New Release Books by Michael Arndt

An entertaining, informative, and elegantly designed guide that makes understanding punctuation marks and symbols simple and fun. A rollicking linguistic ride for fans of Eats, Shoots & Leaves and Just My Type.

"There are countless books that can teach you the alphabet, but almost none that focus on the tiny designs that run interference among the letterforms: those easily overlooked punctuation and typographic symbols. These symbols, as Michael Arndt proves in this beautiful and endlessly fascinating book, are absolutely indispensable to communication: punctuation turns words into sentences and language into meaning... From commas to semicolons, from slashes to asterisks, from guillemets to octothorpes (named, perhaps, after athlete Jim Thorpe), you’ll never look at punctuation the same way again."—Michael Bierut, partner, Pentagram In this show-stopping guide with more than 75 uniquely designed two-color spreads—a rollicking linguistic ride for fans of Eats, Shoots & Leaves and Just My Type—award-winning graphic designer Michael Arndt explores the typographic origins, names, and shapes of both common punctuation marks and symbols, as well as the proper and diverse usage of each. From the period to the question mark, the semicolon to the em dash, symbols and marks are an integral part of language. In graphically engaging spreads that utilize typography in an innovative way, Snails & Monkey Tails examines the evolution of these mighty linguistic tools—from the punctum, or point, created by an ancient scribe to the guillemet, used most commonly in lieu of quote marks by the French (and named in honor of a typographer Guillaume Le Bé). With verve and insight, Michael Arndt explains their proper usage and how they came to be universally accepted today. Snails & Monkey Tails—Snails (@); Monkey Tails (&)—is packed with intriguing facts, history, stories, and lore, as well as grammar, explaining it clearly and with examples. What is the purpose of the comma—perhaps the most used symbol in the English language—and what are the proper uses of the asterisk? Do quote marks go inside or outside punctuation? What about a quote within a quote—a quote from someone quoting someone else? How much space goes on either side of an ellipsis? What’s the difference between an en-dash and an em-dash? Complete with a listing of useful terms and clear diagrams for creating typographical marks and symbols correctly on both PC and Apple computers, Snails & Monkey Tails is essential for bibliophiles, writers, grammarians, graphic designers, typography enthusiasts, logophiles, and anyone with a passion for the written word.

An alphabet board book that introduces the ABCs and ROYGBVs in vibrant rainbow colors to engage young eyes and encourage verbal and visual literacy. Glints of rainbow holographic foil make this a truly special book to behold! From Michael Arndt, award-winning graphic designer and author of the M books: see + read board book series, comes rAinbowZ—a new, mesmerizing alphabet and color primer for kids. Introducing a variety of food and objects, all in the colors of the spectrum, rAinbowZ engages young eyes and makes verbal and visual literacy fun. Fascinating for babies, this board book is an exciting, exuberant, and educational tool that can be used over and over again.

A beautiful and timely book for anyone who needs a little inspiration to turn their dreams into reality. When a trio of friends happen upon a neighborhood tree falling into decay, an idea catches hold. But what makes a dream become a plan, and how does a plan lead to a brighter tomorrow? With deceptively simple verse, Thoughts Are Air brilliantly links thoughts, words, and actions to the water cycle. Just as air becomes water becomes solid matter, thoughts become words become actions. The comparison is subtle yet powerful--air condensing into matter; ideas condensing into doing something that matters. Completely unique and utterly accessible, this is a book to inspire curiosity and spark change-making ideas in readers young and old.

The second in a new series of "look + learn M books" presenting eye-catching, creative designs, and die-cut pages to teach children colors, counting, and caring, in this beautiful board book. There’s no better way to share love and learning with your little one than time spent on your lap with a colorful, interactive board book. One Yellow Sun helps introduce little ones to numbers, colors, and sizes, using vibrant colors and smart die-cuts. There’s a surprise activity at the end!

Make your way from the Flatiron to Flatbush as an award-winning designer expertly captures New York City with minimalist art and unexpected wit. Minimal New York City playfully captures the essence of New York with clever pairs of sharp illustrations and cheeky commentary about the city. Historic context for each illustration is revealed in the back of the book, making it an informative experience for anyone who has ever walked through the bright lights of Times Square, paid $13 for an avocado toast, or indulged in Junior's Cheesecake on Flatbush. Minimal New York City is a celebration of what makes New York New York. As a lifelong resident of New York state who has spent nearly twenty-five years living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Michael Arndt has poured his wealth of insider knowledge into Minimal New York City, a graphic love letter dedicated to the place he calls home. His references run the gamut from visual similarities between Central Park and Brooklyn's parks to the ways in which Times Square has evolved from the '70s to today. His visual and verbal wit make the graphics of New York approachable for New Yorkers and Big Apple fanatics alike.

The first in a new series of "see + read M books" presenting eye-catching, creative designs, and die-cut pages to teach children colors, caring, and other golden rule lessons in this bright and beautiful board book. There’s no better way to share love and learning with your little one than time spent on your lap with a colorful book. My Heart Grows illustrates the wonderful ways to give and receive love, from hugging and playing to sharing and helping, all while watching the book’s heart grow!

Animals and the sounds they make are paired up in this colorful picture book.