The Bookshop on Lemon Tree Lane (Mike Lucas, illus Sofya Karmazina, Little Hare)

The Bookshop on Lemon Tree Lane by Mike Lucas (What We All Saw, Let’s Build a Backyard) is a charming story about the comfort of familiar places and the emotions that come with change. It follows a young boy who shares a special tradition with his grandfather – visiting their beloved local bookshop. When the shop closes for renovations, the boy mourns the loss of its quirks: the creaky stairs, the cosy corners, the leaky roof, and the dog at the back of the store. ‘Old things and new things are never the same,’ he says, capturing a feeling many children will recognise. The story, told in rhyming verse that flows gently and keeps the pace moving, opens up conversations about transitions – whether it’s moving to a new house, starting a new school, or adjusting to changes in the family. Lucas captures how hard it can be to imagine something new ever replacing what we’ve loved. But, like the boy in the story, children may come to discover that the ‘something new’ holds its own magic and might even become a new favourite. Sofya Karmazina’s textured illustrations add warmth and depth to the story, bringing both the old and new bookstores to life. With rich colours and hidden details on every page, this is a thoughtful, reassuring read for ages 3+, perfect for helping children navigate change with curiosity and care.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Jess Lomas is reviews editor for Books+Publishing. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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