Ann’s books are gifts.  Especially the food books.  Because you don’t have to make these cakes to enjoy them.  Get someone you know “Extraordinary Cakes” for Christmas ($40).  Here’s a sneak peek:

Most of the time, we eat when we’re hungry.  But dining is a whole ‘nother activity.   Delicious and interesting food in elegant surrounding with music that sets the mood is dining.  And if someone you know like to read about food, plan a dining experience, and relive the occasion, Ann’s has a wonderful gift for you to give him or her.

Called Music and Menus, Sharon O’Connor’s books are themed dining tomes that include a CD to go with each one.  Sharon is an accomplished cellist who has travelled the world and dined in beautiful and varied restaurants all over.  Her books pair music with food, and the food is delicious!  Sharon adapted recipes from top world-class restaurants for at-home dining and includes stories of each restaurant and region, along with beautiful photographs.  Travel to the great American Lodges, the Wine Country, Italy and France.  Even if you never turn on the oven, you will enjoy reading the books and listening to the music paired with them.  Boxed and ready to give, $39.95 each.

No, it’s not a sandwich but a new book from Shel Silverstein.  Actually, his family has compiled this (Silverstein died in 1999) collection of poems and drawings posthumously.  If you love “Where the Sidewalk Ends” and “A Light in the Attic” you’ll enjoy this new book as well.   Wonderful gift from grandma to the grandkids for $19.99, so come pick up a copy and tuck one away for Christmas!

Traditionally, Labor Day is the last big blow out of summer, so do it right with some new outdoor cooking and grilling ideas.  Or skip the whole thing and just read about it while ensconced in air-conditioned comfort at home.  Here are a few titles that help you produce backyard food any American would be proud to serve:

Now that the big kids are back in school, why not come browse the books for pre-schoolers at Ann’s?  We stock the books you like to read to your grandchildren, and our selection is wonderful right now.  Lots of new titles are here, from story books to pop-ups, so stock up on gifts while the shopping is easy:

Travel from the comfort of your home via one of Ann’s new food tomes.  Beautiful pictures and glorious descriptions make these the perfect way to spend a hot afternoon keeping cool and comfortable.    Plan your next party and dream of fabulous food in spectacular settings.    With books like these, you don’t actually have to cook to enjoy the food!   They make great gifts, too.

The best gift you can give your children and grandchildren is to read to them EVERY DAY!  It’s something you will enjoy, too.  Why not come pick out some new books to read in a cool place on a hot summer day?  Here are some suggestions for young ones, lots more to choose at Ann’s:

Christmas is a wonderful time to indulge the little ones you love with good books.  Sounds, music, and pop ups are so fun for children as you enjoy the book together.  Create Christmas memories with gifts of good books from Ann’s!  (Click on the pictures to see them enlarged in your browser.)  For more children’s books at Ann’s, click here.

Sandra Boynton's "Blue Moo" has lots of quirkly, silly tunes. The book includes a CD and it's so fun to sing along!

Tour Graceland with this pop-up book with sound!

Beautiful illustrations, pop-ups, and stereo sound of birdsong makes "Birdscapes" enthralling to kids and adults alike!

Everything Christmas is in these pages, recipes, songs, trivia, gift-ideas, crafts, and stories. The Christmas Almanac puts the magic back into the holiday.

Inside The Christmas Almanac.

Ann’s has the books that grandma loves to give the grandkids!  Lots of new ones are in for Christmas.  Come pick up a few to give to your family’s children!  Here are a few titles, only some of many:

The cowboy or wanna-be in your life might enjoy one of Ann’s many gift books for a good read.  Choose from humor to cooking to boots and hats!  Ann’s books are an easy and appreciated gift for the western buff on your list.   We’ll gift wrap your Ann’s purchases free, the Christmas wrap is ready.  Shop now at Ann’s!