Most Beautiful Books of 2024 – A Holiday Gift Guide
A Holiday Gift Guide
Most Beautiful Books of 2024
On this page:
Hello and welcome to my eighth (eighth!) annual holiday gift guide! This post is where I review the most beautifully designed books published during 2024, to help you find something special to gift to your family and friends, or identify new treasures to add to your own shelves.
The best books of 2024 are listed below, loosely sorted by genre, and any book with a star (★) next to it is also visually reviewed in the video below. If I recommend a book in this list, you can rest assured it’s not just the physical beauty that counts – I do also read the books I recommend on this site, and I only include books where I think the contents are beautiful too ツ .
Bookshop links are included below if you are interested in buying any of the books for yourself. Some of the links are affiliate links (and thank you if you use them!) but please do support your local bookstore as a priority if you can. If you’re new here, and you’d like more regular recommendations, you might also like to check out my regularly updated lists of special editions, pre-order offers, and/or subscribe to my very occasional newsletter.
And now, on to the books!
Video Overview
Children and the Young at Heart
Alice in a Winter Wonderland - Jan Brett
GP Putnam’s Sons, 9780593533888.
“A striking rendition of Alice in Wonderland transported to a shimmering Alaskan tundra, in Jan Brett’s rich signature style.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
☞ You might also be interested in my collector’s guide to Alice in Wonderland
★ All the Beautiful Things - Katrina Nannestad
ABC Books, 9780733343148.
“A new heart-wrenching, impeccably researched historical novel for middle-grade readers.”
A gentle weaving of sadness and joy during wartime, with illustrated endpapers, and a few black and white illustrations throughout the book as well.
★ The Book That Really Did Not Want To Be Read - David Sundin
Puffin, 9780241539958
“If you try to read this book it will play all sorts of strange and sneaky tricks on you.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Brainy About Bears - Owen Davey
Flying Eye Books, 9781838748791 (US); 9781838741617 (UK).
Owen Davey’s popular non-fiction series continues with a captivating and stunningly illustrated guide to bears.
➤ Find US ed at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK ed at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
☞ See also the other beautiful titles in Davey’s About Animals series
The Most Boring Book Ever - Brandon Sanderson, illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi
Roaring Brook, 9781250843661
“Listen, this book is boring. We’re telling you it’s boring. It’s in the title of the book―in fact, it’s THE MOST BORING BOOK EVER!.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Counting Winter - Nancy White Carlstrom, illustrated by Claudia McGehee
Eerdmans Books, 9780802855701
“It’s a counting book. It’s a winter animal book. It’s a just plain beautiful book!”
Delightful counting poetry accompanies animals in their native Alaska environments, with animal profiles and facts included in the backmatter, and an illustrator’s note on how she drew the scratchboard art.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Dictionary Story - Oliver Jeffers
Candlewick, 9781536235500 (US); Walker, 9781406395471 (UK)
“An enchanting and imaginative picture book certain to delight word lovers of any age.”
Lots of fun wordplay for the creative child who loves writing.
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK editions at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Fia and the Last Snow Deer
Puffin, 9780241651964
“Born under the same solstice sky thirteen years ago, Fia and her reindeer Solas have a powerful and unbreakable connection. But now, struggling to survive a seemingly eternal winter, Fia’s village turn their sights on Solas.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes - Frances Harding, illustrated by Emily Gravett
Two Hoots, 9781529090802.
“Costa Award-winning Frances Hardinge’s gripping story of a young girl’s daring mission through a natural world intent on her destruction.”
A lovely nature adventure, with gorgeous illustrations through out.
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Griso, the one and only - Roger Mello, translated by Daniel Hahn
Elsewhere Editions, 9781962770088.
“A unicorn traverses the world, searching for another of his kind.”
An evocative, enchanting tale of the quest for community, that is also a clever art history book. I’m not sure about all caps as a font choice, but it’s otherwise delightful.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin - Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Alison Green (UK), 9780702329432. Scholastic (US), 9781546134206.
“A brave, determined zoo penguin, embarks on an epic journey.”
A charming rhyming story and whimsical illustrations guarantee another success for this popular author and illustrator duo. (The Gruffalo remains my all-time favorite though!)
➤ Find US ed at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK ed at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ The Gruffalo: Queen Mary's Dolls' House Edition – Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
Macmillan, 9781035055531
This special minature collector’s edition of the much-loved modern classic, The Gruffalo, is adapted from the miniature Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House edition at Windsor Castle.
➤ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Inkheart: The Colour of Revenge
Chicken House, 9781338758931 (US); 9781913696184 (UK).
“After five happy years, Meggie, her father Mo and the fire-eater Dustfinger, along with a host of new friends, feel safe and settled. But arch-villain Orpheus has found an unexpected way to wreak his revenge on the Inkworld.”
A wonderful new entry in the Inkworld, fun for kids and adults alike. Delightful b&w chapter header and tail illustrations throughout as well.
➤ Find US ed at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK ed at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Landovel - Emily Rodda
A & U Children, 9781761069758
“An epic ‘three parts in one’ fantasy quest, in a unique, irresistible package.”
➤ Find it at Amazon AU
★ King Alfred and the Ice Coffin - Kevin Crossley Holland, illustrated by Chris Riddell
Candlewick, 9781536238808 (US); Walker, 9781529503333 (UK)
“Step into the Anglo-Saxon world of King Alfred the Great in a lyrical retelling from a Carnegie Medal-winning author and Kate Greenaway Medal-winning former Children’s Laureate.”
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ The Midwatch - Judith Rossell
Dial Books, 9798217002405 (US/UK); Hardie Grant, 9781761212369 (AU)
“Banished to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways and Unwanted Girls, Maggie Fishbone is sure she’s in for a life of drudgery. But she quickly discovers there’s more to the Midwatch than meets the eye.”
★ The Great Book of Monster Legends - Tea Orsi, illustrated by Anna Lang
Happy Fox, 9781641243469
“A fun introduction to mythical creatures from all over the world.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Letters from the North Pole - Annie Atkins, illustrated by Tia Tobing
Magic Cat, 9781915569912 (US) 9781915569486 (UK).
“Five children from around the world write to Santa Claus with ideas for Christmas gifts and he writes back.”
This nostalgically illustrated picture book includes 5 “real” letters for children to pull out of envelopes and read.
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Pandora and the Story Forge - Gaynor Andrews, illustrated by Marie-Alice Harel
Rocket Bird Books, 9781915395177
“Discover the magical world of storyteller Pandora, adorer of brave and beautiful words, weaver and forger of tales.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Shakespeare's First Folio: Children's Limited Edition - William Shakespeare, illustrated by Emily Sutton
Candlewick, 9781536236439 (US); Walker 9781529514421 (UK)
“Created in partnership with Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, this remarkable collection includes thirty-six abridged plays from Shakespeare’s First Folio, exuberantly illustrated by Emily Sutton.”
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Mini Mysteries) - Marci Kay Monson
Gibbs Smith, 9781423667568
“An interactive picture book retelling of Agatha Christie’s classic.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Turtle Moon - Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold
HarperCollins, 9780008582050
“Journey to the heart of the jungle in this unforgettable adventure.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ A World Full of Winter Stories - Angela McAllister and Olga Baumert
Frances Lincoln, 9780711277922 (US); 9780711277908 (UK)
“Get ready for winter with this treasury of 50 frosty stories from around the globe.”
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Puffin Clothbound - Various Authors
Most recent releases in the series:
- The Jungle Book – Rudyard Kipling
- Peter Pan – J. M. Barrie
- Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
- Chinese Cinderella – Adeline Yen Mah
- The Railway Children – E. Nesbit
➤ Find Jungle Book at Amazon | Waterstones
➤ Find Peter Pan at Amazon| Waterstones|Blackwells
➤ Find Little Women at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
➤ Find Chinese Cinderella at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
➤ Find The Railway Children at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ See also the Puffin Clothbound Classics Guide
Classics
Barnes & Noble Leatherbound Classics
Barnes & Noble are renowned for their long-running leatherbound collectible classics series.
☞ See the Barnes & Noble Collectible Classics page for a complete list of their titles over the years, including 2024 and upcoming new titles for 2025.
★ Chiltern Classics - Various Authors
Chiltern Classics are based on the style of beautiful vintage classic novels, and are small format volumes with heavyweight paper and gorgeous tactile cover designs (that photos never do justice).
➤ Check out all the titles in the Chiltern Classics series
★ Heritage Classics - Various Authors
Quarter bound in linen cloth, with elegant linen-grained paper cover designs based on botanical prints by arts & crafts movement masters William Morris and William Kilburn.
➤ Check out all the titles in the Heritage Classics series
Penguin Clothbound
All the books in the series have distinctive covers featuring a repeating pattern made from a motif from the story stamped in foil onto a linen-like cloth cover.
☞ See the Penguin Clothbound Classics page for a complete list of their titles over the years, including 2024 and upcoming new titles for 2025.
★ Puffin in Bloom Series
➤ Find Pride and Prejudice at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find Emma at at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find Sense and Sensibility at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Buy the Jane Austen Set from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
☞ Check out the rest of the Puffin in Bloom series
Vintage Quarterbound Classics
An interesting and eclectic set of titles with richly colored cloth spines and contemporary art covers. Ten new titles were released in 2024.
☞ See the Vintage Quarterbound Classics page for more in this series.
Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery, curated by Barbara Heller
Chronicle Books, 9781797227689
“The complete novel featuring removable letters and mementos.”
13 pieces of removable ephemera include replicas of notes passed between Anne and her bosom friend Diana in the Avonlea schoolhouse; the official program of the Debating Club, and Marilla’s recipes for raspberry cordial and currant wine.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
☞ See Barbara Heller’s Correspondence Classics for more in this series
The Secret Garden - Hodgson Burnett, illustrated by Kate Lewis
Chronicle Books, 9781797225180
“Get lost in the gardens of Misselthwaite Manor with this stunning illustrated edition of The Secret Garden. Beautiful contemporary artwork fills the pages of this unique collectible classic.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Nineteen Eighty-Four - George Orwell
“A deluxe 75th anniversary cloth-bound edition of the most iconic British novel of the twentieth century.”
Clothbound with reproduced facsimile pages from Orwell’s original manuscript.
➤ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Chris Mould's War of the Worlds: A Graphic Novel
Faber & Faber, 9780571377398
“A stunning graphic novel retelling of the science fiction classic.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Wizard of Oz and other wonderful books of Oz - L. Frank Baum, illustrated by W. W. Denslow & John R. Neill
Penguin Classics, 9780143138686
“Collects three of Baum’s Oz novels: The Wizard of Oz; The Emerald City of Oz; and Glinda of Oz.”
Decorative stencilled page edges and annotated text by noted folklorist Jack Zipes.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Fiction
★ Agatha Christie Special Editions
“Textured paper covers with decorative endpapers, and touches of foiling on the covers and spines.”
This year saw publication of the final two ‘seasonal’ collections of Christie’s short stories, and the introduction of several new volumes with a new painterly cover style (but note that the new volumes are a slightly different size than the previous editions in the series!).
☞ See the Agatha Christie Special Editions page for more in this series.
★ House of Leaves
Doubleday, 9781529943993
“The nightmarish story of a house that is bigger on the inside than the outside.”
➤ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Lord of the Flies Graphic Novel - William Golding, illustrated by Aimee de Jongh
Faber & Faber, 9780571374250
“A plane crashes on a desert island. The only survivors, a group of schoolboys. By day, they explore the dazzling beaches. By night, they are haunted by nightmares of a primitive beast and of what they’ve lost..”
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ The Wood at Midwinter - Susanna Clarke
Bloomsbury, 9781639734481
“From the bestselling and prize-winning author of Piranesi and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, an enchanting, beautifully illustrated short story set in the world of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell..”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Russian Detective - Carol Adlam
Jonathan Cape, 9781787334724
“In this reimagining of a nineteenth-century Russian crime thriller from the world of Dostoevsky, Carol Adlam presents Charlie Fox, stunt journalist, magician, liar and thief, who reluctantly returns to her hometown of Nowheregrad to investigate the murder of Elena Ruslanova, daughter of a fabulously wealthy glass manufacturer.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ A Good Girl's Guide to Murder 2 & 3- Holly Jackson
Collector’s edition with decorative stencilled page edges, an introductory letter from the author, and a ribbon bookmark, for this popular YA mystery novel in which teenage sleuth Pippa Fitz-Amobi embarks on a quest to re-investigate a closed local murder case for her final year project.
➤ Find Good Girl, Bad Blood at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
★ Cloud Atlas (Anniversary Ed) - David Mitchell
“A genre-blending novel that weaves six interconnected stories across time, exploring themes of reincarnation, power, and the quest for freedom. UK hardback, with an introduction by Gabrielle Zevin, decorative sprayed edges and endpapers, turquoise foil, a bespoke case design, ribbon marker and peelable sticker.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
Solitaire - Alice Oseman
Anniversary edition of the debut novel from Alice Oseman, featuring Tori Spring and other characters that inspired the beloved series Heartstopper. Includes sprayed page edges and bonus content.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Twelfth Night - William Shakespeare, illustrated by Eric Ravilious
“Together with a newly commissioned introduction, this book includes a facsimile of one of Eric Ravilious’s finest illustrated works, first published by the Golden Cockerel Press in 1932 in a limited print run and now considered a masterpiece of typography and illustration.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
The Eerie Book - Margaret Armour, illustrated by W. B. Macdougall
Bodlein Library, 9781851246403.
“First published in 1898, The Eerie Book is a chilling anthology featuring classic gothic authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Thomas de Quincey, and Hans Christian Andersen alongside well-known, influential fairy tales and folklore. “
Plenty of chilling and supernatural stories with striking b&w artwork.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Universe in Verse - Maria Popova, illustrated by Ofra Amit
Storey, 9781635868838.
“Poetry and science, as Popova writes in her introduction, “are instruments for knowing the world more intimately and loving it more deeply.” In 15 short essays on subjects ranging from the mystery of dark matter and the infinity of pi to the resilience of trees and the intelligence of octopuses, Popova tells the stories of scientific searching and discovery.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Myths, Legends & Folklore
★ Freaky Folklore - Darkness Prevails and Carman Carrion
Terrifying tales of the world’s most elusive monsters and enigmatic cryptids.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Gods Don’t Cry - Ellen Ryan
Ancient stories from Ireland that challenge modern notions of what it means to be a hero.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Lore of the Deep - Claire Cock-Starkey
Discover the world beneath the waves with this magically illustrated treasury of folklore from the ocean deeps.
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
☞ See the Nature’s Folklore page for more in this series.
★ The Hidden World of Mythical Folk - Max Evans, illustrated by Robert Ingpen
Take a walk through the woods at twilight or the hills under a starlit night and delight in a hidden world of magical folk from around the world
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Book of Japanese Folklore - Thersa Matsuura, illustrated by Michelle Wang
A beautifully illustrated collection of short profiles and stories of more than 80 goddesses and other powerful women. Although aimed at around a middle grade level, the history is accurate and informative enough to entertain an adult reader, and the illustrations are gorgeous.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Myths of China - Xiaobing Wang, illustrated by Katie Ponder
Dorling Kindersley Publishing. 9780744098372 (US); 9780241664766 (UK).
“Delve into a world of magical creatures, powerful gods, and brave warriors in this thrilling compendium of Chinese myths. From the creation of the world to the first emperors, this book charts the full sweep of ancient Chinese mythology, revealing fascinating elements of culture and religion along the way. “
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
☞ See the DK Ancient Myths page for more in this series.
A Natural History of Dragons - Emily Hawkins and Jessica Roux
Frances Lincoln Childrens, 9780711290969.
“Presented as a handbook from the late 1800s written for the students of the Academie Solomonar: the only school for dragon-riders, this beautiful volume sets out to reveal the hidden world of dragons. Within these pages you will meet mysterious and majestic dragons from around the globe, read about ancient lore and superstitions, learn about their life cycle, anatomy, habits and habitats, and discover the secrets behind dragon flight.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
☞ See the Folklore Field Guides page for more in this series.
★ The Macmillan Collection of Norse Myths
Macmillan Children’s Books, 9781035040650
“Delve into the world of gods, giants and monsters, as you sit atop Air Throne and survey the kingdom of Asgard. With magnificent colour and line-work illustrations from artists such as Charles Brock, Arthur Rackham and Helen Stratton, and a foreword from award-winning author Michael Morpurgo.”
➤ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
☞ See the Macmillan Gift Collections page for more in this series.
★ Norse Mythology, illustrated by Levi Pinfold
“Neil Gaiman’s riveting retellings of the classic Norse myths, now reinvented with epic, full-colour illustrations by Levi Pinfold. A gift from the gods of story..”
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Odyssey - Stephen Fry
“Fry follows up his bestselling Troy with a hugely entertaining retelling of Odysseus’ turbulent decade-long voyage home to Ithaca.”
Aesthetic warning that this one is slightly larger than the others in the same series (arrgh!).
➤ Buy UK ed from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Buy exclusive UK edition from Waterstones with bonus content
➤ Find US ed at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Undying Tales - Stephanie Law
Eye of Newt Books. 9781738124602.
“Traverse the world through mythology and illustration and be inspired to think of and act for the endangered creatures that still share this planet with us.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
☞ See the Wool of Bat page for more in this series.
Fantasy & Science Fiction
★ Blood Over Bright Haven - ML Wang
“The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever, in this standalone dark fantasy.“
First US Editions. US hardback feature red stained edges gold and red foil on the jacket, a full-color endpaper map, and an interior illustration of an in-world magical item.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
★ Gwelf: Into the Hinterlands - Larry MacDougall
Wilburton sets off on a new adventure in Gwelf, venturing North into the territory of the Ravens.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Shadows Between Us Duology - Trish Levenseller
PUBLISHER, DATE, ISBN: xxx.
“Summary.”
➤ Find The Shadows Between Us at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
➤ Find The Darkness Within Us at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Kingkiller Chronicles - Patrick Rothfuss
“Bast knows how to bargain. The give-and-take of a negotiation is as familiar to him as the in-and-out of breathing; to watch him trade is to watch an artist at work. But even a master’s brush can slip. When he accepts a gift, taking something for nothing, Bast’s whole world is knocked askew, for he knows how to bargain – but not how to owe.”
Gollancz Emporium. UK hardback, signed by the author and limited to 1000 copies, with naked foiled cover art and endpapers by Micaela Alcaino, internal illustrations by Nate Taylor, ribbon bookmark and decorative stencilled page edges.
★ Republic of Thieves - Scott Lynch
“Con artist Locke Lamora faces political intrigue, romantic entanglements, and a deadly competition as he squares off against a former lover in a high-stakes election.“
Gollancz Emporium. UK ‘naked’ hardback signed by the author, foiled cover, illustrated endpapers, silver ribbon bookmark, teal sprayed page edges, limited to 750 numbered copies.
Micaela Alcaino, internal illustrations by Nate Taylor, ribbon bookmark and decorative stencilled page edges.
➤ Buy from Gollancz Emporium
★ A Study in Drowning - Ava Reid
“The haunting stand-alone dark academia fantasy, instant Indie and #1 New York Times bestselling A Study in Drowning, is now available in a gorgeous limitied edition package.”
Bookshelf stencilled on the page edges, intricate foil case design, antique-style endpapers, filigree cover and bonus content from the author.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Booktopia
Don't Let the Forest In - CG Drews
Release date: Oct 29, 2024
“With a lingering terror that will lurk well after you finish, this psychological horror is packed with monsters of fairytale, folklore and so much more.”
B&N Exclusive. US hardback with an annotated chapter and three bonus fairytales, forest green stained edges, designed endpapers, and a unique case stamp.
➤ Buy from Barnes & Noble
Bookshops & Bonedust - Travis Baldree
“When an injury throws a young, battle-hungry orc off her chosen path, she may find that what we need isn’t always what we seek.”
Deluxe Edition. US hardback with new chapter art, beautiful new endpapers, and decorative stenciled edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Legends & Lattes - Travis Baldree
“After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time. The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.“
Deluxe Edition. US hardback with new chapter art, beautiful new endpapers, and decorative stenciled edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition - J. R. R. Tolkien
Release date: Oct 24, 2024
“The enchanting prelude to The Lord of the Rings, illustrated throughout with over 50 sketches, drawings, paintings, and maps by J.R.R. Tolkien himself.”
[Appears to be a reprint of the 2023 edition]
Deluxe illustrated edition. Quarterbound in green leather, complete text printed in two colors, more than 50 illustrations, two poster-size, fold-out maps revealing all the detail of Thror’s Map and Wilderland, an illustrated 88-page booklet, and a printed art card reproducing Tolkien’s original dustjacket painting.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
★ Lightlark - Alex Aster
“Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons—a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood.”
Metallic slipcase, satin cover with foil stamping, colour art insert, 8-page bonus romance scene, mpped endpapers and stenciled crowns on stained page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
★ The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins, illustrated by Nico Delort
“The Hunger Games as you’ve never seen it before — in a remarkable illustrated edition.”
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
★ I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons - Peter S. Beagle
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Unicorn comes a new novel with equal amounts of power and whimsy in which a loveable cast of characters trapped within their roles of dragon hunter, princess, and more must come together to take their fates into their own hands.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Murtagh (Inheritance Cycle) - Christopher Paolini
Knopf, 9780593898000 (US); Penguin, 9780241733851 (UK)
“A special deluxe edition of Christopher Paolini’s new volume set in the World of Eragon, featuring fan favorite Murtagh and his dragon.”
US editions have the white design on red, while UK editions have the black stencilled design. Other special features include foil-stamped cover, color maps of Alagaësia and beyond, painting of Mt. Arngor, letter from Jeod, and 2 pieces of original black-and-white artwork by Christopher Paolini.
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ A Sorceress Comes to Call - T. Kingfisher
Tor, 9781250244079
“A dark reimagining of the Brothers Grimm’s “The Goose Girl,” rife with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic.”
This edition includes a foil stamp on the casing and custom endpapers illustrated by the author.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ The Will of the Many - James Islington
Saga Press, 9781668093290.
“An orphaned prince, an elite academy, and the start of an epic fantasy series.”
The story masterfully blends political intrigue and epic world-building in a gripping fantasy journey. This special edition has ochre sprayed page edges, illustrated/mapped endpapers and hidden design under the dust jacket.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Non-Fiction & Reference
A Year in Story and Song - Lia Leendertz
Gaia, 9781856755481.
“A captivating collection of stories and songs that celebrates the seasons.”
A lovingly curated selection of seasonal works to dip into (although I think it would have been elevated with illustrations).
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Atlas Obscura: Wild Life
Workman, 9781523514410.
“A dazzling, over-the-top collection of the world’s most extraordinary wild species that takes you to all seven continents and beyond. .”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ The Backyard Bird Chronicles
Knopf, 9780593536131.
“A gorgeous, witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty around us that hides in plain sight, written and illustrated by the best-selling author of The Joy Luck Club.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic - Alan Moore
Top Shelf, 9781603095501
“The most acclaimed writer in comics history, Alan Moore, joins his late mentor Steve Moore (no relation) for one last graphic grimoire: a sprawling and stunning introduction to magic in all its timeless forms, brought to life by six wondrous and whimsical artists.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Cloudspotting for Beginners - Gavin Pretor-Pinney, illustrated by William Grill
Ten Speed Press, 9780593836057
“A beautifully illustrated guide to clouds and the sky for inspiring and educating curious minds with meteorological wonder..”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases
Andrews McMeel, 9781524886349.
“A gorgeously illustrated guide to memorable Latin phrases, including famous quotations on love, death, nature, politics, and more.”
Engaging text and illustrations will entertain anyone interested in language and learning.
➤ Find it at Amazon
Guestiquette - Tom Coleman, illustrated by Joe Stuart
Andrews McMeel, 9781524890063.
“Guestiquette is the first book that takes on the complicated world of being a houseguest, offering useful, irreverent, and hilarious advice for guests and hosts.”
A laugh-out-loud guide that includes fun illustrations, first-person stories, and even actual advice. An excellent gift to bring with you when you go visiting over the holidays.
➤ Find it at Amazon
★ Insectarium (Welcome to the Museum) - Emily Carter and Dave Gouldson
Big Picture, 9781800782563 (UK); 9781536241143 (US).
“Explores the fascinating world of insects.”
All the books in this series oversized insights into the natural world are expertly curated and beautifully illustrated. Insectarium is no exception, blending fascinating scientifi facts with superb artwork.
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find US edition (2025 release date) at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
The Most Interesting Book in the World - Edward Brooke-Hitching
Simon & Schuster, 9781398532373.
“A miscellany of things too strange to be true, yet somehow are.”
Startling facts for your next trivia night drawn from a former BBC QI Elf’s lifetime’s search for the weird and the wonderful.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ The Mythmakers - John Hendrix
Henry Abrams, 9781419746345.
“Ta graphic novel biography of two literary lions—C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien—following the remarkable story of their friendship and creative fellowship, and how each came to write their masterworks”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Ornithography - Jessica Roux
Andrews McMeel, 9781524888770.
“From the creator of Floriography and the Woodland Wardens Oracle Deck comes this beautifully illustrated exploration of the folklore, mythology, and history surrounding our favorite winged companions.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Book of Purrs - Luis Coelho
Andrews McMeel, 9781524892043.
“The internet’s favorite googly-eyed feline—@purr.in.ink—wrote a book to send you a little bit of love and a whole lot of joy..”
A collection of sweet comics to delight any cat-lover, with gentle affirmations and uplifting reminders of joy.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Sacred Sites (Library of Esoterica)
Taschen, 9783836590600
“A visual pilgrimage through holy mountains, great pyramids, and golden shrines, Sacred Sites celebrates the ways we transform the world around us through ritual, creativity, and worship. .”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Still Waters & Wild Waves - Angela Harding
Sphere, 9781408726815 (US)
“Featuring over 50 original illustrations of dramatic seascapes and reflective rivers, alongside photography of the stunning places that inspired the artwork, Angela Harding’s beautiful new book captures the waters that move us..”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back - Isabella Tree, illustrated by Angela Harding
Macmillan, 9781529092844
“Tells the story of the Knepp Estate in West Sussex. It is illustrated in full colour with lino prints and watercolours.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ You Don't Have to Have a Dream - Tim Minchin
Ebury, 9781529931822
‘Life will sometimes seem long and tough. And you will sometimes be happy and sometimes sad. And then you’ll be old. And then you’ll be dead. There is only one sensible thing to do with this empty existence, and that is: fill it.’
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Books On Books
★ Book Curses - Eleanor Baker
Bodlein Library, 9781851246304.
“Have you ever wanted to protect your books from forgetful borrowers, merciless page-folders or outright thieves?”
A fun collection of ferocious and humorous book curses used throughout history. Unillustrated, but fun reading.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Literary Journeys: Mapping Fictional Travels across the World of Literature - John McMurtrie
Princeton University, 9780691266398.
“A beautifully illustrated guide to over seventy-five important journeys in world literature, spanning more than thirty countries and twenty-five hundred years.”
Delves into classic and contemporary works, from Homer’s Odyssey and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales to Melville’s Moby-Dick and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah, sharing insights into their historical context along with painting, phtographs and maps.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ At Home in a Book - Lauren O'Hara
Puffin, 9780241665794
“Step inside the worlds of classic children’s books, look through the contents of Sherlock’s deducting bag and pore over the map of Neverland.”
Details and cutaway illustrations from nine classic stories are a fun way to introduce younger kids to the classics (or entertain nostalgic adults).
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Pop-Up & Paper Engineering
★ The Incredible Pop-Up Bug - Ben Hoare
Templar, 9781800784130.
“Discover a treasure trove of bugs and other invertebrates in this deluxe pop-up book.“
Iridescent and delightful pop-ups bring the insect world to life.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Move! - David A. Carter
Thames and Hudson, 9780500653425.
“So many colourful shapes, stripes and spots are ready to come to life – all you need to do is make them move.“
Each page of this one is a fantastic work of movable art. Highly recommended!
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Bicycles - Dominique Ehrhard
Prestel Junior, 9783791375618.
“A brief, whimsical history of the bicycle. “
Eight pop-up scenes accompany the history of bicycle development – a fun gift for pop-up collectors and bike-lovers.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Disneyland: Pop-Up Park Tour - Reinhart Pop-Up Studio
Insight Editions, 9798886630244.
“An interactive map of all your favorite locales at the Disney Parks. “
This is a fun map for Disney enthusiasts, with many locations featured. But it’s not as detailed as you would expect from Reinhart’s earlier publications. It’s also less a book, and more a single spread pop-up book that unfolds into the diorama pictured below, so be sure to adjust your expectations accordingly!
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ The Little Prince Pop-Up
Farshore, 9780008595227.
“Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s tender and magical classic fable, adapted as a pop-up book for young readers.”
Although the adaptation of the text for young readers loses much of the magic of the original, the illustrations are just lovely.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Monet: The Pop-Up Book
Prestel, 9783791377476.
A 3D rendering of five of Monet’s most enduring paintings: Garden at Sainte-Adresse, Poppy Field, Waterlilies and Japanese Bridge, The Artist’s House at Argenteuil, and The Bridge at Argenteuil.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Shakespeare and Company: A Tunnel Book - Daniele Catalli
Shakespeare and Company.
“This double-sided Tunnel Book depicts both the Main Bookshop and upstairs Reading Library.“
A simply delightful way to experience the iconic bookstore, with each scene unfolding like a chapter in a magical world of books.
➤ Find it at Shakespeare and Company
★ Pop-Up Surrealism
Thames and Hudson, 9780500027738.
“Produced in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou, Monaco brings to life eight works of art by leading surrealists.”
Short texts introduce each work and its historical context, and hand-painted illustrations add an interesting dimension.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
★ Swan Lake: An Enchanting Pop-Up
Templar, 9781800787278.
“A magical keepsake pop-up of Swan Lake.“
Beautifully illustrated and finely cut pop-ups on each page.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Christmas
★ The Night Before Christmas Pop-Up Book
Applesauce Press, 9781646432899.
“A pop-up rendition with beautiful artwork by Charles Santore across 10 spreads.”
Lovely pop-ups accompany the classic Christmas Eve poem, but the full-page ppop-up spread is quite fragile, use care with this one.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
Abbeville Press, 9780789214898
“Miniature artist John A. Rice re-envisions Dickens’s familiar Christmas classic as a true Victorian ghost story.”
Beautifully illustrated with five full-page artworks, and several vignettes throughout.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Something Special
★ Finn Family Moonintroll - Tove Jansson
The Folio Society.
“Step into the whimsical world of Tove Jansson’s Finn Family Moomintroll. Featuring Jansson’s original illustrations, now lovingly colourised by Neil Gower, this edition brings new vibrancy to the beloved Moomin stories.“
Delightful story and production but two things to note – most of the illustrations are still the original b&w, only a few are coloured, and if you’re buying second hand don’t confuse it with the older uncoloured version from 2007 (dark blue cover).
➤ Find it at Folio Society | Abes | eBay
★ Mary Poppins - PL Travers
The Folio Society.
“Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie, who brings a fresh perspective while honouring Mary Shepard’s original drawings, this edition perfectly captures the timeless charm of P. L. Travers’s beloved classic.“
➤ Find it at Folio Society | Abes | eBay
☞ Also check out the Mary Poppins comparison guide
★ Witch Week - Diana Wynne Jones
The Folio Society.
“Step into the magical world of Witch Week, featuring fabulous illustrations by Alison Bryant. This Folio edition was created with the Jones estate, staying true to Diana Wynne Jones’s original vision and bringing her enchanting world to life with stunning detail.“
➤ Find it at Folio Society | Abes | eBay
★ The King of Elfland's Daughter - Lord Dunsany (LE)
The Folio Society.
“Folio’s fabulous centenary edition of The King of Elfland’s Daughter, a founding text of the fantasy genre by Lord Dunsany, features an introduction by Erin Morgenstern, a foreword by Neil Gaiman and original artwork by Julie Dillon. Limited to 500 numbered copies.”
★ The Moonstone - Wilkie Collins
Kings Langley Press
“Set in the heart of the Victorian era, The Moonstone is a tale of intrigue, theft, and the quest for a diamond of enormous value and beauty.”
➤ Find it at Kings Langley Press
★ Pinocchio - Carlo Collodi, illustrated by Mike Mignola, annotated by Lemony Snicket
Beehive Books, 9781948886093.
“An oversized slipcase art book elaborately illustrated by Mignola and extensively annotated by Snicket, in the form of inserted typewritten missives from the brink of madness.”
Fantastically designed, with humorous annotations and pull-out ephemera. Mignola’s illustrations focus on the darker parts of the original story text, so more for adults than children.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Beehive Books
☞ Check out the rest of the Beehive Illuminated Editions series
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