Butterfly photo source here
1.) The Armed Garden by David B.: a collection of legends from one of my favorite comics artists. Epileptic, the book he is probably best known for, is one of the most memorable and special graphic novels I've ever read, and fascinatingly entwines dreams and memoir.
2.) The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm: as you might expect from Taschen, this is a large, beautifully presented anthology of Grimm stories which culls images from a startling variety of illustrators. I didn't know this book existed 'til it was given to me, and it was such a nice surprise! I was really pleased with how thoughtfully it is edited, and especially with the range of visual styles on parade in this lovely purple book.
3.) Framed Butterflies from Bug Under Glass: I have an informal collection of framed moths and butterflies, and I was so happy to acquire a few new sturdily framed specimens (including my favorite winged beauty of them all!) from this excellent Etsy shop. I love the ones mounted on patterned paper, but the standard presentation is quite elegant itself.
4.) The Fujifilm Instax 210: I've wanted an instant camera every since I laid eyes on my Aunt's Poloroid when I was just a button, so receiving this wide-format version of the Instax made me bounce off the walls wildly with excitement! I'm still getting to know it, and experimenting with the film, but it is pure magic.
5.) Mail Order Mysteries: If Josiah is reading a comic from the early 80's or before, my favorite thing to do is to peer over his shoulder at all the amazing ads, so this book could not be more fascinating to me. The extremely funny commentary about the real items received, which are contrasted with the original (very compelling) ads, couldn't be better.
6.) The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In a Ship of her Own Making: I'm only ankle-deep in this story, but I can report that Ms.Valente's sparkling knack for the weaving of words makes this book feel absolutely worthy of the bittersweet homage it pays to Alice, Oz, etc. It is at once markedly post-modern (the heroine is constantly reminding herself of what other children in books have done when whisked away to magical places) but it is also sincere, enchanting and devil-may-care enough to never feel too awfully much like a hollow metafictional commentary on fantastical stories for children. I like it very much!
