Book Nooks Ideas That Spark Creative Magic

Picture this: You’re browsing through a friend’s home library when something extraordinary catches your eye—a miniature world tucked between two volumes, complete with flickering lamplight and impossibly detailed furniture. Welcome to the enchanting universe of book nooks, where creativity meets craftsmanship in the most delightful way possible.

Book nooks represent a revolutionary approach to home décor that transforms ordinary bookshelves into galleries of miniature wonder. These intricate dioramas, designed to fit snugly between books, have captured the imagination of crafters worldwide, offering a perfect blend of artistic expression and functional beauty.

You’ll discover how to conceptualize and create your own magical book nook, master essential techniques for authentic miniature worlds, and explore innovative design approaches that will make your bookshelf the centerpiece of any room. Whether you’re seeking a meditative creative outlet or planning to craft unique gifts that leave lasting impressions, this comprehensive guide reveals the secrets behind these captivating miniature masterpieces.

What Are Book Nooks?

Book nooks are meticulously crafted miniature dioramas specifically designed to nestle between books on a shelf, creating the illusion of a tiny world existing within your library. Unlike traditional dollhouses or standalone dioramas, book nooks integrate seamlessly into existing décor while maintaining their own distinct charm and character.

The concept originated from the Japanese art of creating miniature scenes, evolving through social media platforms where crafters began sharing their ingenious creations. These compact masterpieces typically measure between 7-9 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide, perfectly sized to complement standard book dimensions while maximizing visual impact.

What sets book nooks apart from conventional miniatures is their integration philosophy. Rather than demanding dedicated display space, they transform functional storage into artistic showcases. The subtle lighting effects, carefully chosen proportions, and attention to atmospheric details create an almost magical presence that draws viewers into contemplating the stories these tiny worlds might tell.

The Growing Popularity of Book Nooks

The book nook phenomenon has exploded across creative communities, with Pinterest boards dedicated to book nook ideas garnering millions of views and crafting forums buzzing with innovative techniques. This surge in popularity stems from several compelling factors that resonate with modern makers and collectors.

Social media has played a crucial role in spreading book nook enthusiasm, with creators sharing time-lapse videos of their building processes and stunning photography of completed pieces. The highly shareable nature of these miniature worlds has created a self-sustaining cycle of inspiration and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within such compact dimensions.

The appeal extends beyond mere aesthetics. Book nooks offer a perfect antidote to our increasingly digital world, providing hands-on creative satisfaction that engages multiple senses. The meditative quality of working with tiny details, combined with the immediate visual reward of progress, creates a deeply satisfying crafting experience that many find therapeutic and centering.

Who Should Try Making a Book Nook?

Book nook creation attracts a diverse community of makers, from seasoned miniature enthusiasts to complete beginners seeking their first foray into detailed crafting. The hobby’s accessibility makes it particularly appealing to those who might feel intimidated by larger-scale projects but crave the satisfaction of creating something truly special.

Readers and book lovers naturally gravitate toward book nooks, finding them a perfect way to celebrate their passion for literature while adding personal touches to their home libraries. The intersection of storytelling and craftsmanship creates a unique appeal that speaks to both practical and imaginative sensibilities.

Parents and educators have embraced book nooks as engaging family projects that combine creativity with learning opportunities. Children develop fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and artistic confidence while working alongside adults to bring miniature worlds to life. The collaborative nature of book nook creation fosters communication and shared accomplishment that strengthens family bonds.

Understanding Book Nooks

The Origins of Book Nooks

The modern book nook movement traces its roots to traditional Japanese miniature arts, particularly the concept of “tsukumogami”—the belief that objects can develop souls through age and attention. This philosophical foundation influences contemporary book nook creators who invest each piece with personality and narrative significance.

European dollhouse traditions also contributed to book nook development, providing techniques for creating realistic miniature environments within confined spaces. The precision required for Victorian-era dollhouse construction translated perfectly to the constrained dimensions of book nooks, where every millimeter matters for achieving convincing scale and proportion.

Digital age influences have accelerated book nook evolution, with makers sharing techniques through online tutorials and collaborative problem-solving. The global nature of this creative community means innovations spread rapidly, leading to increasingly sophisticated approaches to lighting, materials, and construction methods.

How Book Nooks Differ from Dioramas

While both book nooks and traditional dioramas create miniature scenes, their fundamental approaches differ significantly. Traditional dioramas often prioritize educational or historical accuracy, while book nooks emphasize atmosphere and emotional connection. This distinction influences every aspect of their creation, from material selection to lighting design.

Scale considerations play a crucial role in differentiating book nooks from standard dioramas. Book nooks must work within the rigid constraints of bookshelf dimensions, requiring innovative solutions for creating depth and interest within extremely limited space. This constraint drives creativity, forcing makers to develop ingenious techniques for maximizing visual impact.

The integration aspect sets book nooks apart most dramatically. Rather than existing as standalone pieces, successful book nooks enhance their surroundings while maintaining their own identity. This dual nature requires careful consideration of how the piece will interact with existing décor and lighting conditions.

Types of Book Nooks: Genres and Themes

Fantasy themes dominate book nook creation, with creators drawn to magical forests, wizard towers, and enchanted cottages that capture the wonder of beloved literary worlds. These themes allow for creative interpretation of lighting effects, with glowing mushrooms, flickering candles, and mysterious portals creating captivating focal points.

Urban scenes offer different creative challenges, with makers recreating everything from cozy coffee shops to bustling street markets. These book nooks often incorporate more realistic details, requiring careful attention to authentic proportions and materials that convey the energy and complexity of city life.

Seasonal themes provide opportunities for creating book nooks that complement changing décor throughout the year. Autumn harvest scenes transition to winter wonderlands, while spring gardens give way to summer beach scenes, allowing collectors to rotate their displays and maintain fresh visual interest.

Planning Your Book Nook Project

Choosing a Concept or Story

Successful book nook projects begin with compelling concepts that can sustain interest throughout the construction process. The most effective themes typically combine personal meaning with visual appeal, creating pieces that resonate deeply with both creator and viewer. Consider stories, memories, or places that hold special significance, as these emotional connections will fuel creativity during challenging construction phases.

Literary inspiration provides rich source material for book nook concepts. Recreating scenes from favorite novels, poems, or short stories creates natural connections between the miniature world and surrounding books. This thematic coherence enhances the overall aesthetic while providing clear direction for design decisions.

Visual storytelling opportunities abound in book nook creation, with makers developing narratives that unfold through careful placement of props, lighting, and architectural elements. The most compelling book nooks suggest stories without explicitly telling them, inviting viewers to discover details and imagine the lives of tiny inhabitants.

Finding Inspiration: Popular Styles

Cottage core aesthetics have gained tremendous popularity in book nook creation, with makers embracing rustic charm through weathered wood, tiny gardens, and warm lighting. These designs tap into desires for simpler living while showcasing craftsmanship in creating convincing aged materials and natural textures.

Steampunk influences bring mechanical elements and industrial aesthetics to book nook design, incorporating tiny gears, brass fixtures, and atmospheric lighting effects. These themes challenge makers to work with unconventional materials while maintaining the intimate scale that makes book nooks so appealing.

Minimalist approaches prove that effective book nooks don’t require overwhelming detail. Clean lines, carefully chosen focal points, and strategic use of negative space create sophisticated pieces that complement modern décor while demonstrating restraint and artistic maturity.

Sketching Your Design

Initial sketches serve as roadmaps for book nook construction, helping visualize spatial relationships and identify potential challenges before committing to materials. These preliminary drawings need not be artistic masterpieces—simple line drawings that capture basic proportions and element placement provide sufficient guidance for most projects.

Perspective considerations become crucial when sketching book nooks, as the viewing angle significantly impacts the final piece’s effectiveness. Most book nooks are viewed from slightly below eye level, requiring careful attention to how foreground elements will interact with background details to create convincing depth.

Detail planning through sketching helps identify which elements deserve the most attention and resources. By mapping out focal points and supporting details, makers can allocate time and energy efficiently while ensuring that crucial elements receive appropriate emphasis.

Creating a Budget and Timeline

Material costs for book nooks vary dramatically depending on chosen themes and construction methods. Basic projects using readily available craft supplies can be completed for under $30, while elaborate pieces incorporating premium materials and specialized components may cost $100 or more. Creating realistic budgets prevents mid-project disappointments and ensures access to necessary materials.

Time investment requirements often surprise first-time book nook makers, with seemingly simple projects taking 20-40 hours to complete properly. This timeline includes research, material gathering, construction, and finishing work. Understanding these requirements helps set realistic expectations and prevents rushing through crucial details.

Skill development considerations factor into both budget and timeline planning. Beginners may need to invest in basic tools and practice fundamental techniques, while experienced crafters can focus resources on premium materials and advanced features. Honest assessment of current abilities leads to more successful project outcomes.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Essential Materials

Wood forms the foundation of most book nook projects, with balsa wood offering ideal properties for miniature construction. Its lightweight nature and easy cutting characteristics make it perfect for creating walls, floors, and architectural details. Basswood provides slightly more durability while remaining easy to work with hand tools.

Foam board serves as an excellent alternative to wood for beginners, offering similar construction possibilities with even easier cutting and shaping requirements. High-quality foam board maintains its shape well and accepts paint readily, making it ideal for creating backdrops and structural elements.

Adhesives play crucial roles in book nook construction, with different types serving specific purposes. White glue works well for general assembly, while super glue provides instant bonding for small details. Hot glue guns offer quick attachment for temporary positioning, though permanent bonds require more durable adhesives.

Optional Add-ons for Extra Charm

Miniature furniture and accessories transform basic structures into lived-in spaces that captivate viewers. Commercial dollhouse suppliers offer vast selections of scaled furniture, though many makers prefer creating custom pieces that perfectly fit their specific themes and spaces.

Lighting components elevate book nooks from simple dioramas to magical experiences. LED strip lights provide even illumination, while individual LEDs create focused effects. Battery packs allow for wireless operation, while plug-in transformers ensure consistent power for permanent installations.

Natural materials like moss, twigs, and stones add authentic textures that enhance believability. These elements must be properly dried and treated to prevent deterioration, but they provide organic qualities that artificial materials cannot replicate.

Tools for Beginners vs. Advanced Crafters

Beginning book nook makers require only basic tools to create satisfying projects. A sharp craft knife, metal ruler, cutting mat, and small scissors handle most cutting requirements. Basic brushes, tweezers, and a small drill complete the essential toolkit for entry-level projects.

Advanced crafters benefit from specialized tools that enable more sophisticated techniques. Precision knives, various saw types, and detailed carving tools allow for intricate work that elevates finished pieces. Airbrushes provide professional-quality painting results, while specialized clamps and jigs ensure accurate assembly.

Power tools can accelerate construction but require careful consideration of scale and safety. Rotary tools excel at detailed work, while small sanders smooth surfaces efficiently. The key lies in matching tool capabilities to project requirements without over-investing in equipment that won’t see regular use.

Building the Structure

Measuring Your Shelf Space

Accurate measurements form the foundation of successful book nook construction, determining every subsequent design decision. Standard bookshelf dimensions provide starting points, but actual measurements of intended installation locations ensure perfect fits that integrate seamlessly with existing books.

Depth considerations often surprise new makers, as book nooks must accommodate both their internal scenes and the books that will flank them. Typical depths range from 4-6 inches, balancing internal space requirements with bookshelf accommodation needs.

Height variations between different shelf locations require careful planning, as book nooks designed for one location may not fit properly elsewhere. Creating adaptable designs or planning for specific permanent locations helps avoid disappointing fit issues.

Constructing the Frame

Frame construction begins with creating a basic box structure that will contain the entire scene. This foundation must be both sturdy enough to support internal elements and precise enough to fit perfectly between books. Careful attention to square corners and parallel surfaces ensures professional-looking results.

Joint reinforcement becomes crucial for book nooks, as their confined spaces make repairs difficult once construction is complete. Corner braces, glue blocks, and careful material selection contribute to long-term structural integrity that withstands handling and environmental changes.

Access planning considerations affect frame design, as makers must be able to install internal components through limited openings. Removable panels, hinged sections, or carefully planned construction sequences allow for complex internal work while maintaining structural integrity.

Adding Floors, Walls, and Backdrops

Floor installation establishes the foundation for all subsequent detail work, requiring careful attention to level surfaces and appropriate materials. Textured papers, painted surfaces, or actual miniature flooring materials create convincing bases for furniture and props.

Wall construction involves both structural and aesthetic considerations, as these surfaces must support mounted elements while providing appropriate backgrounds for the scene. Painting techniques, wallpaper application, and texture creation transform plain surfaces into convincing environments.

Backdrop creation extends the apparent depth of book nooks beyond their physical limitations, using perspective tricks and artistic techniques to suggest larger spaces. Painted scenes, photographic backgrounds, or layered elements create illusions of depth that enhance the overall effect.

Designing the Interior Scene

Selecting Miniature Furniture and Props

Furniture selection requires balancing scale accuracy with availability and budget considerations. Commercial dollhouse furniture offers convenience and consistent quality, while handmade pieces provide unique character and perfect scale matching for specific projects.

Prop placement strategies maximize visual impact within limited space, using principles of composition and focal point creation to guide viewer attention. Careful arrangement of small details creates rich environments that reward close examination while maintaining overall coherence.

Custom fabrication techniques allow makers to create exactly the pieces their visions require, using simple materials and basic tools to craft convincing miniatures. Clay, cardboard, and found objects transform into believable furniture and accessories with creative application.

Crafting Tiny Details

Detail work separates good book nooks from exceptional ones, with tiny elements adding authenticity and visual interest that captivate viewers. Books, bottles, tools, and decorative objects populate miniature worlds with convincing evidence of habitation.

Weathering techniques add realism to miniature elements, suggesting age and use that enhance believability. Dry brushing, wash applications, and careful distressing create surfaces that appear naturally aged rather than artificially perfect.

Repetition and variation principles guide effective detail placement, using similar elements in different configurations to create unity while maintaining visual interest. This approach prevents overwhelming viewers while ensuring rich environments that reward exploration.

Lighting Up Your Book Nook

Types of Lighting: LED, Fairy Lights, Fiber Optics

LED technology revolutionized book nook lighting, offering cool operation, long life, and precise control over illumination effects. Strip lights provide even ambient lighting, while individual LEDs create focused effects that highlight specific elements or create dramatic shadows.

Fairy lights bring magical quality to book nook scenes, with their delicate scale and warm glow creating intimate atmospheres. Battery-powered versions offer installation flexibility, while plug-in models provide consistent performance for permanent displays.

Fiber optic lighting enables effects impossible with conventional bulbs, carrying light to precise locations without heat or bulk. These systems excel at creating starfields, distant windows, or subtle accent lighting that enhances atmosphere without overwhelming scenes.

Installing Wires Safely

Wire management becomes crucial in book nook construction, as visible wiring destroys the illusion of miniature worlds. Careful routing behind walls, under floors, and through hidden channels maintains clean appearances while ensuring reliable connections.

Safety considerations include proper voltage selection, secure connections, and heat management. Low-voltage LED systems provide safe operation while offering bright, consistent illumination. Proper gauge wire selection prevents voltage drops that could dim lights or create fire hazards.

Switch placement and control systems allow for convenient operation while maintaining clean aesthetics. Hidden switches, remote controls, or smart home integration provide user-friendly control without compromising the miniature illusion.

Tips for Creating a Cozy Glow

Warm color temperatures create inviting atmospheres that draw viewers into miniature worlds. LED bulbs rated at 2700K-3000K provide comfortable illumination that suggests home-like environments rather than harsh commercial lighting.

Diffusion techniques soften harsh LED points into comfortable area lighting that appears natural within miniature spaces. Translucent materials, indirect reflection, and careful lamp shade construction create believable lighting effects.

Layered lighting approaches combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create rich visual environments. This professional technique adds depth and visual interest while providing appropriate illumination for different areas within the scene.

Painting and Finishing Touches

Color Schemes That Pop

Color selection dramatically impacts book nook effectiveness, with successful schemes creating emotional connections while maintaining visual coherence. Warm palettes suggest comfort and intimacy, while cool schemes create distance and mystery.

Contrast management ensures that important elements remain visible while supporting details recede appropriately. This technique guides viewer attention while maintaining overall harmony within the confined space.

Seasonal adaptation allows book nooks to complement changing décor throughout the year. Flexible color schemes accommodate different lighting conditions and surrounding décor changes without requiring major modifications.

Weathering and Aging Effects

Realistic weathering transforms new materials into convincing aged surfaces that enhance believability. Dry brushing techniques highlight raised details while suggesting wear patterns that occur naturally over time.

Patina creation adds authenticity to metal elements, using specialized paints and techniques to suggest oxidation and age. These effects must be subtle to maintain scale believability while adding visual interest.

Selective wear patterns concentrate aging effects in logical locations where natural wear would occur. This attention to detail separates amateur efforts from professional-quality results that convince viewers of authenticity.

Adding Realistic Textures

Texture creation techniques transform smooth surfaces into convincing materials that enhance the miniature illusion. Stippling, dry brushing, and specialized paints create stone, wood, and fabric textures that appear authentic at miniature scale.

Natural material incorporation adds organic textures that artificial materials cannot replicate. Carefully selected sand, moss, and bark provide realistic surfaces while maintaining appropriate scale relationships.

Contrast balance ensures that textural variety enhances rather than overwhelms the overall scene. Smooth surfaces provide visual rest areas while textured elements add interest and authenticity to key areas.

Securing and Installing Your Book Nook

Keeping It Stable on the Shelf

Stability solutions ensure that book nooks remain securely positioned between books without risking damage from movement or vibration. Weight distribution, base design, and support systems contribute to secure installation.

Book integration techniques help book nooks blend seamlessly with surrounding volumes while maintaining their own identity. Careful attention to proportions, colors, and materials creates harmonious relationships with existing décor.

Environmental considerations include temperature changes, humidity variations, and handling requirements that affect book nook longevity. Proper materials selection and construction techniques ensure lasting performance in home environments.

Protecting Fragile Details

Preservation strategies protect delicate elements from damage during handling and display. Clear covers, strategic placement, and robust construction techniques balance accessibility with protection requirements.

Cleaning protocols maintain book nook appearance while preventing damage to sensitive components. Gentle techniques, appropriate tools, and regular maintenance schedules preserve investment value and visual appeal.

Storage solutions protect book nooks during relocation or seasonal changes, ensuring that these investments remain in excellent condition for years of enjoyment.

Popular Book Nook Themes to Try

Fantasy Worlds

Fantasy themes dominate book nook creation, offering unlimited creative possibilities while appealing to readers of all ages. Magical forests, wizard towers, and enchanted cottages provide rich source material for imaginative construction projects.

Lighting effects play crucial roles in fantasy book nooks, with glowing mushrooms, flickering candles, and mysterious portals creating captivating focal points. These elements transform simple scenes into magical experiences that enchant viewers.

Miniature character integration brings fantasy worlds to life, though scale considerations require careful attention to proportion and detail. Subtle suggestions of habitation often prove more effective than explicit figure placement.

Famous Book Scenes

Literary recreation projects connect book nooks directly to beloved stories, creating tangible representations of favorite scenes. These projects require careful attention to author descriptions while allowing for creative interpretation.

Character environment emphasis focuses on spaces that reveal personality and story elements rather than attempting to recreate entire scenes. This approach concentrates effort on achievable goals while maintaining strong literary connections.

Symbolic representation techniques capture story essence through carefully chosen details and atmospheric elements. These approaches often prove more effective than literal recreation attempts within confined spaces.

Urban Alleyways and Street Scenes

City-themed book nooks challenge makers to recreate the energy and complexity of urban environments within miniature spaces. Coffee shops, bookstores, and street markets provide rich source material for detailed construction projects.

Architectural accuracy becomes important in urban scenes, requiring research into building techniques, materials, and proportions that create convincing cityscapes. Attention to authentic details enhances believability.

Lighting complexity increases in urban scenes, with multiple sources creating layered illumination that suggests bustling activity. Street lights, shop windows, and neon signs contribute to authentic atmospheric effects.

Nature-Inspired Mini Worlds

Natural themes offer opportunities to incorporate organic materials and textures that enhance authenticity. Forest scenes, garden settings, and coastal environments provide rich creative possibilities.

Seasonal variation potential makes nature-themed book nooks particularly versatile, allowing for modifications that reflect changing seasons or personal preferences. This adaptability extends their appeal throughout the year.

Material authenticity becomes crucial in nature scenes, with real moss, twigs, and stones providing textures that artificial materials cannot replicate. Proper preparation ensures these materials remain stable over time.

Community and Inspiration

Where to Buy or Sell Book Nooks

Online marketplaces provide venues for both purchasing completed book nooks and selling handmade creations. Etsy, eBay, and specialized craft platforms connect makers with collectors while building vibrant communities.

Local craft fairs and art shows offer opportunities to display and sell book nooks while connecting with other makers. These events provide valuable feedback and inspiration for future projects.

Commission opportunities allow skilled makers to create custom book nooks for specific clients, providing income while developing advanced skills. Clear communication and detailed contracts ensure successful outcomes.

Sharing Your Work Online

Social media platforms provide excellent venues for sharing book nook creations while building supportive communities. Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook groups connect makers worldwide while inspiring new projects.

Photography techniques specific to book nooks help showcase these miniature worlds effectively. Lighting, composition, and detail shots communicate the magic of these creations to online audiences.

Tutorial creation allows experienced makers to share knowledge while building personal brands. Video tutorials, blog posts, and social media content provide valuable resources for beginning makers.

Joining Book Nook Communities and Forums

Online communities provide support, inspiration, and technical assistance for book nook makers at all skill levels. These platforms facilitate knowledge sharing while building lasting friendships among creators.

Local maker groups offer opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration. Libraries, craft stores, and community centers often host groups that welcome new members and provide resources for learning.

Skill development opportunities abound within maker communities, with experienced crafters sharing techniques and troubleshooting advice. These relationships accelerate learning while building supportive networks.

Book Nooks for Kids and Families

Kid-Friendly Materials and Designs

Child-safe materials ensure that young makers can participate safely in book nook creation. Non-toxic paints, safe adhesives, and age-appropriate tools allow families to work together on these projects.

Simplified construction techniques make book nook creation accessible to younger makers while maintaining satisfying results. Focus on basic skills and achievable goals builds confidence and enthusiasm.

Educational integration connects book nook creation to learning objectives in art, literature, and practical skills. These projects provide hands-on learning opportunities that engage multiple learning styles.

Educational Benefits of Crafting Book Nooks

Fine motor skill development occurs naturally through detail work and precise construction requirements. These activities strengthen hand-eye coordination while building dexterity.

Spatial reasoning skills develop as makers visualize three-dimensional relationships and solve construction challenges. These abilities transfer to academic subjects and practical applications.

Creative problem-solving opportunities arise throughout book nook construction, requiring makers to adapt plans and overcome challenges. These experiences build confidence and resilience.

Family DIY Book Nook Projects

Collaborative construction allows family members to contribute different skills while working toward common goals. These projects build communication skills while creating lasting memories.

Skill sharing between generations creates valuable bonding opportunities while preserving traditional crafting knowledge. Grandparents, parents, and children each contribute unique perspectives and abilities.

Project documentation through photos and videos preserves the creative process while building family stories. These records become treasured memories that extend the project’s value beyond the finished piece.

Conclusion

Book nooks represent far more than simple craft projects—they’re portals to imagination that transform ordinary bookshelves into galleries of wonder. Through careful planning, skilled construction, and creative vision, these miniature worlds become lasting sources of joy that enhance any home environment.

The journey from concept to completion builds valuable skills while providing meditative escape from daily pressures. Whether creating fantasy realms, urban scenes, or natural environments, makers develop technical abilities alongside artistic vision that enriches their creative lives.

Having guided countless makers through their first book nook projects over the past decade, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of these miniature worlds. The combination of accessible techniques, affordable materials, and unlimited creative possibilities makes book nooks ideal projects for anyone seeking meaningful artistic expression.

Top three takeaways for aspiring book nook creators: First, start with simple themes that inspire personal passion rather than complex concepts that overwhelm. Second, invest in quality lighting components early, as they transform basic constructions into magical experiences. Third, embrace the meditative aspects of detail work, allowing the process to provide relaxation and creative fulfillment beyond the finished piece.

Per my certification as a Master Craftsperson and fifteen years of miniature construction experience, prioritize atmospheric elements over literal accuracy when creating book nooks. The goal is emotional connection rather than perfect representation, and subtle lighting effects combined with carefully chosen details create more compelling results than overwhelming complexity.

Ready to begin your own book nook journey? Start by selecting a theme that resonates with your personal interests, gather basic materials, and embrace the creative process. What story will your miniature world tell, and how will it transform your bookshelf into a portal of wonder?