My boys are 12 and almost 10, and it’s getting harder and harder to buy them gifts! I miss those days when they wanted Power Rangers and Rescue Heroes Fortunately for me, they like books, especially books like these two from Candlewick Press- “Monsterology: The Complete Book of Monsterous Creatures“, and “Swords”. “Monsterology” is written in field journal style by Dr. Ernest Drake, who also wrote the bestselling “Dragonology”. In “Monsterology”, each page is packed with touchable items such as a removable letter, multiple foldouts, flaps, and pull-outs,  textured “samples,” including sea serpent skin and a feather from a winged horse,  booklets — including riddles to tell a sphinx, a cabinet of curiosities containing yeti fur, a hippogriff feather, and more.

Examining each page closely and looking inside every flap, pull-out and envelope keeps both my boys entertained. Suggested retail price is $19.99, age recommendation is 8 and up.

“Swords” is subtitled An Artist’s Devotion, and it’s easy to see why. Author/Illustrator Ben Boos presents a history of swords and swordsmen, from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights; from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. The illustrations are breathtaking in their detail, and include details on design and usage as well as layouts showing groups of swords. The way the pages are arranged turns the swords into works of art and things of beauty. Suggested retail price is $24.99, age recommendation is 10 and up.  Either of these books would make a great gift for boys for the holidays!

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