Stuff We Love
STUFF TO READ
The Art of Missing Link [Insight Editions, $45] When it comes to LAIKAs acclaimed feature films, the richly detailed stop-motion craftsmanship makes one feel that every ounce of artistry is there on the screen. This is why the studios Art Of books are such a joy its like taking the last piece of candy out of the box only to realize theres a whole other layer of truffles under the tissue paper. This colorful hardcover written by Animags own Ramin Zahed (with intro by writer-director Chris Butler and foreword by the inimitable Stephen Fry) is a jaw-dropping journey through vast landscape sets full of pauses to marvel at tiny masterpieces, from vibrant blooming cacti to perfectly dirty grain-sized fingernails, narrated by the dedicated creatives who conceived and brought each element to audiences. [April 9]
A Smile for Sasquatch [Insight Kids, $17] If you and the young film fans in your life cant get enough of Mr. Link, this sweet prologue picture book is the perfect remedy. Written by Steven Marten, who penned the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs graphic novel adaption, it playfully tells the story of the cryptids life before meeting Sir Lionel, his longing for company and his passion for words, set within an energetic visual world created by illustrator Aaron Cushley. [April 2]
Eat, Drink, Animate: An Animators Cookbook [CRC Press, $45 Paperback | $40 Kindle] Creativity finds many outlets and most of the animators we know have gone through a starving artist period so this somewhat curious combo book concept is rather brilliant. Author and legendary animator Tom Sito (Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast, etc.) takes us around the world and through the many ages of animation to celebrate amazing artists with a look at their career highlights and the victuals that keep them going complete with tested and adapted recipes from cocktails to dessert. Whether its with Bruno Bozzettos spaghetti or Hayao Miyazakis poor mans ramen, this book will feed your inspiration. (And yes, there are vegan options!) [Available now.]
Hicotea: A Nightlights Story [NoBrow, $19] This months please let this get an animated adaptation nominee is hands-down Lorena Alvarezs beautiful, strange, adorable and unsettling folkloric fantasy world of Nightlights. The second installment is a whole new adventure for young hero Sandy a spunky girl with a penchant for drawing and daydreaming as an empty turtle shell turns into a portal to a magical museum. Bogota-born Alvarez is a remarkable illustrator, and this series offers a refreshing modern fairytale with enough humor and complexity to appeal beyond its 8-12 year-old demo. [Available now.]