A tiny book with tremendous impact. Stunning black and white photos of clay faces modeled over many decades by 95-year-old artist/visionary/humanist Frederick Franck provide a moving meditation on our common humanity, with thought-provoking text by a man of diverse and remarkable insights.

"It is easier to dream about lofty projects around a great dinner with friends," Sawka writes in this stirring memoir/cookbook. Exiled from Iron Curtain Poland with her artist husband Jan, the High Falls resident journeyed from Communist breadlines to a creative life overflowing with food, art and friendship.

Greene County Historian Beecher delves into the heart of the Catskills, detailing the mountain resort hotels and scenic wonders that drew 19th century travelers and artists to Kaaterskill Clove, then as famous as Niagara Falls. With over 175 illustrations, including rare photos, Hudson River School paintings and antique maps.

This weirdly gorgeous coffee table book by a Dutchess County Fair Grand Champion grower and self-described "vegetable rights activist" covers every aspect of cucurbita culture, from heirloom seed-saving techniques to the pleasures of hand-pollination, with elegant photos and dozens of recipes.

Starobin's simple and heartfelt poem, addressed to its reader, is calligraphed with slapdash panache and illustrated with graphic symbols. Craftprinted in Nepal on lushly tactile handmade papers by Woodstock-based Shivastan Publishing; contact shivastan@hotmail.com for info on more titles.

The fourth collaboration, feline edition, between Hudson Valley photographer Shaff and renowned humorist Blount, whose other titles include I am puppy hear me yap, If only you knew how much I smell you, and Am I pig enough for you yet?