Are you looking for last minute gifts?   Well, look no further.   I’ve compiled some outstanding books that will surely complete your Christmas list.

I’ll begin with some of the best non-fiction books from this past year that all ages will definitely enjoy.   Atlas of the Universe , by Dr. Mark A. Garlick, is an oversized look into the depths of space and the incredibly interesting stars and planets.   Sections of the book include “The Solar System”, “The Universe” and “Stargazing”.   Planets, the moon, the Milky Way and more, fill pages with color and intensity and the interesting format of the information only adds to this perfect coffee table book.

David Macaulay has a new book out and it’s outstanding.   The Way We Work:   Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body , with Richard Walker, deals with the subject of the many systems in the human body and how they all work intricately, and dependently, with each other.   There are wonderfully illustrated cross-sections, close-ups and unique angles of bones, cells and organs.   These drawings explode across the page with such clarity that they invite the reader to read all of the information on each page.   This is one book that may just begin the journey to medicine for an occupation.   And if you haven’t checked out his other recent publication, ” The New Way Things Work” , you should – you won’t be disappointed with either book.

Swords , by Ben Boos, is another oversized book filled with a most unique way to learn history – through the many varied types of swords used throughout the ages.   Mr. Boos has rendered the most remarkable assortment of swords which depict many different eras of long ago.   Some of the sections include “Knights,” “Samurai” and “Sultans”.   It’s fascinating to see the variety of handles, sheaths and design of the blades that quickly showcases the history of each.

What the Sea Teaches Us:   The Crew of the Morning Light , by Jeff Kurtti, and with a forward by Roy E. Disney, is a photographed and written account of one of the youngest crews to compete in the Transpacific Yacht Race.   This account demonstrates the terrific challenges, teamwork, trust and perseverance needed to compete – and complete – successfully.   The fact that these sailors were in their early 20’s is an inspiration to all who read this great book!

The 2 nd International Cookbook for Kids , by Matthew Locricchio, and photographed by Jack McConnell, is an easy step-by-step cookbook that features foods from around the world.   Some of the sections include “Soups”, Noodles, Rice and Beans” and “Desserts”.   The kid-friendly layout is easy to read and the results will whet your appetite.

Walt Disney’s Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park , by Jeff Kurtti, gives an inside look into one of the most innovative solutions of combining imagination with production.   Walt Disney brought together talented and creative people and created a team that became known as “imaginers”.   Here is a celebration of what happens when you bring bright people together to create new productions.   As Disney once said, “..Curiosity leads us down new paths.”

The Alchemy of Animation:   Making an Animated Film in the Modern Age , by Don Hahn, is the perfect book for the aspiring artist.   This book takes a step-by-step approach of animation in filmmaking.   The attention to digital techniques, as well as working with directors, story artists and songwriters, is helpful direction for this livelihood.

Disney’s Dogs , by Tamara Khalaf, is a great book to visit and revisit again and again.   The art used to develop Pluto, Lady and the Tramp and Nana from Peter Pan are just a few of the animation images conveyed in this smallish sized book.

100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet:   What to do if it Happens to You , by Anna Claybourne, enlightens, informs and helps to prepare for disasters that are both natural and man-made.   Some of these include avalanches, earthquakes and brake failures.

The Stunning Science of Everything:    Science with the Squishy Bits Left in , by Nick Arnold, and illustrated by Tony De Saulles, is an intense visual and entertaining book that explains everything from dinosaurs to pesky plants.

Walter Wick’s Optical Tricks is fun and full of eye magic with 13 tricks waiting to be solved.   The angles and lines of the photos make the deception more difficult to disseminate.

Spyology , by Spencer Blake, and edited by Dugald Steer, is under the guise of a story about a British spy as he attempts to uncover a deadly criminal organization.   But the many captivating foldouts, secret compartments and code makers will undoubtedly entice would be spies into this secret life.