The author of the well-known The Way Things Work (1998), Maccaulay's most recent publication tackles not the outside world of inventions but the world within us: the human body! This winner of the Caldecott uses humorous illustrations to explain complex issues. Recommended for "tweens" and up, adults and big kids alike will enjoy this book and will likely actually learn something!
I used to work at a circulation desk, and this was one of the books that came through the returns all the time (a popular read!). During breaks, I would flip through it just to be shocked by the images of everyday Americans and their guns. Wherever that hard to please person lies on the issue of gun control, they will be fascinated by the personal stories and pictures in Armed America. However, I would recommend this book for a quirky reader who doesn't mind disturbing or controversial images laying out for all to see next to the coasters.
These classics prove to be great conversation starters time and again, providing visual displays along with statistical and narrative analysis of what families and individuals eat around the world. An absorbing display of cultures' varying food relationships, you may be inspired to make better food choices on your next trip to the grocery store. Both of these books will be enjoyed by anyone on your gift list.
For the geography lover in all of us (okay, maybe not all of us, but most of my family), Strange Maps is a great departure from the gift of a traditional atlas. This collection of maps compiled by Jacobs is a result of his successful blog (should be in everyone's bored at work favorites). The maps are divided into categories including Political Parody, Cartographic Misconceptions, and Fantastic Maps. I highly recommend this book for the navigator on your list.
For book-loving hipsters of all ages, The World Made Flesh offers a visual smorgasbord of inked body parts inspired by literary classics. Though not willing to take the plunge myself, I must admit I am fascinated by what quotes and books people find worthy of making part of their flesh. You may or may not be surprised by how many Harry Potter tats are out there. Who knows? This book may provide you the inspiration for your first or next piece of body art. Check out the blog to preview before purchasing.
I love, love, love the artist/illustrator/author Shaun Tan and encourage everyone to pick up something of his for a look. Though I am most familiar with The Red Tree (2003), Tan's dark style seems to reign throughout all of his picture books. But don't be fooled by that picture book label. The subject matter is very adult, and the images are untraditional. The Red Tree approaches the topic of depression through minimal words and overwhelming painted pictures leaving you haunted long after you've set the book down.
You may call this selection my guilty pleasure. Ree Drummond has a blog that I started perusing after stumbling upon her cookbook at, you'll never guess, Wall Drug, the South of the Border of South Dakota, during a cross-country road trip this summer. And now that I think of it, that tourist trap had a few books I wanted to pick up including all of the Little House on the Prairie books, The Little House Cookbook, AND more than one Laura Ingalls Wilder biography. But I digress. The book is full of great recipes, but better yet, it has step-by-step photos of these recipes and final products, just like the blog. I know Drummond can be a bit sappy with all her talk of country life, husbands, and babies, BUT deep down, you know you love it. And half the fun of cookbooks is browsing the recipes and dreaming of your perfect life where you whip one of these up every day. In my opinion, certain cookbooks make great coffee table books!
This book was gifted right in front of my very eyes last Christmas, and let me tell you, it was a hit with not only the receiver but everyone at the Christmas celebration that day. It was passed amongst all of the guests (including, yours truly!). Based on New York City, dwellers and lovers of any major city will find this a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes for a major metropolitan area to keep up and running. Detailing everything from the processing of mail to the forming of potholes, The Works takes the every day and routine and makes it interesting.
*Images compliments of BarnesandNoble.com
Your brother just told me about your blog and I am completely digging it! You should check out Material World: A Global Family Portrait by Peter Menzel, whom you have noted for recommendation no. 3. It is a fascinating pictorial of average families's daily routine, possessions, and general conditions across the globe. Thus representation ranges from Brazil to Bhutan to Bosnia.
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