Books to Pore Over Archives

Where’s Waldo?

by Martin Handford

Waldo and his iconic red-and-white stripes make their debut in this seek-and-find book. Find Waldo on every page, as well as a whole slew of crazy items on the checklists for each page found at the end of the book. The oversized pictures are rich in detail and humor--and might be just a little bit addictive. Age 5 and up.

D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths

The best book of Greek mythology, hands down. This oversized book is an excellent introduction for anyone new to the Greek myths, regardless of age. All the essential stories are here, such as Gaea and the Titans, Apollo and Artemis, Sisyphus and Heracles. The storytelling is first rate (and some details have been tamed for the younger set), and the detailed, vivid illustrations--beginning with the family tree on page 1--are the perfect accompaniment. (8-18; 10-18)

Brick City

by Warren Elsmore

This new release includes instructions for the basics of LEGO architecture, plus detailed instructions for building landmarks such as the Roman Colosseum, the Arc de Triomphe, and Buckingham Palace. Young LEGO addicts will keep coming back to this wonderful introduction to architecture. (8-18)

A Child’s Garden of Verses

by Robert Louis Stevenson

It’s hard to believe this collection was first printed in 1885. This collection includes classics such as “My Shadow” and “The Swing,” and is complete with Tasha Tudor’s wonderful illustrations. Age 4 and up.

Amazing Places

by Robert Hamilton

Chapters in this beautiful volume include Fantastic Features (the Matterhorn, the Dead Sea, the Grand Canyon), Exciting Events (twenty-four hour daylight, rivers of ice, hot geysers), Ancient Wonders (Stonehenge, the Colosseum, the Pyramids at Giza), and Spectacular Cities (Venice, Jerusalem, Sydney). The book also covers the various habitat of the world, people and places, astonishing structures, incredible technology. An eye-catching and awe-inspiring introduction for children. Age 6 and up.

The Dangerous Book for Boys

by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden

This book begins, “In this age of video games and cell phones, there must be a place for knots, tree houses, and stories of incredible courage.” And here it is: this book covers famous battles and the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World; stories of the Wright Brothers and Robert the Bruce; how to wrap a package in brown paper and string, identify common trees, and discern the U.S. Naval flag codes. A great addition to every boy’s bookshelf (though there’s little in here that won’t interest girls as well). Age 6 and up.

The Double-Daring Book for Girls

by Andrea Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz

This follow-up to The Daring Book for Girls is better than the first installment. Of course notable women are covered, but the book shines for its unique and varied “how to” sections: like how to run away and join the circus, conduct a Japanese tea ceremony, or start a mother-daughter book club. Instructions for more prosaic activities like playing the harmonica, tossing horseshoes, and stargazing are also included. Age 8 and up.

The Ultimate Lego Book

by Dorling Kindersley

Young (and old) Lego lovers will spend hours and hours pouring over this book dedicated to all things Lego: their history, how they’re made, the master builders, the LegoLand parks, and of course, the limitless building possibilities of Lego bricks. The city scenes--of Washington DC, San Francisco, New York City, and New Orleans at Mardi Gras--are favorites. Out of print, but easy to find used copies. Age 5 and up.

A Child’s Book of Poems

by Gyo Fujikawa

This wonderful hardcover contains classics from William Blake, Robert Browning, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, Kate Greenaway, William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, and more. This beautifully illustrated book makes poetry accessible and fun for young people--and their parents. Age 3 and up.

Books to Pore Over