David Sedaris's beloved holiday collection is new again with six more pieces, including a never before published story. Along with such favoritesas the diaries of a Macy's elf and the annals of two very competitive families, are Sedaris's tales of tardy trick-or-treaters ("Us and Them"); the difficulties of explaining the Easter Bunny to the French ("Jesus Shaves"); what to do when you've been locked out in a snowstorm ("Let It Snow"); the puzzling Christmas traditions of other nations ("Six to Eight Black Men"); what Halloween at the medical examiner's looks like ("The Monster Mash"); and a barnyard secret Santa scheme gone awry ("Cow and Turkey"). No matter what your favorite holiday, you won't want to miss celebrating it with the author who has been called "one of the funniest writers alive" (Economist).
In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
This landmark volume is the first to bring together leading scholarship on children’s and young adult literature from three intersecting disciplines: Education, English, and Library and Information Science. Distinguished by its multidisciplinary approach, it describes and analyzes the different aspects of literary reading, texts, and contexts to illuminate how the book is transformed within and across different academic figurations of reading and interpreting children’s literature. Part one considers perspectives on readers and reading literature in home, school, library, and community settings. Part two introduces analytic frames for studying young adult novels, picturebooks, indigenous literature, graphic novels, and other genres. Chapters include commentary on literary experiences and creative production from renowned authors and illustrators. Part three focuses on the social contexts of literary study, with chapters on censorship, awards, marketing, and literary museums. The singular contribution of this Handbook is to lay the groundwork for colleagues across disciplines to redraw the map of their separately figured worlds, thus to enlarge the scope of scholarship and dialogue as well as push ahead into uncharted territory.
"Embrace the Magic of the Holidays" is an inspiring and comprehensive guidebook that invites readers to rediscover the true essence of the holiday season. Through a wide array of activities, traditions, and heartfelt recommendations, this book encourages individuals and families to embrace the joy, love, and connection that the holidays bring. The book begins by exploring the importance of holiday activities and their potential to foster joy and create lasting memories. It emphasizes the significance of celebrating traditions and engaging in meaningful experiences that bring people closer together. The target audience of the book spans across all age groups, from children to adults, and encourages individuals from various cultural backgrounds to find common ground in the spirit of the holidays. The book then takes readers outdoors, urging them to embrace the wonders of winter by building snowmen, engaging in exhilarating snowball fights (weather permitting), and experiencing the thrill of ice skating, skiing, or sledding. For those who prefer a more tranquil approach, it suggests going for a hike or nature walk to appreciate the beauty of the season and connect with the natural world. With a focus on inclusivity, "Embrace the Magic of the Holidays" offers a diverse range of activities to suit every taste and preference. It provides step-by-step instructions for engaging in arts and crafts projects suitable for all ages, allowing readers to create handmade decorations and personalized gifts. The book also delves into the realm of baking and cooking, offering delightful holiday recipes from different cultures to inspire readers to explore new flavors and culinary traditions. In addition to exploring activities, emphasizes the importance of giving back and spreading kindness during this time of year. It highlights the value of volunteering for holiday-related causes or charities, providing readers with ideas and resources to make a positive impact in their communities. As the book draws to a close, it provides a heartfelt recap of the importance of holiday activities and their ability to bring people together. It encourages readers to try new activities, embrace the spirit of the season, and make the most of this special time of year.
"If you love to read ... you know that some books affect you so profoundly they forever change the way you think about the world. Some books, on the other hand, disappoint you so much you want to throw them against the wall ... In [this book], librarian Annie Spence has crafted love letters and breakup notes to the iconic and eclectic books she has encountered over the years. From breaking up with The Giving Tree (a dysfunctional relationship book if ever there was one), to her love letter to The Time Traveler's Wife (a novel less about time travel and more about the life of a marriage, with all of its ups and downs), Spence will make you think of old favorites in a new way"--Dust jacket flap.
For millions of people the world over, the annual visit to a department store to view the festive window displays and visit Santa in his winter wonderland is a treasured holiday tradition. In America, the Thanksgiving holiday is almost inconceivable without Macy's annual parade. But how did holiday traditions like this begin? Who are the behind-the-scenes magicians that conjure up this unique blend of imagination, showmanship, and salesmanship? Holidays on Display is a comprehensive overview of the art and industry of the holiday display. Author William L. Bird, Jr., traces its evolution as holiday decorations moved from shop windows to building exteriors and out into the street in the form of parade floats. In this fascinating and colorful history we are introduced to turn-of-the-century "trimmers" hiredby merchants to maintain product displays, and we marvel as advances in lighting, animation, and miniaturization lead to the incredible feats of creative self-expression practiced by today's window artists. Packed with rarely seen photographs and ephemera, Holidays on Display makes it easy to see why we have such lasting emotional attachments to animated Christmas windows, passing parades, and the ambient glow of holiday lights.
