Building Stories By Chris Ware (Pantheon, $50)

A graphic novel that interweaves stories and styles through 14 unique books.

Just Right for Christmas By Birdie Black Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

(Nosy Crow, $15.99)

A lovely lesson for children about generosity during the holiday season.

Ploughshares $30 for three issues

The journal, based at Emerson College, celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. Its current issue features new work from Charles Baxter and Dani Shapiro.