1. Ho Ho Ho! Or maybe we should say Ruff Ruff? In any case, Happy December, the month of merry making, gift giving, egg nogging, and tree trimming.

These adorable canine friends were created by UK artist Louise Rawlings. Couldn’t resist the furry faces, cute poses, and happy feelings they generate. Love me some wintry whiskers!

Louise (b. 1969) currently lives and works in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, and graduated from De Montfort University in Leicester with a degree in illustration and surface decoration. She’s had a long and varied career as an illustrator, working in areas such as giftware, stationery, ceramics, fine art, and book illustration. Her artwork can be found in galleries across the UK, and she works for publishers worldwide, primarily selling greeting cards.

Though she paints in watercolor, her real love is working in a naïve mixed media style in her favorite medium, acrylic. She’s inspired by the views captured while on long walks with her two dogs in a nearby park and by domestic holiday spots, especially the British coastline.

Louise’s original paintings may be purchased via her Official Website and Etsy Shop. Greeting cards are available online at Dry Red Press, Calypso Cards, and the Blank Card Company. Keep up with her latest news at Facebook and Instagram.

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2. Holiday Picture Book Alert: ‘Tis the season for festive goodies, so check out The Sugar Plum Bakers: A Tale of 12 Holiday Treats by Patricia Tanumihardja and Bonnie Lui (Melissa de la Cruz Studio, 2023):

What’s a holiday without holiday treats? In this magical new picture book, kids follow the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Gingerbread Man, and their team of bakerinas as they create delicious goodies from around the world—and discover that the real magic is teamwork.

With a pinch of hope and a dash of zing, we can do anything! The bakerinas are hard at work creating holiday goodies for kids around the world when a blizzard whips up trouble. Will the bakerinas deliver their treats in time?

With enchanting illustrations and charming text, The Sugar Plum Bakers introduces young readers to tasty treats from around the world—and even includes a recipe in the back so kids can make some magic of their own.

Sounds like just the thing to get into the holiday spirit. You may know Patricia published Ramen for Everyone, illustrated by Shiho Pate (Atheneum, 2023) back in March, and Jimmy’s Shoes: The Story of Jimmy Choo, Shoemaker to a Princess, illustrated by Derek Desierto (Abrams, 2023) in August. Now a book about holiday baking — makes sense it would be another food-centric title since Patricia is also a food writer and cookbook author. 🙂

Check out this post at Writing and Illustrating to read interesting backstory about how Patricia wrote this story. Can’t wait to “taste” it!

Congratulations, Pat and Bonnie!

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3. Phoebe, Phoebe, We Love Phoebe! As a big fan of Phoebe Wahl’s picture books (Sonya’s Chickens, Little Witch Hazel, Backyard Fairies, The Blue House), it’s always exciting to visit her online shop to see what new merchandise is available showcasing her art.

Guess what? She recently added Alphabet Blocks!! *squeals with delight*

Maybe she knew I was secretly wishing for these all along. In any case, take a look:

Aren’t they the COOLEST!!!???

These adorable blocks are made in Vermont by a family-owned company with generations of experience. An heirloom-quality 28 piece set, they come with their own cotton muslin carrying bag and are sure to inspire creativity and learning for young minds.

*Direct print with UV Cured Inks, appropriate for ages 2 and up.

In case you’re not into ABC blocks (how is that possible?), do visit Phoebe’s Shop for lots more: prints, mugs, tea towels, greeting cards, blankets, mugs, teapots, original art, trays, and she’s really got you covered for 2024 calendars (lunar, gnomes, fave art, wall):

Finally, don’t miss your chance to score a copy of her most recent book, Phoebe’s Diary (ages 14+), an illustrated diary of a teenage girl’s joys and turmoils during adolescence, drawn from real life (includes signed bookplate).

Dear Santa: I’ve been very good this year (hint, hint). One of each, please?

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4. Heads Up, Popular Music Fans: If, like me, you especially love the 70’s singer-songwriter era — or rock music in general — you probably need to see this upcoming documentary featuring The Immediate Family.

Do the names Leland Sklar, Danny Kortchmar, Russ Kunkel, Waddy Wachtel and Steve Postell ring a bell? No? Well, chances are very good that you’ve heard their brilliant musicianship if you’re familiar with James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Phil Collins, Bob Dylan, Linda Rondstadt, the Eagles, Rod Stewart, Joni Mitchell, and many others.

Danny (guitar, vocals), Waddy (guitar, vocals), Leland (bass), Steve (guitar, vocals) and Russ (drums) are legendary session musicians who’ve collectively played on thousands of studio recordings and who’ve also toured with many notable artists/bands. I first became aware of Lee, Danny and Russ after reading the liner notes for two of James Taylor’s early albums (Sweet Baby James, Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon). I simply had to know who was playing with James on those amazing records.

For years afterwards, I’d see their names credited on many other albums, but it was only during early pandemic times that I learned more about Steve and Waddy, who by then had joined the other three to form The Immediate Family, a true supergroup.

We so often know the “big names” but not the individuals behind the scenes who’ve contributed to the iconic recordings we love. I now have new respect for session musicians and am so glad The Immediate Family are getting their well deserved and earned due. After all, they are undoubtedly the most recorded, most respected, and most sought-after players from the last five decades of modern music. Here’s to these unsung heroes!

Enjoy the official trailer. Directed by Denny Tedesco, the documentary will hit theaters everywhere December 15, 2023.

And here is their debut single, “Cruel Twist,” written by Danny Kortchmar (who sings lead) and Harvey Brooks, released in 2020.

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5. Brontës Book Alert: Look what just came out in October: The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O’Leary and Briony May Smith (Tundra Books, 2023):

The inspiring true tale of young siblings who loved to make stories — and grew up to be among English literature’s finest writers. A picture book for fans of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein.

Many years ago, the four motherless children of the Brontë family — Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne — lived in a windswept house by the moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their INNER worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own stories, and their own tiny books . . . a passion that would last them a lifetime. 

A moving and atmospheric story about the power of imagination, the joy of storytelling and the love of books, The Little Books of the Little Brontës will enchant both those who love these literary sisters and those who are learning about them for the first time. Includes an author’s note, timeline of the Brontës’ lives and a fun craft with instructions on creating your own little book.

You may remember from my post celebrating Charlotte Brontë’s birthday this past April that I’m a huge Brontë sisters fan. This picture book focuses on when they made miniature books together with their brother Branwell as children. I’ll always be fascinated by their early show of genius.

I’m not familiar with any other Sara O’Leary books, but I’ve been admiring Briony May Smith’s art for awhile now (tender, endearing, adorable). Needless to say, I must have this book!

So far, it’s received **starred reviews** from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and School Library Journal, who said:

“Exquisitely crafted text and illustrations convey an emotionally resonant tale of resilient family bonds and the lasting joy of stories.”

Sigh, it’ll be the perfect read for a chilly winter’s day . . .

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6. Attention Crafters: Speaking of miniature books, check out this DIY Miniature Bookstore Kit by Robotime:

Have you ever wanted your very own bookstore? You can build your own dollhouse-size, old-fashioned bookstore, full of wonderful things. Books, bookshelves, shelf labels, prints and paintings, cabinets, a ladder, a high-backed reading chair, a stepladder (for reaching high shelves), a tiny table, a vase of flowers—even working lights. Kit comes with everything you need: wood, cloth, paper, metal, environmental glue and paint, and complete instructions with detailed color illustrations. 1/24 scale, it takes about 20 hrs. to assemble. Finished size about 7″w x 9″h x 7½”d. Ages 14 and up (small parts). Takes two 3V batteries (not included). A perfect gift for the reader. 

Well, if I had more patience and my eyes weren’t failing me, I might try this project for myself. Had to feature it though, since some of you out there may be looking for a fun winter project, either for yourself or as a gift for a crafty teen. 🙂

For your reference, here’s a video demonstrating how to make the kit:

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7. Nibble on my ear: Hungry? Not to worry. Basil and Cornelius found some yummy food jewelry that they thought would make good stocking stuffers. 🙂

First up are these adorable handmade soup clay pins by Megan Rafferty. These are made of lightweight air dry clay and range in size from 1 – 1.5 inches. Cute, no?

Next, check out these munchables by Akemi of Takami Crafts. They’re made of polymer clay and resin. Most are available as either necklace charms or earrings.

Finding these proved to be a dangerous enterprise, as both Basil and Cornelius tried to eat the items. In any case, do browse Akemi’s shop for lots more, including donuts, pizza, pumpkin pie, and a mouthwatering meatball sandwich.

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8. There’s nothing like a man in a kilt: Unless there are two of them! Guess who’s back? Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish just published another Clanlands book last month: Clanlands in New Zealand: Kiwis, Kilts, and an Adventure Down Under (Mobius, 2023):

Buckle up, grab a dram, and get ready for another unforgettable wild ride. 
  
They’re back! Stars of  Outlander, Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish are no strangers to the rugged beauty of Scotland. But this time they’re setting their sights on a new horizon: New Zealand. 
  
Join our intrepid Scotsmen on their latest epic adventure across The  Land of the Long White Cloud in this thrilling follow-up to  Clanlands. Setting out to explore a country that Graham calls home, and that Sam has longed to visit, these sturdy friends immerse themselves in all that New Zealand has to offer: stunning landscapes, rich history, world-class food and drink, and – much to Graham’s mounting anxiety and Sam’s deep satisfaction – famously adrenaline-fuelled activities! As ever there’s not nearly enough space in their trusty camper van and with plenty of good-natured competition and tormenting to go around, Sam and Graham’s friendship is put to the test once again.  Along the way we learn about the length and breadth of this jewel of the Southern Seas, exploring the fascinating story of its people while testing the very limits of Graham’s sanity. 
  
Like the very best buddy movie sequel, this latest installment is full of unforgettable experiences and loveable characters and promises to be an even more memorable ride with two of the most entertaining travel companions around. 
  
So, say goodbye to your inhibitions and kia ora to New Zealand like you’ve never seen it before. 

Can’t wait to dig into this one!! Thoroughly enjoyed the first two Clanlands books — Sam and Graham are hilarious, and since I know so little about New Zealand, this should be interesting as well as informative. As before, I imagine they’ll challenge each other in untoward stunts, entice us with regional cuisine, key us in on cultural landmarks and traditions, etc. And since Graham lives in New Zealand, I’m anxious to learn what he considers most near and dear to his heart.

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9. Curiouser and curiouser: Check out these beautiful animal portraits by Lisa Zador of Curious Portraits.

Lisa lives in the past and is proud to do so. In her Greenwich Village studio, surrounded by vintage collectibles, she creates dark, moody, psychological portraits of animals, food icons and other whimsical creatures inspired by her love of animals and classic portraiture of the Renaissance. All of her portraits are painted in oil on wood panel or canvas.

Though she features animals in many different scenarios, for this post I selected some of her holiday/winter themed pieces. Love them!

She sells brooches, pendants, prints, cards, coasters, ornaments and pillows. Will have to feature more of Lisa’s work in a separate post. 🙂

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♥️ BONUS COOL THING: Imagine their great surprise when Basil, Cornelius and other furry friends received a special parcel in the mail from dear friend, author and poet Jessica Swaim recently.

Look what they got!

Crocheted hats, scarves, stockings, and mittens just their size!! Now they’re all set for winter and can’t wait to parade around in their new wooly gear.

Lookin’ pretty dapper, don’t you think? They’re ready to cut that holiday rug with some swoon tunes too.

Three big THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOUs to Jessica for being so thoughtful. We heartily applaud your crocheting chops!! You are the best!!

BTW, if you’re looking for a doggone good picture book for a special canine-loving friend this holiday, check out Jessica’s The Hound from the Pound, illustrated by the late Jill McElmurry (Clarion, 2022):

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In anticipation of The Immediate Family documentary, it’s only fitting that we listen to a couple of seminal singer-songwriter tunes. In 1972, Carole King and James Taylor both recorded “You’ve Got a Friend” on separate albums (Tapestry, Mud Slide Slim), and both earned Grammy Awards for it (Taylor: Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, King: Song of the Year).

King, who wrote the song in 1971, said it was written by something outside herself through her, “as close to pure inspiration as she’s ever experienced.” It was initially inspired by a line from Taylor’s “Fire and Rain”:  “I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend.”

These videos are from James Taylor’s Troubadour Reunion Tour (2010) that featured Carole King and members of his original band (Kortchmar, Kunkel, Sklar). You can easily pick out Lee because of his beard, and of course Kortchmar, a.k.a., Kootch, is on guitar, while Kunkel is on drums.

Carole King wrote “Up on the Roof” with Gerry Goffin (1962). Taylor included a cover on his album Flag (1979), and of course Carole and James’s duet appears on their Live at the Troubadour Album (2010). Look for the final bow at the end with King, Taylor + three members of today’s Immediate Family. Enjoy!

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HAPPY TUESDAY

HAPPY WEEK

DON YOUR JINGLE BELLS

FA LA LA

EAT MINCE PIE

BAKE COOKIES

BE AN ELF

EAT COOKIES

MAKE MERRY

BE TRUE

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**Copyright © 2023 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.