The Friendly Bookshelf
By Diondra Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Story of brave little bookshelf has message of kindness.
Add your rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
Where to Read
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE FRIENDLY BOOKSHELF follows the story of Bibli, a brave bookshelf who lives in a growing library. He enjoys listening to all the tales from books in the library, but is quickly met with disapproval from the other bookshelves when he sets out to find a book about bookshelves. He's saddened to learn that no one has ever written a story about someone like him. One day, he shows kindness and compassion to a shy library visitor, Cassie, and the two quickly become best friends. Cassie makes Bibli believe that everyone has an important story to tell. She surprises Bibli by showing how much she cares for him in a unique and creative way.
Is It Any Good?
This is a wonderful social-emotional learning read for little ones. The Friendly Bookshelf tells Bibli's story, but it's meant to empower kids to be brave, kind, and inclusive. The story shows what it truly means to be a friend. Daniela Pérez-Duarte's illustrations include warm, inviting tones and skillfully depict the characters' emotions. Kids may want to share their own stories after reading the book and help others believe their stories are important, too. The Friendly Bookshelf offers important messages about the need for representation and diversity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in The Friendly Bookshelf, Bibli can't find a story in the entire library about someone like him. How do you think that makes him feel? Do you have a favorite story about someone like you? How does it make you feel when you read that book?
Do you think Cassie and Bibli are brave characters? Why?
If you could write a story to put on Bibli's shelves, what you write a story about?
Book Details
- Authors: Katherine Brickley , Caroline Brickley
- Illustrator: Daniela Pérez-Duarte
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Blossom Children's Media Group
- Publication date: October 12, 2021
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: December 3, 2021
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate