The cliché "don't judge a book by it's cover" is especially apropos regarding The Art of Rise of the Guardians. The sparse and muted cover art just doesn't do justice to this in-depth and plentiful book featuring the artwork from the movie as well as information about the settings and the characters. For fans of the movie, and especially fans of filmmaking and animation, this book is a treasure trove of wonderful insight into the characters of Rise of the Guardians and their respective worlds.

A relevant forward by author William Joyce gives insight into when and how the intricate weaving of these characters began. The book is then divided into sections, allowing the reader to visit each of the guardians and learn all about the characters' origins and traits as well as the realm in which they live.

First up is the North Pole, home of Nicholas St. North. The text tells about how the character was reimagined and details the workshop and setting as well as introducing readers to the elves and yetis that work there. While the photos display the colors, shapes, characters and backgrounds that make the North Pole unique.

Next the book lays out the ancient inspirations behind Bunny Empire, where the Easter Bunny dwells in his colorful warren amid stone sentinels and Easter eggs that bring hope to the world.

Tooth Palace, the home of the Tooth Fairy, is perhaps the most interesting of all. Beautiful mosaics and tapestries speak to the history of this suspended library where the Tooth Fairy and her tiny fairy helpers buzz around cataloging the teeth, and thereby the special memories, of young children.

The book also displays the Sandman's home in the clouds, Jack Frost's dominion in the human world, and Pitch Black's evil realm of nightmares and darkness.

The Art of Rise of the Guardians certainly displays some wonderful pre-production images, drawings and artwork from the film. But the greatest value lies in the detailed descriptions of the mythologies and lore surrounding each character and how that not only fits into each of their worlds, but also comes together to form a cohesive story.