This Tuesday the mail brought a real treasure.

'What It Is', by Lynda Barry.

On one level this book is a manual for creativity. Each fully painted/collaged page both explores an aspect of where ideas come from, and how they can be shaped into a narrative.

Lynda Barry should know- she's a gifted cartoonist, playwright and writer. She created hundreds of 'Ernie Pook's Comeek's' strips for independent newspapers, and her 'One! Hundred! Demons!' made many critics lists when it was published. After over two decades of cartooning, writing, and plumbing her soul, she has decided to gerously share her methods.

This book is an exploration what 'creativity' truly is. It's like a giant straw that stirs up ideas. What's particularly brilliant, is that the lessons absorbed from this book can be applied to all kinds of different discipines that require creativity.

The book is published by Drawn and Quarterly, and the book is a wonderful example of the book designer's art. Every aspect of the book, from the cover to the endpapers, has been carefully consided and masterfully executed. D&Q won the Shuster Award for best publisher a few weeks ago, and this book could well win them the prize next year.

Finally, this lavish hardcover is well priced at $24.95, making it affordable for many young creators.

I know it's only June, but I think I've found my multi-purpose Christmas gift this year!