Chocolate, flowers, poems, gifts—all of these things are readily associated with Valentine’s Day, the most romantic holiday of the year. But how did this day devoted to the celebration of love come to be? How have the traditions associated with February 14th changed over the years, and how do people in different countries around the world mark the occasion?

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"A solid nonfiction offering; libraries should buy multiples."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Collage art that mimics old-fashioned Valentine's illustrations is irresistible. . ."
--Booklist

"A lovely addition to holiday bookshelves."
--School Library Journal

It’s an old-time playtime—nothing electronic, just games that have stood the test of time! They help children build skills like hand-eye coordination, problem solving, and simply learning how to be a good team player and work well with others. But most of all, they’re lots of fun. This collection of timeless games guarantees kids a great time—by themselves, with a group of friends, or with their family. And best of all, no batteries are required . . . and very little equipment, too.

"This is a great resource for parents and teachers, as well as for children."
--School Library Journal

From Jezebel to Catherine the Great, from Cleopatra to Mae West, from Mata Hari to Bonnie Parker, strong women have been a problem for historians, storytellers, and readers. Strong females smack of the unfeminine. They have been called wicked, wanton, and willful. Sometimes that is a just designation, but just as often it is not. "Well-behaved women seldom make history," is the frequently quoted statement by historian and feminist Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. But what makes these misbehaving women "bad"? Are we idolizing the wicked or salvaging the strong?

"The mother-daughter team of Yolen and Stemple have rounded up some of the meanest (or perhaps just misguided) groups of gals history has known. And they have wrapped them in an attractive package that makes reading about their exploits even more enjoyable."
--Booklist, starred review

"Entertaining and eye-opening."
--Kirkus Reviews

"...a snap-crackling read...Feminist, intelligent, and open-ended, this book respects its readers as much as it does its subjects."
--School Library Journal

Winston Churchill, the prime minister of England during World War II, was one of the greatest wartime leaders of the modern era. While he is often likened to the English bulldog due to his tenacious personality and even his physical resemblance to the breed, Mr. Churchill was actually a devoted poodle owner and held quite an affinity for his miniature poodle, Rufus, who withstood the trials of World War II by his owner’s side.

"The combination of thoughtful design, compelling illustrations and a winsome canine companion make this beginning biography stand out."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

In this board book by Jerry Pallotta, award-winning author of several alphabet and counting books for young children, readers will learn how to count to ten while learning the colors of the rainbow—plus some fun patterns as a bonus. Shennen Bersani’s realistic and colorful art depicts ten real butterfly species, both common and rare, from around the world.

"A lovely and simple concept book covering counting and colors for the youngest butterfly spotters."
--Kirkus Reviews

So you finish every sudoku and sudoku variation you try, and you think you’re a master who can conquer any puzzle. Well, consider this collection a challenge! These 110 puzzles are so tough that you’ll be tearing your hair out . . . while you’re also having a great time giving your brain the best workout ever.

This is weather beyond your wildest imagination—yet it’s all true: showers of worms from the sky, watermelon snow, gory storms, and other freakish and fun phenomena! These stories are anything but ordinary, and they will leave you stunned, horrified, amazed, and sometimes even amused at the incredible things nature can do. Gathered from historic records, present-day news reports and research studies, and spanning the globe from the Sahara to the tundra to the USA, they reveal just how volatile and bizarre weather can be.

What’s lots of fun—and brain-building too? Crosswords! Kids love to solve puzzles, and while they’re enjoying themselves, they’re also improving language skills, logical reasoning, and even their knowledge of the world. This cool collection has real child-appeal with irresistible themes that range from "Back to School" to "Dino Delight" to "Sports Fans."

Whether they’re drawn from nature or art, optical illusions can amaze, amuse, confuse, and fool the viewer. They remind us that we do not see the world as it is, but only filtered through our own perceptions. This stunning collection captures the full breadth of the form, from composite images and trompe l’oeil to tricks of perspective and the absolutely impossible.

FOOD & WINE, America’s leading culinary talent scout, shares recipes from America’s next food superstars: the 10 men and women—chefs, professional cooks and bakers—we’re proud to have discovered.