Charlie Brown has difficulty appreciating his friends' efforts to celebrate Arbor Day.

Charlie Brown's America tells the story of how and why the lovable kids and an adventurous beagle of Peanuts became the unlikely spokespeople for American life in the last half of the twentieth century.

For “fan[s] of all things Charlie Brown animated . . . gives you insight as to what . . . Charles M. Schultz felt about these TV and film adaptations” (MTV News). For the first time, this deluxe visual history treats Peanuts fans to an in-depth look at the art and making of the beloved animated Peanuts specials. From 1965’s original classic A Charlie Brown Christmas through the 2011 release of Happiness Is a Warm Blanket, animation historian Charles Solomon goes behind the scenes of all forty-five films, exploring the process of bringing a much-loved comic strip to life. The book showcases the creative development through the years with gorgeous, never-before-seen concept art, and weaves a rich history based on dozens of interviews with former Peanuts directors, animators, voice talent, and layout artists, as well as current industry folk. Filling a void in animation publishing—there is no other history or art book of the Peanuts specials—this volume celebrates five decades of the artistry and humor of Charles M. Schultz and the artists who reimagined the comic for the screen. “This engaging art book features dozens of interesting interviews, but the real treasure is all the often-seen images and little-seen artifacts associated with the five decades of Emmy-winning Peanuts specials.” —The Washington Post “The beautiful, display-worthy book unfolds the history of the Peanuts TV specials and is filled with interviews with the creators of the ’toons; insider scoop on the productions; and fun, exclusive material like storyboards, Charles Schulz’s model sheets, scripts, original cels, and publicity materials.” —Yahoo! TV “A compelling journey through Schulz’s world.” —Sioux City Journal

Since its first airing, it's always a memorable night when "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is on TV. After forty years, the animated special is still a favorite. This lushly illustrated tribute to the beloved television classic has many unique features, including: Original animation art A look at the behind -- the -- scenes making of the cartoon Vince Guaraldi's original score and publication notes Interviews with the original child actors who were the voices of the Peanuts gang An introduction by the show's executive producer, Lee Mendelson And much more! A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition is a delightful and fitting salute to the holiday special that never fails to deepen your love of Christmas, touch your heart, and give you hope.

Looks at the lives and careers of more than three hundred animators.

The twenty-seventh Bathroom Reader in the beloved, bizarre trivia series with more than fifteen million copies in print! At a whopping 544 pages, Uncle John’s Canoramic Bathroom Reader is overflowing with everything that Bathroom Readers’ Institute fans have come to expect from this bestselling trivia series: fascinating history, silly science, obscure origins . . . plus fads, blunders, wordplay, quotes, and a few surprises (such as some of the “creative” methods people have used to pay off their alimony). And yes, Uncle John’s latest masterpiece is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your can! So hang on tight as you read about . . . • Hairy superstitions • Animals who act like people • The Mother of the Father of our Country • Really BIG Things • Eugene Vidocq—the world’s first private eye • Bill Gates and his “Toilet Challenge” • Unclassified: The story of the Freedom of Information Act • How to behave like a gentleman . . . 16th century style • Great Gushers: The world’s most incredible oil strikes • Who’s the Suzette in Crepe Suzette? • Happy Sewerage Day! And much, much more!

"To understand the history and spirit of America, one must know its wars, its laws, and its presidents. To really understand it, however, one must also know its cheeseburgers, its love songs, and its lawn ornaments. The long-awaited Guide to the United States Popular Culture provides a single-volume guide to the landscape of everyday life in the United States. Scholars, students, and researchers will find in it a valuable tool with which to fill in the gaps left by traditional history. All American readers will find in it, one entry at a time, the story of their lives."--Robert Thompson, President, Popular Culture Association. "At long last popular culture may indeed be given its due within the humanities with the publication of The Guide to United States Popular Culture. With its nearly 1600 entries, it promises to be the most comprehensive single-volume source of information about popular culture. The range of subjects and diversity of opinions represented will make this an almost indispensable resource for humanities and popular culture scholars and enthusiasts alike."--Timothy E. Scheurer, President, American Culture Association "The popular culture of the United States is as free-wheeling and complex as the society it animates. To understand it, one needs assistance. Now that explanatory road map is provided in this Guide which charts the movements and people involved and provides a light at the end of the rainbow of dreams and expectations."--Marshall W. Fishwick, Past President, Popular Culture Association Features of The Guide to United States Popular Culture: 1,010 pages 1,600 entries 500 contributors Alphabetic entries Entries range from general topics (golf, film) to specific individuals, items, and events Articles are supplemented by bibliographies and cross references Comprehensive index