A novice wood carver is momentarily defeated when people laugh at the result of a winter of work.

"How-To Book of Christmas Carving contains over 40 best-of and classic carving projects that have been published in Woodcarving Illustrated magazine within the last decade. With illustrated step-by-step instructions and patterns that cover a range of woodcarving techniques--including whittling, relief carving, chip carving, caricature carving, and more--this compilation is perfect for readers of all skill levels and style preferences. From reindeer,...

"Abbas is just seventeen years old when he leaves his family to serve in the court of Tipu Sultan, a volatile and unpredictable ruler. An inspired woodcarver, Abbas is apprenticed to a master toy maker in order to build a massive tiger automaton, a gift to celebrate the return of the Sultan's sons from British captivity. Working alongside the legendary French clockmaker Monsieur du Leze, Abbas hones his craft and learns to read French and then meets...