Griselda Snook’s Spectacular Books

“I’m not really into books,” says Timms’s protagonist, Henry, but the boy changes his tune when by happenstance he’s drafted as assistant to shop owner Griselda Snook, and helps out at her Halloween-themed bookstore. On its opening day, predominantly orange books tower in piles “like stalagmites” and cobwebs abound. Borio’s peppy cartooned illustrations portray the bookshop as an inclusive gathering place for book lovers of all ages, where Frankenstein’s monster can leave carrying a book entitled Dead Funny Jokes and storytime stars a famous witch. With Henry’s help, the day proves magical by every measure—even turning Henry himself into a confirmed bibliophile. Griselda is right: “Pick the perfect book and the whole world opens wide!” Both Henry and Griselda have brown skin; background characters are shown with various abilities and skin tones. Ages 3–7. (July)