
DISNEY'S CHRISTMAS MUSIC BOX OF BOOKS
Disney, $12.99
Five little story books and a Christmas tree decoration tucked inside a cheery red music box with gold silk cord handle. Stories include “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Lady’s Christmas Surprise,” and more. Box plays a merry holiday tune when opened. Ages 4-8.
THE TWELVE BUGS OF CHRISTMAS: A Pop-up Christmas Counting Book by David A. Carter
Little Simon, $14.95
Even better than Halloween Bugs (which we sold out of twice, and could have sold more!), THE TWELVE BUGS OF CHRISTMAS puts a whole new spin on the classic Christmas song. Linda’s favorite is the Fruitcake Bug! Ages 3 and up.
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: A Carol-and Count Flap Book by Tad Hills
Little Simon, $9.99
If bugs aren’t your bag, try this charming version featuring a lovely and loving pig couple. As Mr. Pig showers his true love with the traditional gifts, you’ll chuckle over the illustrations, and your little one will enjoy unfolding the flaps and counting the gifts. Ages 2 – 6.
WHO'LL LIGHT THE CHANUKAH CANDLES by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Keiko Motoyama
Little Simon, $4.99
For eight nights, the menorah glows. Who will light it tonight? No one knows! Shimmering foil stickers are included in this friendly little picture book, perfect for adding a little Chanukah warmth wherever needed. Ages 3 and up.
DISNEY'S CHRISTMAS STORYBOOK
Disney, $15.99
This heartwarming collection of short Christmas tales will delight one and all. Disney classic characters Pongo and Perdita, Cinderelly’s mice, Bambi, Dumbo, Pinocchio, and Jiminy Cricket are joined by newer Disney friends from “Toy Story, “A Bug’s Life,” and others. A lovely hardcover anthology that will last the years. Ages 4-8.
LOOK-ALIKES CHRISTMAS by Joan Steiner
Little, Brown, $14.95
In Look-Alike Land, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Using everything from acorns to zippers, artist Joan Steiner has created three-dimensional holiday scenes that will amaze and captivate puzzlers of all ages.
IT'S A MIRACLE: A Hanukkah Storybook by Stephanie Spinner, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Atheneum Books, $16.95 (first edition)
Every night of Hanukkah, Grandma Karen kicks off her cowboy boots and tells Owen a bedtime story. And, oh! what stories! First there’s the girl who dreams of becoming a rabbi; then there’s the story of the alien who gets lost in a little girl’s backyard. Join Owen in discovering how each of these stories is also a celebration of his own heritage. And enjoy the whimsical illustrations while you read! Ages 4-8.
ARE YOU GRUMPY, SANTA? By Gregg & Evan Spiridellis
Hyperion, $15.99
Poor Santa. The elves shrunk his red suit, he’s chased by a poodle, then gets stuck in a chimney, and finally slips on a noodle. Will Santa ever find a way to make the Grumpies disappear? Colorful, humorous illustrations accompany fast moving rhymes, as we follow Santa on his annual journey to bring Christmas joy. Hardcover with dust jacket. Ages 3- 8.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM: BUY BOTH BOOKS FOR $55.00 – save over 10%!
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX by J.K. Rowling
Bloomsbury (UK first edition hardcover with dust jacket, originally $48.00) and THE SECRET OF THE ALCHEMIST by John Ward
Studio 9 (UK SIGNED first edition paperback original, originally $13.99)
Two grand and magical adventures for young adult readers come to us from the United Kingdom. In HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, Harry is about to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and to learn something that will turn his life upside down. In THE SECRET OF THE ALCHEMIST, teenagers Jake and Helen travel to Venice for a literary festival, only to encounter an evil practitioner of the occult arts who will stop at nothing to steal a treasure that will bring him unlimited powers and life everlasting. Please contact The Mystery Bookstore directly regarding this special offer. You may email orders@mystery-bookstore.com or telephone us on our toll-free number, (800) 821-9017.
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA by C.S. Lewis
HarperTrophy, $41.93
This Boxed Set of the now classic Narnia tales is a must for every young reader’s library. Seven paperback volumes are tucked into an illustrated slipcase: The Magician’s Nephew; the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; and The Last Battle. Lewis redefined fantasy for us, adding rich detail and depth, creating breathtaking and heartlifting adventures for every reader.
NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE by C.S. Lewis, read by Michael York
Special Edition Book and CD Gift Set
HarperCollins, $29.99
This lovely gift set includes the full-color collector’s edition illustrated by Pauline Baynes, with an unabridged audio performance by Michael York on four compact discs. Step through the wardrobe door and discover Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter…a country waiting to be set free of the White Witch.
LEMONY SNICKET'S CALENDAR OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS: 13 Alarming Months in 2004
HarperCollins, $12.99
Your days are numbered! This calendar virtually guarantees you a miserable year by reminding you each and every day of the woeful work of Lemony Snicket. Surely there is a more pleasant calendar for sale at a store, shipyard, or cemetery nearby.
OLIVIA AND MORE OLIVIA:
A BOXED SET OF OLIVIA AND OLIVIA SAVES THE CIRCUS by Ian Falconer
Simon& Schuster, $33.95
Tucked inside a tasteful slipcase (decorated with the ever-tasteful Olivia, of course), are the first two Olivia volumes in hardcover with a limited edition poster of Olivia, herself! If your little one has not yet met Olivia, now is the time! This intrepid, spirited little pig is Linda’s hero; her adventures and fantasies are unequaled in literature. And Falconer’s illustrations just make you laugh out loud! Ages 3- 7
OLIVIA...AND THE MISSING TOY by Ian Falconer
Simon & Schuster, $16.95
Falconer introduces a new color, green, into Olivia’s world – and she’s not quite sure she likes it. Meanwhile, her favorite toy, her best toy, goes missing, and Olivia sets out to find it. Hardcover with dust jacket. Ages 3-7.
THE ADVENTURES OF SAMUEL BLACKTHORNE, BOOK ONE: THE CASE OF THE CAT WITH THE MISSING EAR by Scott Emerson, illustrated by Viv Mullett
Simon & Schuster, $15.95 (first edition)
Samuel Blackthorne, a Yorkshire terrier, is a master of observation and a genius of deductive reasoning that earns his living by unraveling mysteries and solving crimes. A four-legged Sherlock Holmes, Blackthorne is approached by a sleek greyhound named Molly Kirkpatrick who seeks his aid in locating her missing brother. A simple enough case, it seems, until Blackthorne and his colleague Smithfield find themselves caught up in a devilish web of deceit, dog races, casinos, and roguish characters. Hardcover with dust jacket, ages 8-12.
ABARAT by Clive Barker
HarperTrophy, $11.99
Entertainment Weekly called ABARAT “a blend of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’.” Fantasy, suspense and humor are blended together in Barker’s creation for young adult readers, and accompanied by eerie, fantastic illustrations. Trade paperback, rated for young adults (13 and up).
THE RAVEN and Other Writings by Edgar Allan Poe
Simon & Schuster, $4.99
Perfect stocking stuff price. Linda says, “My teacher, Mr. Bell, read “The Tell-Tale Heart” to me when I was in the fourth grade – and got me hooked on mysteries forever.” This large-type paperback collection is the perfect format for budding mystery and horror fans, and quite a bargain at this price. All Ages.
THE DOLL PEOPLE by Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin, pictures by Brian Selznick
Hyperion, $6.99
Meet Annabelle Doll. She’s eight years old – and has been for more than a hundred years. Not a lot has happened to her, cooped up in a dollhouse, with the same doll people, day after day, year after year…until one day the Funcrafts move in, and Annabelle discovers a secret. Trade paperback, ages 8-12.
WILD ROBERT by Diana Wynne Jones
Greenwillow Books, $15.99 (first U.S. edition)
Heather’s parents are the caretakers of a stately home called Castlemaine; every summer they are invaded by tourists until one year, in desperation, Heather calls for the assistance of Wild Robert, a legendary magician who lived 350 years ago. She never expects him to cause such mischief, however. Will Castlemaine ever be the same? Hardcover with dust jacket, ages 7 and up.
THE PERILS OF THE PEPPERMINTS by Barbara Brooks Wallace
Atheneum, $16.95
This long-awaited sequel to PEPPERMINTS IN THE PARLOR (first published in 1980) is another Victorian thriller for young readers, as spine tingling and riveting as the first. Emily must go to Mrs. Spilking’s Select Academy while her Aunt and Uncle Twice travel to India. Alas, Mrs. Spilking is a pinch-nosed woman who keeps a large, vicious dog for no other reason than to terrify students. Will Emily survive? Hardcover with dust jacket, ages 8-12.
BRAINBOY AND THE DEATHMASTER by Tor Seidler
HarperCollins, $16.99 (first edition)
A fast-paced, high-tech mystery-adventure by the award-winning author of MEAN MARGARET. Darryl is a whiz at computer games, but strange things begin to happen while he’s playing a proto-type of StarMaster, and he soon finds himself enmeshed with other whiz kids in a sinister plan from which he must extricate himself and his friends. Hardcover with dust jacket, ages 8 and up.
ESCAPE FROM MEMORY by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Simon & Schuster, $16.95 (first edition)
When Kira agrees to let her friends hypnotize her at a slumber party, she has no idea that she will reveal secrets even she didn’t know she had. Then her mother disappears, and a strange woman calling herself Aunt Memory takes Kira to Crythe, a place that doesn’t officially exist, in order to rescue her mother – or so Kira thinks. A Junior Library Guild selection. Hardcover with dust jacket, rated for ages 12 and up.
WILL TO CONQUER!
We are excited to announce the arrival of THE FLYING DRAGON (Seascape Press, $24.95), the third book in Len Lamensdorf's Will to Conquer series for young adults.
The trilogy follows the adventures of 14-year-old Will and his friends, who travel through time and space from their small French village in the years immediately after World War II. THE FLYING DRAGON is the trilogy's thrilling climax, taking the French teens Will and Louise into 1960s America, from the Kennedy White House to the front lines of the civil rights movement.
Special: Buy THE FLYING DRAGON with the two earlier titles (THE CROUCHING DRAGON and THE RAGING DRAGON) and we'll send you beautiful full-color glossy posters* of the artwork for each cover, and give you a 10% discount on the three books! All titles are signed first editions, high-quality hardcovers in dust jackets.
THE CROUCHING DRAGON(Seascape, $19.95) introduces Will and his friends as they discover an abandoned castle with a mysterious occupant -- and buried caches of weapons. THE RAGING DRAGON (Seascape, $22.95) carries Will and his friend Louise from the terrifying tunnels below Paris to the dangerous skies above, as they struggle with the mysterious DragonSlayers and their deadly allies.
*Mail Orders: there will be a $5.00 additional postage fee to ship the posters in a protective tube. Please contact The Mystery Bookstore directly regarding this special offer. You may email orders@mystery-bookstore.com or telephone us on our toll-free number, (800) 821-9017.
POP-UPS!
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND pop-up book, text by Lewis Carroll, illustrations by Robert Sabuda. Simon & Schuster, $24.95. One of two pop-up Alice in Wonderlands available this holiday season – this version features more classical illustrations, beautifully demonstrating the inventiveness and attention to detail Sabuda is known for. The trade edition has six intricate pop-up pages. We have two (2) copies of the Deluxe Limited Edition of this book, #163 and #166 of 250 copies, which feature twelve elaborate and lovely pop-ups, beautifully bound in blue slipcases for $250 apiece.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND pop-up book, text by Lewis Carroll, illustrations by J. Otto Seibold. Scholastic, $19.95. The other Alice in Wonderland pop-up is free and funky, with great, idiosyncratic illustrations and printing by the illustrator/designer of OLIVE, THE OTHER REINDEER.
We also have the classic collectible pop-up RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY AND THE CAMEL WITH THE WRINKLED KNEES (Simon & Schuster, $19.95) and Robert Sabuda’s pop-up version of THE WIZARD OF OZ (Simon & Schuster, $19.95). Not mysteries, you say? For shame; there are surprises on every page.