The Friendly Bookshelf
The first book ever written about a bookshelf!
Meet Bibli, a brave little library bookshelf in search of a story about someone like him . . .
Once upon a time, in a library like any other, there lived a little bookshelf named Bibli who carried a BIG question on his shelves: “Could there be a story somewhere about a bookshelf like me?” Bibli is told that bookshelves are supposed to hold stories, not have ones of their own. But everything changes when he meets Cassie, a girl longing for a friend just as much as Bibli longs for a story to relate to. Bibli learns that with kindness, confidence, empathy, and friendship, even your biggest dreams can come true—and that everyone has an important story worth sharing.
The Friendly Bookshelf is a social-emotional learning (SEL) research-based book and the first-ever picture book about a bookshelf. Written to build self-confidence and self-esteem as well as encourage inclusivity, Bibli’s story empowers children to be brave, be a friend, and always be your-shelf! Readers will be inspired to go beyond the final page of the book and share their own stories, as well as be the pioneers of a kinder, more inclusive world where everybody (and every bookshelf!) belongs.
Meet the Characters
What Book-Lovers Are Saying
"This is a beautiful story, heartwarming, kind, gentle,
just like the protagonist, Bibli."
Reader's Favorite
"The Brickleys' sweet and imaginative picture book is the rare title to
anthropomorphize a bookshelf. . . seeing Bibli find a way to share his journey
with the world will inspire kids to look for the significance of their own stories,
as well as recognize those untold narratives in the world around them."
Booklife by Publisher's Weekly
"Its ability to create a story that eventually answers his question in an
unexpected way makes for a tale that provides readers with a gentle message about
representation, being true to who you are, and making space for everyone —
no matter how different they may seem on the outside — to feel included."
The Midwest Book Review
Book Trailer