Fall 2011 Staff Picks

Back to school, autumn leaves, and pumpkin pie, oh my! In the spirit of the fall season, we asked our staff to recommend a product for this festive time of year:

Fall colors bring to mind our Octoberama Mousepad (P162). I just love the amber, pumpkin orange, and rich shade of red Charley Harper uses in this piece featuring a mallard duck, mirrored in the water so skillfully. The falling autumn leaves remind me of growing up on the East Coast—I always enjoyed playfully tumbling around outside with my brothers and stumbling upon a freshly racked pile. It sure was lots of fun scattering those leaves around again! —Monica, production





I’m very excited to give the new magnetic journals as holiday gifts this year. I’m a list kind of gal and so are most of my family members. I know they will love having paper and pen in a nifty journal format to keep lists organized and on hand. —Kristen, customer service







I grow pumpkins—deep red French types, ocher and grey types—all through the summer and deep into fall. By All Hallow's Eve, I have a great parade of luminous squash traipsing down my front steps. Then up the steps come streams of supplicants, meekly seeking sweets. Some get sweets, but many get cards—I tend to think that Gustave Baumann suits the season. —Sam, editorial





I recommend Floating Worlds: The Letters of Edward Gorey & Peter F. Neumeyer (A197)—the warmth and wit in these letters and drawings will brighten the chilliest fall day. —Pat, editorial

I can't wait to cozy up on the couch to read Floating Worlds (A197). It's a collection of correspondence between Edward Gorey and Peter Neumeyer that began in September 1968 and lasted just one year, and I happen to know that, among other things, it's a crash course in culture from that time. The writers share their opinions on books, movies, theater, and world events in their ultra-smart and witty way. —Patrice, design

As the weather turns cooler and the days grow shorter, autumn is a great time to renew pen-pal relationships, and that reminds me of Floating Worlds (A197). The book is a strikingly brilliant collection of letters from two friends who were passionate about literature, art, and the art of writing. —Lory, contracts & royalties

This fall, I plan to put together the Jungle Beasts 300-piece Jigsaw Puzzle (JK003). I put this together once, several months ago, with the help of my nephew CJ. But after a couple weeks, we placed the pieces back in the box. My reason for wanting to put this together again is to have it officially framed and use it as wall décor for my soon-to-arrive baby’s room. —Tina, customer service



I’m really happy to see the magnetic journals—so cool, so irresistible—and I will mention here the Pimpernel and Orange design (AA694), what with pimpernels still flowering into autumn. —Paul, shipping









As summer winds down, the cool days of fall can’t be far off, and I picture myself viewing autumn’s vibrant display through the window of a train winding its way through the Scottish countryside. One of our latest jigsaw puzzles, Scotland by Rail: The Trossachs (AA687), takes me there in my mind. Oh, to actually be there! —Judy, editorial



The new Charley Harper Magnetic Journal (AA691) reminds me of autumn with the rich colors of fall. Not to mention the cute squirrel piling up his acorns for the winter. —Josh, sales

October Edibles Magnetic Journal (AA691): Oh little squirrel nutkin! Fall is here, and the new journals have come out ... cafe, coffee, and a journal! —Gina, design

Puzzles are great gifts! I will be purchasing England by Rail: Harrogate (AA689) to work over the Thanksgiving weekend. —Helena, customer service









I think of a jigsaw puzzle, because the days are getting shorter and there's more time for indoor activities. This one has some beautiful fall colors, even though it has nothing to do with the fall season: The Coral Reef by Charley Harper (AA680). —Ronni, design







As I rake the falling leaves in my front yard, I’m reminded of “Treehorn’s Treasure,” one of stories in The Treehorn Trilogy (A200), in which little Treehorn discovers a money tree, complete with dollar bills for leaves. If only that could be MY tree! The stories in this boxed set are so funny, and coupled with Edward Gorey’s illustrations, they are just as much of a treat for adults as they are for children. —Stephanie, production