I’ve always been fond of Sarah Stewart’s works, especially The Library and her Caldecott Honor book The Gardener. So when I spotted This Book of Mine at St. Vincent de Paul, I didn’t hesitate or even preview it — I just picked it up, confident it would be a worthy find. And I was absolutely right.

This Book of Mine is a small, charming book, perfect for the hands of young readers. The story is poetic, with each two-page spread offering a line or two that captures the magic of books. Whether as a friend, a source of adventure, a comfort, or an inspiration, each phrase evokes the meaningful connection that books can have in our lives.

David Small’s watercolor and pencil illustrations beautifully complement Stewart’s text. The pages are primarily a soft, serene purple, with vivid pops of color wherever a book appears. It’s a wonderful visual reminder of how much books bring color to our lives.

This short poem-like story is sweet and lovely. And, despite the few words used, it feels expansive and full of meaning. If you like books about books, you may like our list.