The 2009

Arroyo Seco
Holiday Gift Guide
Everything Everyone You Love Wants

Gizmos and Gifts for every

taste and every tree!

• Give the gift of art and music:

NELA Gallery Guide

• Give a fantasy vacation!

• Give what you wish

you were getting!

• Give Love
Plus:
A Little Christmas Story
Give him a Car...
Or maybe just a car wash?

Produced by the Arroyo Seco Journal and pasadenanow.com

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• Over 150 Premium Bottled
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323-257-2245 LOUNGE
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131-135 North Avenue 50
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323-258-1435

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Festive Attire encouraged!
Sponsored In part by: Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
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Image: “Poppies” By Nancy Romero
3
 The

Journal
Arroyo
The Holiday Thing

www.asjournal.net
Seco

Serving the communities of Northeast Los Angeles

TOC
Even in the worst economic climate since the Graat Depression,
whose heart doesn’t quicken just a little at the good that the Holi-
days bring to us? It isn’t just the gifts, it certainly isn’t the shopping,
or the wrapping, or the malls, or the lines. Or maybe it is.

The Arroyo Seco 2009 Maybe it’s all the little hassles we go through to make this holiday
more special than the last one. Don’t children remember every

Holiday Gift Guide

single Christmas? Didn’t you? So, we shop, we stand in line, we
wrap, we, grumble in lines, we connive to snatch the last copy of
is a joint collaboration of Rock Band® out of that guy’s hands. It’s the holidays. We show our
worst and best sides in the hope that someone sees our humanity.
The Arroyo Seco Journal &
We’re all kids at Christmas time, and we are all that entails.
pasadenanow.com
It’s because of all of that that we hold the Holidays special, and
published by try to share our happiness with those close to us. And, just like all
The Verdugo Group politics are local, so are economics. Which is just another way of
PO Box 50236 saying, “If you’re going to shop, why not shop locally?” Sure, you’ve
Los Angeles, CA 90050 USA gotten some stuff online, and you’ve done Black Friday already, but
Editorial: 323.315.2609 we’ve tried to list some local shops and galleries where you can
Advertising: 323.245.4871 find something special for someone special.
•
Serving the communities of So check out our listings of local shops and art galleries. Your
friends are unique. Give them something unique.
Northeast Los Angeles, Pasadena and
beyond Weve also listed some stuff you might never buy for anyone any-
• time, but aren’t the Holidays about dreams? Of course they are.
Publisher/Editorial Director
Edward Rivera We’ve also included a lot of cool gadgets and gizmos we’ve discov-
ered this year. And we like gizmos. A lot.
Co-Publisher
James Macpherson Shopping. Wrapping. Eating. Giving. Receiving. Here’s to all of that,
and hoping for every good thing for you and the ones you love this
Associate Editor year and every year.
Candace Merrill
Everything,
Art & Design Eddie
Edward Rivera & John Bowers

Contributing Writers Edward Rivera

David Auslender, Caryn Gilbert, Editorial Director
Candice Merrill, Rachel Naud The Arroyo Seco Journal

PO Box 50236
Los Angeles, California 90050
323.315.2609
www.asjournal.net
4
4 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
 Inside:
TOC Art
Find the perfect gift for the perfect spot. The galleries of Northaeast Los
Angels are bursting with perfect gift ideas. From one-of-a-kind art pieces
to everyday doo-dads. it’s probably hecho en Northeast LA. Our Gallery
Guide wiil show you who and where. 6

Places
You’re only six months from Summer. And you want to go somewhere.
And you want to take the one you love. We’ve been there. We’re usually
there. We’ve got a few suggestions for places. And we’ve got more
coming up this year. Look inside for a little taste of
travel. 11

Gizmotique
Cool stuff to give and get. Stuff to travel with. Stuff to wear . Stuff to read.
Stuff people really like. 19

And...A Little Christmas Story

26

5
|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 5
 Give the Gift of Art and Music!
As Los Angeles’ original art
community, Northeast LA is
filled with a myriad of galler-
ies for every taste and pocket-
book. Celebrate art AND the
holidays!
Bughouse
5046 Eagle Rock Boulevard
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
323.640.0234
www.bughouse.com
Eagle Rock Center
for the Arts
2225 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock, California 90041
Phone: (323) 226-1617
www.centerartseaglerock.org
Eagle Rock Music Studio
4870 Eagle Rock Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90041
Phone: (323) 309-8467
www.eaglerockmusicstudio.
com
Jose Vera Fine Arts & An-
tiques
Tania
6 Verafield
6 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
2012 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, California 90041
Phone: (323) 258-5050
www.joseveragallery.com
Another Year in LA
Contemporary Art Gallery
2121 N. San Fernando Road,
#13,
Los Angeles, CA 90065
323-223-4000
Hours: M-F 12- 5, Sun 1- 4
www.anotheryearinla.com
info@anotheryearinla.com
Apartment 2
2317 Merton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
http://apartment2.wordpress.
com/
semastroianni70@yahoo.com
Art 2102
The Drawing Club
5028 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
www.art2102.org
Avenue 50 Studio
A multicultural alternative
art space, with an emphasis
on chicano / latino art. We
feature artists from around
the world as well as locally
grown. 3235 San Fernando Rd. #2C,
131 N Avenue 50, Highland Los Angeles, CA 90065
Park, CA  90042 626.303.2556
www.thedrawingclub.com
info@thedrawingclub.com
Drkrm
Photography gallery
2121 San Fernando
Road Suite 3, Los Angeles CA
90065
323-223-6867,
Hours: tuesday-saturday 11-5,
monday by appointment
(323) 258-1435
www.avenue50studio.com
ave50studio@sbcglobal.net
Cactus Gallery
An alternative space for
alternative people. Monthly
shows, fine art, artesanias,
live music, live painting, live www.drkrm.com
vibe. drkrm@mac.com
Future Studio
4534 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle
Rock, CA 90041
323.256.6117
Hours: M-F 12-8, Sat 10-5, Sun
10-2
www.eclecticcactus.com
 Hours: By appointment
5558 N Figueroa St, Los www.claregraham.com/
Angeles CA 90042 MorYork.html
Hours: Open by Appoint- blissfulmartyr@claregra-
ment ham.com
homepage.mac.com/fu-

N E L A a r t
turestudio

Judson Studios

Mullin Gallery, Occiden-

tal College

200 S. Avenue 66 Mullin Gallery is an exhibi-

323.255.0131 tion space at Occidental
www.judsonstudios.com College that takes mul-
info@judsonstudios.com tiple forms. 

Kristi Engle Gallery

Contemporary Art
Student shows as well as
professional LA based art-
ists are exhibited through
GALLERY
N I G H T
a faculty
5002 York Blvd, Los Ange- based scheduling process.
les CA 90042 1600 Campus Road
323.472.6237 (NW Corner of Campus,
www.kristienglegallery. park on Campus Rd)
com Hours: W 7-10, Th 6-9
www.oxy.edu/x472.xml

Open Gallery

6375-B N. Figueroa Street

Los Angeles, CA 90042
323 982 9461
opengalleryla@gmail.com

Outpost for Contempo-

  rary Art

Monte Vista
Contemporary Art

5442 Monte Vista Street

LA, CA 90042
www.montevistaprojects.
com
info@montevistaprojects.
com

MorYork Gallery The Outpost for contem-

porary art
4959 York Blvd., has a new headquarters in
7
|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 7
Highland Park.
6375 North Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Office: 323 982 9461
Cellular: 323 899 3533
www.outpost-art.org
info@outpost-art.org
Rock Rose Art Gallery
4108 N. Figueroa Street,
323-635-9125
www.rockroseartgallery.com
rockroseart@yahoo.com
Sea and Space Explorations
Artist Run Project Space
4755 York Blvd, LA, CA 90042
www.seaandspace.org
info@seaandspace.org
The Southwest Museum
8
8 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
234 Museum Dr, Los Angeles,
55º Wine
CA - (323) 221-2164
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
DECEMBER 31, 2009
Toros Gallery
A ceramics studio and Gallery
www.torospottery.com A Different Kind of Wine Store
info@torospottery.com
3111 Glendale Boulevard
Atwater Village 90039
Workspace www.55degreewine.com
Contemporary Art events@55degreewine.com
2601 Pasadena Ave, Unit C
Los Angeles, CA 90031 (map) 323.662.5556
info@workspace2601.com Open Daily 11am – 10pm
323.344.1934 Wine Bar:
Open by appointment.
Tu – F 6 -10 • Sa – Su 5 - 10
workspace2601.com
Coming Soon
from your friends at
the
Arroyo Seco
Journal
and
pasadenanow.com:
Elsewheremag.net
&
coastalcalifornia.com
Two great new travel sites!
LAUNCH DATE JANUARY 1
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9
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“Brain Lost B/W Full Page Magazine”
|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 9
65 Years of Celebrating the Holidays!
As we were going to press, a parade broke out on Figueroa Street. For 65 years, the Northeast LA Holiday
Parade has made children smile and kept Santa busy. There were marching bands, cheerleaders, tons of
drums, snazzy cars and Christmas in the air. This is part of what it looked like. Photos by Margaret Arnold.

10
10 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
 Places
Give Them Somewhere to Go
In these tough ecomonic times, are we crazy to recommend the gift of travel? Of course
not. It’s Christmas, and it’s for someone special only. And it’s only once a year. You ain’t Bill
Gates. So look for deals, travel together, and remember, it’s the holidays. Make everything
special. We’’ll show you a few places we’ve visited and really liked this past year. You de-
cide.

by Dave Auslender

Hotel Frank is the latest
addition to a chain of
7 “Personality” hotels.
An adroitly executed,
seemingly never ending
project conceptualized
by Yvonne Lembi-Deter, a
graduate of the Rudolph
Shaffer school of design
and daughter of real estate
mogul Frank Lembi.Wwhen
I checked into Hotel Frank,
I felt like a
gumshoe
working
on a case.
The feel of
the hotel
is one
conducive
to vivid
imaginations.
I wished for a trenchcoat
and for stormier weather,
although the mild rain
outside did help with
the fantasy. So did the
houndstooth carpeting,
spread out in a black and
white pinwheel pattern.
Every rail and bannister
was made of brass, but
tempered by patina to
complete the antique look.
Driving the nail home
were the 1920’s flappers
who randomly appeared
everywhere in black and
white photos hung in matt
gold painted frames.
If you are a tired traveler
and you’ve made the
mistake of traveling to San
Francisco by car like I did,
it is best to simply pull up
into the white painted curb
and go inside.
From this point
on you will be
taken care of.
I pulled up
and noticed
the silhouette
of the bellman
notice me at
the curb. He
came out, directed me to
the front desk and stayed by
my side making sure that all
my needs were met.
Because this is a
“Personality” hotel, it’s easy
to imagine myself as Sam
Spade. The character who’s
life was so often dreamed
just blocks away by Dashiel
Hammett in the Union
Square Hotel. I option
to carry my “typewriter”
(laptop computer) with
me and let the bellman
lug away at my alligator
leather luggage, (actually a
Patagonia rolling carry-on).
This looks like a place
where bootleggers and
politicians (business people
and vacationing families)
might meet for cocktails.
I should keep my eye out
for well to do “playboy
type” would-be-murderers,
(European tourists). But I
am in good hands. I check
in and my valet receipt is
handed to me with strict
instructions not to lose it
and to allow for a 20 minute
car retrieval period upon
check-out.
My trusty Bellman
and I ascend 12 floors in
a tiny elevator lined with
brass panels and another
black and white photo of
a flapper. Out we fall with
a “ding” and up a flight of
stairs to the “Skyline Loft”.
I adjust my seersucker
suit, (actually my Banana
Republic hoodie) and swipe
my key to open the door.
WOW!
I wish I could have
spent a week here. The loft
has a private rooftop patio
with great views of the
city. A large white leather
couch rests in front of a
large flatscreen. Hanging
bubbly lights that made me
feel like I was in a glass of
champagne dangle from
either side of the kingsize
bed. A canoe sized bathtub
on a marble pedestal rests in
the middle of the bedroom
and a faux fireplace adds a
bit of romance.
If you are looking to
find that inner writer, go
back in time, or just want
an escape that can be both
fun and functional, than
frankly I suggest you book a
room at the Hotel Frank. It’s
a perfect place where you
can practice whistling while
you work. You know how to
whistle, don’t you? You just
out your lips together and
blow.
HOTEL FRANK
386 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.986.2000.
Gift packages available.
11
|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 11
Places

A Palace in Pala
Christmas comes but once a year, so
why not really make it special. Too late
this year? Why not next year? A birth-
day ? An anniversary? You’ll think of
something.
Pala Casino Resort and Spa is a
remarkable slice of heaven perched
along a road to nowhere else, deep
in San Diego County. Spectacular
rooms with every amenity, along with
a world-class spa await to wrap you in
luxury.
We lived like kings on our recent
visit, and never had to think about the
casino. (It’s a great one, but you might
miss it, there is so much here.)
There are ten (count ‘em!) ten,
restaurants to feed every international
craving you might have. Add to that
the largest buffet in California, and you
may never eat again.
Gift cards of any amount are avail-
able in the gift shop, and, well, it’s
the season, but do you really need a
reason?

Pala Casino Resort and Spa

11154 Hwy 76
Pala CA 92059 . 877-WIN-PALA
(877-946-7252)

12
12 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
 Places

Splendor in Colorado
Hands down, this was one of our
favorite trips this year. The Gateway
Canyons resort beckons with rural
beauty and quiet elegance.
Gateway, Colorado, is located
south of Grand Junction, Colorado,
where the West Creek meets the Do-
lores River, and is surrounded by the
Uncompahgre Plateau, Piñon Mesa and
La Sal Mountains. Canyons and dramat-
ic rock spires dot the area like so many
skyscrapers.
There are two guest areas on the
property—Kiva Lodge, with 38 luxury
units with private balconies or pa-
tios, and the Dolores River Inn with
16 elegant guest rooms. The dining
experience will only make you re-think
your life and career (“Gee, how can I
live here?”).
It’s not the first place you’d think of
to visit, we know that. But it’s beautiful
and unforgettable, and you’ll wonder
what you waited for. Check out our
trip video at www.justaguyintheworld.
blogspot.com.
Gateway Canyons Resort
43200 Hwy 141 P.O. Box 339
Gateway, Colorado 81522
970-931-2458

13
|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 13
14
14 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
 15
|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 15
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Travel Gizmotique
Going somewhere? Well, someone is. Give ‘em something to take along!

We can’t sit still here. We’re always going somewhere., so we’re always on the lookout for cool travel gizmos to
make the business and pleasure of travel just a little more efficient. And comfortable. So we went online looking
for stuff. Going somewhere? Check out these inventions.

Wash ‘em up!

A portable washing machine sounds hard to believe. This baby is so small
that you can put it in your bag and take it with you. The portable wash-
ing machine from Astone offers the convinience of a fully operational
washing machine without taking all the space. The washing machine is
inflatable and can hold up to 6.5 litres of water. It can be easily deflated
and weighs only 2 kgs making it the perfect traveling companion. About
$70. www.astone.com

Making a case for it

The Pelican Micro Case Series™ is perfect for your cell
phones, PDA’s, pagers and other personal gadgets and
items. The new Micro Case Series are crushproof (with-
stands up to a 5,000 lb. truck), watertight and have an
automatic purge valve. Cases come standard with an im-
pact absorbing inner liner. The Micro Case is made from
tough polycarbonate. Liner is designed to absorb shock,
and acts as an o-ring to make the case completely water-
tight and waterproof. Everything remains safe and dry.

You’re in the Industry

If you’ve seen any of our travel videos online (www.justa-
guyintheworld.blogspot.com) and wondered who the crew
is, you’re looking at it. The XShot allows you to get in front of
the camera where you belong, without every photo and vid-
eo looking like a closeup of your chin. Attach a small digital
camera or video camera to this extending pole, and you’re
in show biz. And, for the record, we really hate giving this
secret away. www.xshotpix.com

Voltaic Backpack
The Voltaic Backpack is a solar charger you wear on your back. You’re never very
far from a charge! There are pockets and wire channels for multiple electronic
devices and 1,850 cubic inches of storage space. The solar panels protect fragile
items inside. The included battery pack stores power until you need it. 11 adap-
tors for easy connection to handheld electronics. Fully padded laptop sleeve for
up to a 17” laptop (16.5” x 11” x 3” or 42cm x 28cm x 7cm) Wire channels through-
out the bag for your headphones, too. Adjustable phone / MP3 pouch on the
shoulder. Removable waist strap. $249

18
18 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
 Let the sun shine in
The PowerMonkey Explorer Solar Charger lets you take “charge” of your life in
your hands, literally. Its hand-held size gives you the freedom to charge your
important accessories anywhere you want, whenever you want. Make sure
your powermonkey has full power at all time by charging it with the handy
solar-slave, which can be attached to a rucksack, hung from a window, left in
a car or taken anywhere the sun shines. Cell phones, iPods, cameras and many
other electronic devices can be charged as needed. Specifically designed for
the outdoor environment, this solar charger is powerful, portable, tough and
water-resistant. Enjoy convenience and security with up to 1 year of stand-by
reserve power.

Take back your space!

How many flights have been spoiled by the rude passenger in front
of you reclining their seat all the way back into your lap? The fiend-
ishly clever Knee Defender is the answer. With Knee Defender™, tall
men and tall women both can now use a simple, convenient, pocket-
sized device to help defend against most flying seatbacks. And be-
cause Knee Defenders™ are adjustable, you can generally set them to
provide only as much protection as you need. Just attach them to the
tray tables, and that seat back isn’t going anywhere.

Adapt Yourself
A lightweight, compact de-
vice that automatically de-
tects incoming voltage, con-
Strap this one on verts it to 120-volt AC power,
It can take a split second of looking at a map or asking for di- and provides plug adapta-
rections for a seasoned pickpocket to cut through a conven- tion for over 150 countries
tional belt or strap. The PacSafe eXomesh system featured in throughout Europe, Africa,
the CarrySafe Camera Strap is embedded with snatch-proof, Asia, the Americas and Ca-
high tensile, stainless steel wire. This wire cleverly concealed ribbean, and Australia. The plug configures to fit a
within the strap is flexible enough to allow the strap to bend variety of international sockets, and it has a built-in
with you and stay comfortable when worn around the neck. USB port that allows you to leave chargers for cell
phones, digital cameras, iPods, and other devices at
Quick-release clasps allow easy strap transfer between cam- home. The device allows simultaneous AC and USB
era and camera case. Neoprene sleeves cover connectors for connection to charge two devices at once. An inte-
camera protection and maximum security. End buckles have grated surge protector protects electronics from po-
been specially designed to feature screw-down lock nuts and tential power spikes. For a complete list of compat-
custom built wrench fastening system provides even more ible countries, visit hammacher.com.
security. $19.95

19
|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 19

Wheel Life

The Mazda Mx-3:

You Better be Really, Really Good
by Candice Merrill transmission; making the
Road trip! I was headed down vehicle very responsive.
to the Temecula wine country However it was a real downer
in a Celestial blue 2010 in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Mazda3. Windy roads look out! And serious bumper-to-
Me and my Mazda3 are coming bumper traffic is what I dealt
with for
most of
my drive
south. If
I were
driving
in heavy
traffic
on a
daily
to tame you. basis (and who in LA doesn’t),
At first glance, the Mazda3 I would give up some
Grand Touring looks much like performance and opt for the
the earlier versions of itself. automatic. But when out on
Same general shape and size, the open road that stick shift
but upon closer inspection, the was a dream, responsive but
Mazda3 yields some surprises. not too touchy, it down-shifted
It is equipped with headlights into the turns with ease.
that move with the steering Interior-wise, the Mazda3
which was a great use to me is comfortable and functional.
since I hit the windy mountain Its navigation screen is
If I were driving in heavy traffic on a daily
basis (and who in LA doesn’t), I would give up
some performance and opt for the automatic.
But when out on the open road that stick shift
was a dream; responsive but not too touchy, it
down-shifted into the turns with ease.
roads at night. A larger more controlled by a toggle on
powerful engine is behind the steering wheel. At first
the toothy smile which again I found this a bit confusing
served me well on those but once I got the hang of it I
mountain grades. liked it much better than the
My car was equipped touch screens. There is also
20 a six-speed manual
with a cool text-only display in
20 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
place of the nav screen that speakers without wires.
allows the driver to toggle The Mazda hands-free
through various readings such system is accessible via voice
as current and average fuel control using more steering
economy, fuel range (which I wheel-mounted buttons, so
really appreciated—made it you need to listen closely for
easy to plan the next gas stop), voice prompts as there are no
average speed, and vehicle on-screen controls.
settings. The Mazda sips fuel
Leather trimmed seats giving it an estimated 21 mpg
The 242-watt Bose surround sound system
provided great sound for the satellite radio.
It also has a Bluetooth connection for
compatible music phones and MP3 players
allowing you to stream audio through the
Bose speakers without wires.
cradle the driver and the city and whopping 29 mpg
leather-wrapped steering highway. On my trip the fuel
wheel gives the driver a better consumptions was closer to 25
grip and more control. The mpg as I did some mountain
back seat is fairly comfortable driving as well as stop and go
and the headroom sufficient freeway traffic. The base price
if you’re not over 6ft, but for the Mazda3 Grand Touring
is $21,500. Our model with the
added sound system, keyless
entry, nav system and moon
roof was closer to $24,800.
Could it be a gift? Well,
why not? It’s affordable,
whatever that means these
days, and dealers are eager
seriously what compact car to make deals in these
really accommodates taller challenging times.
people? It’s practical, economical,
The 242-watt Bose fun to drive, and it’s Christmas.
surround sound system If you’re considering this kind
provided great sound for of gift, well, I’ve been really,
the satellite radio. It also has really good.
a Bluetooth connection for
compatible music phones and
MP3 players allowing you to
stream audio through the Bose
 No Mailing No Waiting
We are a licensed GOLD BUYER
serving Highland Park for 30 years.
5033 York Blvd (323) 254-7296 21
|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 21
 From theThe 2009
editor: Holiday
It’s a sad Buying
but true fact that there Guide
are few from
bookstores Reading Rockets
in Northeast LA. READ
Books in Eagle Rock struggles, and the charming Bookhouse in South Pasadena shut its doors
last summer.
Good books We’re
last.word people.
They are truly We
the take thisiskinda
gift that seriously.
remembered longAsafter
a child
thein a largeorfamily,
holiday I re-
celebration
ceivedisbooks
over. each
In fact,Christmas from
a book that my mother’s
connects employer.
with a young readerFew
willgifts
growwere
withever
themasascherished,
it is sharedand I
read them through
countless times. and through
These booksmany, many times.
were chosen with just one criterion in mind — good literature
These books, compiled with the help of our
that’s so engaging that your child, grandchild, friends at Reading
niece, nephew, or Rockets,
studentawill
non-profit reading
gladly turn
advocacy group,
off theacknowledge
TV and put awaythe the
simple and elegant
Gameboy. valueasofgifts
Give books reading at ankids
and watch early age. At any
read.
age. You can find most of theseHappy booksholidays
online, in your
from cyber Rockets!
Reading hunt. They may be just books, but
they open doors to an imaginative and vivid life. Read all about it.
For children up to 4 years old For children 4–5 years old
All of Baby Nose to Toes by Victoria Adler All of Me! A Book of Thanks by Molly Bang
Birds by Kevin Henkes Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day/
Dog and Bear: Three to Get Ready by Laura Vaccaro Seeger Celebremos El dia de los Ninos/El dia de los libros
by Pat Mora
Dog Wants to Play by Christine McDonnell
Every Second Something Happens: Poems for the
Have You Ever Tickled a Tiger? by Betsy Snyder
Mind & Senses selected by Christine San Jose
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? by Jane Yolen
Farley Follows His Nose by Lynn Johnston &
The Little Dump Truck by Margery Cuyler Beth Cruikshank
Hello Baby! by Mem Fox Grizzly Dad by Joanna Harrison
Maisy’s Animals/Los Animales de Maisy by Lucy Cousins Here Comes Jack Frost by Kazuno Kohara
My Litle Polar Bear by Claudia Rueda How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Jane Cabrera The King’s Taster by Kenneth Oppel
Peek-a-Boo What? published by Begin Smart The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
Pouch! by David Ezra Stein Little Beauty by Anthony Browne
Truckery Rhymes by Jon Scieszka Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith
Wow! Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood Miranda’s Beach Day by Holly Keller
The Mitten by Jan Brett
Night Lights by Susan Gal
Ocean’s Child by Christine Ford & Trish Holland
Otis by Loren Long
Polo and the Dragon by Regis Faller
Shape by Shape by Suse MacDonald
The Sleepy Little Alphabet: A Bedtime Story
from Alphabet Town by Judy Sierra
The Super Hungry Dinosaur by Martin Waddell
The Terrible Plop by Ursula Dubosarsky
This Is the Firefighter by Laura Godwin
Whoo Goes There? by Jennifer Ericsson

See the next page for books for kids 6–7 years old
and 8–9 years old

22
22 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
For children 6–7 years old
Acorns Everywhere! by Kevin Sherry
Creature ABC by Andrew Zuckerman
Dinosaur Hunt by David Catrow
Grumpy Grandpa by Heater Henson
I Spy Fly Guy! by Tedd Arnold
Nate the Great and the Hungry Book Club
by Marjorie & Mitchell Sharmat
Panda Kindergarten by Joanne Ryder
Ready, Set, Skip! by Jane O’Connor
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
There’s No Place Like Space: All About our Solar
System by Tish Rabe
Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer by Carol Brendler
To read with children 6–7 years old
Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem by Mac Barnett
A Book by Mordicai Gerstein
A Chair for Always by Vera Williams
Dinothesaurus: Prehistoric Poems by Douglas Florian
Imogene’s Last Stand by Candace Fleming
Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, & Lullabies
selected by Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton
The Longest Night by Marion Dane Bauer
Snow White: A Three-Dimensional Fairytale Theater
by Jane Ray
Spot the Plot: A Riddle Book of Book Riddles
by J. Patrick Lewis
Sunday Chutney by Aaron Blabey
Superhero School by Aaron Reynolds
Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best
Friends by Carol Buckley
When I Wore My Sailor Suit by Uri Shulevitz
Launching Young Readers
www.readingrockets.org
For children 8–9 years old
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, & Other
Natural Disasters by Lenore Look
Bad News for Outlaws by Vauda Micheau
The Daring Miss Quimby by Susanne George Whitaker
Friend or Fiend? With the Pain & the Great One
by Judy Blume
How Oliver Olson Changed the World by Claudia Mills
Moonshot by Brian Floca
Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and
a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis
Rich: A Dyamonde Daniel Book by Nikki Grimes
Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to
Swim Again by Juliana, Isabella, and Craig Hatkoff
You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax? by Jonah Winter
To read with children 8–9 years old
Crow Call by Lois Lowry
Django: World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist
by Bonnie Christensen
Falling Down the Page: A Book of List Poems
edited by Georgia Heard
Homework by Arthur Yorinks
Marsupials by Nic Bishop
Mission to the Moon by Alan Dyer
Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace by James Proimos
Sky Magic selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Strawberry Hill by Mary Ann Hoberman
Testing the Ice by Sharon Robinson
The Wonderful O by James Thurber
For more book lists and video interviews with
renowned children’s book authors and illustrators,
visit our website: www.readingrockets.org
23
|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 23
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**Ask your Sears representative about written limited warranty details. ***Energy savings may vary depending on your home and windows selected. Applies only to ENERGY STAR® rated windows. +See http://www.searshomepro.com/info/guarantee.aspx for Satisfaction Guarantee details. Sears Home Improvement Products, Inc. is a division of Sears Roebuck and Co. The following
licenses are held by or on behalf of Sears Home Improvement Products, Inc.: AL (Res. Bldr. #3663; HVAC #8186); AZ (Res. Contr.#ROC117628; HVAC #ROC206649); AR (HVAC #1004181); CA (Gen. Bldg. Contr. #B-721379, HVAC #C20-721379, Glazing C17-721379); CT (HVAC #303642-S1; HIC #0607669); FL (Gen. Contr. #CGC012538; HVAC #CMC1249510);
GA (HVAC #CN003489); ID (HVAC #C-6134, HVAC#J-6133; Contracting Bus. #RCE-25219); IL (City of Chicago Home Repair #1248977); IN (Evansville Res. Remodeling Cont. #RRC0185); KY (Master HVAC #M04667); LA (Res. Bldr. #84194; HVAC#45862); MD (HIC #87854; HVAC #6528; Contractor/Salesman #46542); MA (HIC #148607, All plumbing and
electrical services performed by licensed subcontractors); MI (Res. Bldr. #2102131369; HVAC #7110944); MN (Res. Remodeler #20090017); MS (Res. Bldr. #RO5222); NV (Carp. Contr. #43242; Gen. Contr. #60609; Plumb. & Htg. Contr. #60610; Refg. & AC Contr. #60608; Gen. Serviceman #S1469; HVAC #A0072); NY (NYC HIC #1225166, Nassau County HIC
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24 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
 A Simple Idea. Well-Executed.

|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 3

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|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 3

|Arroyo Seco Journal|

09 Gift Guide 3

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|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 25
Owed to Joy
A Christmas Story

By Ted A. Thompson Later that night I read rubbed my eyes. I looked which I knew we did not have
The year our youngest daugh- the instruction booklet while toward the window, where in the house -- I laid the blame
ter, Shelly, was four, she Shelly played with some of her the sky was only beginning to squarely on him, pointing out
received an unusual Christmas other new toys. The inventor of lighten with the dawn. I looked gently, "Besides, you have to
present from "Santa." the bubble-maker had tried all toward the kitchen, where the have Joy."
coffeepot had yet to start I watched her eyes light
dripping its aromatic reward back up as she realized, in less
The most highly prized gift Shelly received that for early-risingChristmas dads. than an instant, that she could
Christmas Eve was a giant bubble-maker, a simple "Shelly," I said, my voice neutralize this small problem
device of plastic and cloth the inventor prom- almost pleading and perhaps with the great and wonderful
a little annoyed, "it's too early. truth she was about to reveal.
ised would create huge billowing bubbles, large I haven't even had my coffee "Oh, Daddy," she prom-
enough to swallow a wide-eyed four-year-old. yet." ised, with all the honesty and
Her smile fell away. enthusiasm and Christmas
Immediately I felt a father's excitement she could possibly
She was the perfect age types of soaps for formulating remorse for bursting her bright communicate, "Oh, Daddy, I
for Christmas, able to under- bubbles and found that Joy Christmas bubble with what I do."
stand the true meaning of the dishwashing detergent created suddenly realized was my own I broke records getting
season, but still completely the best giant bubbles. I'd have selfish problem, and my heart to the store, and in no time at
enchanted by the magic of it. to buy some.
Her innocent joyfulness was The next morning, I was “Shelly,” I said, my voice almost pleading and
compelling and catching -- a awakened very early by small
great gift to parents, reminding stirrings in the house. Shelly perhaps a little annoyed.
us of what Christmas should was up. I knew in my sleepy “It’s too early. I haven’t even had my coffee yet.”
represent no matter how old mind that Christmas Day Her smile fell away. Immediately I felt a father’s
we are. festivities would soon begin,
The most highly prized gift so I arose and made my way
remorse for bursting her bright Christmas bubble
Shelly received that Christmas toward the kitchen to start the with what I suddenly realized was my own selfish
Eve was a giant bubble-maker, coffee. In the hallway, I met problem, and my heart broke a little.
a simple device of plastic and my daughter, already wide
cloth the inventor promised awake, the bubble-maker
would create huge billowing clutched in her chubby little broke a little. all we were out on the front
bubbles, large enough to swal- hand, the magic of Christmas But I was a grown-up. I lawn creating gigantic, billow-
low a wide-eyed four-year-old. morning embraced in her four- could fix this. In a flash of adult ing, gossamer orbs--each one
Both Shelly and I were excited year-old heart. Her eyes were inspiration, I unshouldered filled with Joy and sent forth
about trying it out, but it was shining with excitement, the responsibility. Recalling the shimmering into the Christmas
after dark so we'd have to wait- and she asked, "Daddy, can we inventor's recommendation of sun.
until the next day. make bubbles now?" a particular brand of bubble-
26 I sighed heavily and making detergent --
26 |Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide
 S:10 in
WE LIVE IN THE
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our air, our land and yourself at earthshare.org. Earth Share supports more than 400 environmental and conservation
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|Arroyo Seco Journal| 09 Gift Guide 27
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