Book Review: "The Peanuts Collection" by Nat Gertler

Summary from BN.com: This fully authorized, one-of-a-kind illustrated book celebrates the 60th anniversary of the world's most beloved comic strip characters. A compendium of rare materials from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and family archives, The Peanuts Collection comes in a sturdy slipcase and features high-quality reproductions of original sketches, comics, and photographs from the world of Peanuts. Removable film cels, stickers, and booklets are included, as well as reproduction prints of Peanuts artwork ready for framing. Written by Peanuts aficionado Nat Gertler, with quotes from Schulz family members and a foreword by daughter Amy Schulz Johnson, the text offers insight into the making of the comic strip and its impact beyond the realms of newspapers and books to film, television, and popular culture. The Peanuts Collection is a must-own keepsake for anyone who loves Snoopy and the gang.

I grew up loving Peanuts as a child. Although in my family to us Snoopy was the star of the show to us and not Charlie Brown. We just loved that dog growing up and how without any verbal words he was able to convey so much emotion. I think Peanuts has had an effect on almost everyone who's been exposed to them. I don't how you could NOT like Charlie Brown and the gang. This book shows the history of the impact that Charles Schultz and Peanuts have had on society throughout the years.

It was fun to see how Peanuts has stayed a favorite with both kids AND adults. It's one of the rare instances where all generations can find something to love about this gang. From toys for kids to using Peanuts characters as the spokespersons for MetLife, they have infiltrated us but in a good way. The book spotlights certain characters that have had a major impact such as Pig Pen, Peppermint Patty and Schroeder. Also highlighted are the TV specials that have had a HUGE impact on popular culture. I love watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special every year and I hope to continue the tradition with my own family in the future.

I love removable treasure books like this one. There are all sorts of goodies to pick up and look at such as stickers, cards, drawings and art prints. Two of my favorites is a color cel from the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving TV special and a comic of Charlie Brown and Sally being used in an educational booklet about amblyopia (lazy eye). Even though these are reproductions they are really fun to look at and gives a great way to see how the times have changed throughout the years.

Overall this was a really great way to reminisce of one of the greatest comic strips that ever existed. It's a great way to learn the history of the comics, characters and creator and one that fans will want to treasure in the years ahead.

The Peanuts Collection by Nat Gertler is published by Little, Brown and Company (2010)

This review copy was provided by the publisher