The internationally famous fantasy artist known as Ciruelo has released a new hardcover illustrated storybook called Faries and Dragons — Art is Magic. It’s available from DAC Editions. Weaving together Native American legends and European fantasy traditions, the book tells the tale of two young children — one fond of dragons, the other fond of faeries — who meet plenty of both as they travel far to help a sorceress thwart a forthcoming catastrophe. A review of the book from Amazon.com can be found here.
Books and Trade Paperbacks
The Disney Sketchbook
The Disney Sketchbook 1928 – 2008 is a new 144-page hardcover book from Disney Editions, where current and retired Disney animators are given a chance to both show and reflect upon some of the artwork that has inspired them over the years as they worked on the latest animated film projects. This is from Amazon.com: “The Disney Sketchbook 1928-2008 is a glorious, collectible coffee-table book showcasing the rich visual development art by Disney animators over the more than eighty-year history of the Walt Disney Animation Studios (originally Disney Feature Animation). The sketchbook appears as if Disney’s animation artists have passed it among each other through the years, from the early beginnings of the Studios’ work, through the present day. Frequently, current artists have drawn their concepts alongside earlier characters that have influenced their work. In brief but potent text, the current Disney animators will reflect on the inspiration of the artists who have preceded them, going back to the “first generation” of animators who created the Silly Symphonies and early cartoons, to the first Golden Age of Disney animation (Snow White to The Black Cauldron) to the present second Golden Age (The Little Mermaid onwards).” The book will be available in August.
It’s called “Mink”
The first novel by Robyn Rolison-Hanna, entitled Mink, is out now in paperback from Arctic Wolf Publishing. This is from the web site (www.zetothemink.com): “Count Zeto Pantaleone Ulderico is a pampered and coddled mink noble whose spoiled and privilege life comes to a screeching halt when he and his cousin, Muccino, are trapped and taken by Guiseppe Tucci to his mink farm. Plagued with night blindness and no ability to track or scent, Zeto can no longer depend on his name or position. With the aid of the beautiful mink named Ardrianna and a cast of fellow cellmates, they attempt an escape in hopes of obtaining freedom before they become articles of fashion in Milan’s haute couture. Set in Italy’s Apennine Mountains, Mink is a stirring tale of adventure, courage and the quest for survival. It follows this very special mink on his journey through harrowing trials posed by adversaries and predators. It is about pathways and bridges that must be crossed against incredible odds.” The book is illustrated by Olga Dunayeva, and more of her work can be seen at the web site also. Mink can be ordered on line through Barnes & Noble or Amazon.
Burning Wild
Another hot animal-themed erotic romance novel… Burning Wild by Christine Feehan (out now in paperback, from Jove) tells the story of Jake Bannacotti. One of the world’s richest and most ruthless men, Jake also has the ability to shape-shift into a leopard. He is feared by all who know him… until the day when he rescues a young woman named Emma from a firey car crash. Taking her to his secluded ranch to heal, he soon finds himself falling prey to passions that his instincts as a hunter have not prepared him for…
The Dragon Codices
The Dragon Codices series by R.D. Henham is a new series of young-adult hardcover fiction novels for readers with an interest in dragons — as characters, not just as marauding monsters. This is from the publisher, Mirrorstone:
“For fans of The New York Times best-selling A Practical Guide to Dragons, a new series of fantasy fiction focusing on the power of dragonkind. The Dragon Codices chronicle adventures with each of ten dragons of Krynn. From the fiery, evil red dragon to the playful copper, each dragon’s tale is unique. Sindri Suncatcher, narrator of A Practical Guide to Dragons, shared these tales from his travels with library scribe R.D. Henham. Mudd lives a peaceful life in his small town, tinkering with the mill and any mechanical devices that he can find. But his peaceful life soon changes when, out of nowhere, a red dragon attacks, burning the town and kidnapping Shemnara, the village seer. Only one clue is left behind–a cryptic note telling Mudd, “Seek the silver dragon.””
The most recent book in the series is Brass Dragon Codex. An orphaned brass dragon named Kyani ventures out into the desert and stumbles upon a gnome inventor — whose latest invention might just start a war if he and his new dragon friend aren’t careful! Remember, folks: Color dragons are evil, and metal dragons are good. Mostly…
Long Tall Kitty
Lark Pien is a name well-known among graphic novel fans, and now she’s released her first hardcover children’s book through Blue Apple Books. Long Tall Kitty tells the story of the titular cat and his friends — including a bee who’s friends with the flowers (at least the nice ones), a mouse who likes ice skating, and a family of aliens who drop in for a night of fun. Yes.
Apes and Babes
Frank Cho is world-famous as the creator of Liberty Meadows, Jungle Girl, and other comics featuring Beautiful Human Babes and various critters both dangerous and comical — sometimes at once. Now Image Comics brings us Apes and Babes, Book One, a 144-page full-color collection of Cho’s past and present illustrations and sketches.
Thank You, Charles
[From Amazon.com:]
“Charles M. Schulz and his beloved comic strip, Peanuts, have changed the world. In Security Blankets: How Peanuts Touched Our Lives, Donald Fraser and Derrick Bang present a heartwarming collection of 51 touching true stories to show the connection people have with the adored cartoon. Stories, photos from the contributors, and Peanuts artwork make this work extra special. The connections are so strong they’ve even had the power to change people’s lives. Take, for example, the Vietnam POW; whose first piece of correspondence while in captivity was a Snoopy card that included a picture of his wife and children. Or the 5-year-old boy from Boston who demanded that his stuffed Snoopy accompany him to the hospital for a high-risk surgery. Connections such as these show how Peanuts has become a security blanket for thousands. This is chicken soup for the Peanuts lover’s soul.”
The book is available in paperback from Andrews McMeel Publishing.
