In my world, there’s no such thing as having too many books on your to-read list. I will listen eagerly anytime someone wants to recommend a good read for me or my kids. Since I’ve been a confirmed book lover since a very early age, I have always had a real soft spot for any book that features bookish children or celebrates the power of stories. Here are a few stories for book lovers:
Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson
Children’s literature is chock full of lovable bears: Paddington, Winnie-the-Pooh, Corduroy… there is just something about bear books. Otto is a newer addition to bear-y lit, but he deserves a place alongside these classics. This book bear loves when his story is read by children—while he waits, he likes to slip out of his pages and go on adventures. But when he is separated from his book, Otto finds himself lonely and missing stories.
The Children Who Loved Books by Peter Carnavas
Lucy and Angus don’t have a television or a car, but they have books. Hundreds of books. Their tiny little home is full of books. But when all the books disappear, the children and their parents realize how important books really are in their lives. This is a lovely and fun story for book lovers.
Helped Wanted Must Love Books by Janet Summer Johnson
Shailey and her dad love their nightly routine of reading books together before bed. But when Dad gets a new job, he is suddenly too busy for their evening tradition. Shailey unceremoniously fires him and seeks a new bedtime reader. But the hilarious cast of fairy tale characters who apply for the job show Shailey that replacing dad isn’t going to be easy!
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
I can’t get through this amazing picture book without tearing up. Mary Walker was enslaved as a child and longed to know how to read. Even after she gained her freedom, her life was too full of hard work and struggle to find the time to learn. When she finally does learn to read and write, at the age of 114, she earns some well-deserved acclaim and spreads the message that you’re never too old to learn.
The Missing Bookshop by Katie Clapham
This beautiful color illustrated book is perfect for both reading aloud and enticing newer readers. Milly loves her local bookshop. She loves storytime and she loves the bookshop owner, Mrs. Minty, who always knows the perfect stories for book lovers like Milly. When Mrs. Minty disappears and the store closes, Milly is devastated. Her neighborhood needs a bookshop. But even if she can convince someone new to open one, will she ever love a bookseller the way she loves Mrs. Minty?
The Book Itch by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Lewis’ dad knows what Harlem needs: a bookstore. But no bank will loan him money to open a bookstore for his Black neighbors. Refusing to take no for an answer, this determined dad washes windows and saves up enough money to start selling books from a cart in the street. His love of books and his mission to spread information is contagious and soon the National Memorial African Bookstore becomes an institution in Harlem. This is an inspiring true story of a man who builds community and advocates for civil rights through literacy.
Page and Co.: Tilly and the Book Wanderers by Anna James
The familiar concept of book characters coming to life is given a surprisingly unique and imaginative take in this middle grade fantasy novel. Tilly Pages has grown up in her grandparents’ stunning bookshop. The books and stories that surround her have always seemed magical, but when her favorite characters start appearing in the flesh, Tilly realizes the magic is more real than she ever guessed. Tilly can even follow these new friends back into their stories. But as she learns more about her ability to wander through stories (and has a number of misadventures), she starts to wonder if being able to disappear into books can help explain her mother’s mysterious disappearance.
Bonus: Stories for book lovers who are all grown-up
Kids aren’t the only ones who can enjoy a good story. If you want to treat yourself to a light-hearted read that will delight your bookish soul, try one of these:
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
Now it’s your turn. Which stories for book lovers are your favorites?
