The Gift Of Story
Holiday-ready box sets debuting this fall
By Karyn M. Peterson -- Playthings, 10/1/2008
Though it's only been weeks since kids have gone back to school, no doubt your holiday preparations are already in full swing. Children's book publishers are also mindful of the season, and are introducing a number of attractive box sets in the coming weeks to fill this need. Toy retailers, take note of these perfectly packaged gifts starring kids' favorite characters.
Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians Boxed Set includes the first three titles in this fantastical series detailing the efforts of Poseidon's son to prevent war between the gods, to fight off a mythological monster invasion at his summer camp, and to rescue his best friend. ($19.99) Hyperion, New York
The deluxe Peter Rabbit's Holiday Collection offers four classic Beatrix Potter tales in special gold-jacketed mini editions featuring their original fullcolor artwork. The set includes The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck and The Tailor of Gloucester. ($18.99) Penguin, New York
Ivy and Bean's Treasure Box combines the first three stories in this charming chapter book series—written by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall—about two spunky little girls who are the best of friends. The set also offers a secret treasure-hiding box, with a surprise treat hidden away inside. ($19.99) Chronicle Books, San Francisco
Gail Carson Levine's The Enchanted Collection Box Set packages the beloved Ella Enchanted, a Newberry Honor book, with The Two Princesses of Bamarre and Fairest, all delightful stories that turn the trappings of classic fairy tales completely upside down. ($19.99) HarperCollins, New York
The Adventures of Tintin: Collectors Gift Set showcases 21 of Belgian artist Hergé's stories—one of the most popular European comic strips of the 20th century—via seven hardcover volumes plus a bonus title by “Tintinologist” Michael Farr. These all-ages books range from adventure to fantasy to political/cultural commentary. ($150) Little, Brown, New York
Judy Moody's younger brother finally gets his own box set with Stink: The Super-Incredible Collection from author Megan McDonald and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. It includes the series' first three hilarious, stinky tales. ($14.97) Candlewick Press, Cambridge, Mass.























