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Books Aren't for Eating
How can Leopold, goat and bookstore owner, find the perfect book for a fellow goat—one the visitor will enjoy reading, not munching?
Leopold the goat owns a delightful bookstore, and he has a talent for matching his customers with the ideal book—an adventure story for the girl in the rain boots, a novel about gnomes for the man who loves to laugh, and a book of birds for the woman in the feathered hat. But one day, another goat arrives and proceeds to eat every book Leopold offers. Can Leopold find just the right one to tempt this reluctant reader? This funny, charming tale of the transformative power of books is a celebration of that first special story that sparks a child’s love of reading.
Leopold the goat owns a delightful bookstore, and he has a talent for matching his customers with the ideal book—an adventure story for the girl in the rain boots, a novel about gnomes for the man who loves to laugh, and a book of birds for the woman in the feathered hat. But one day, another goat arrives and proceeds to eat every book Leopold offers. Can Leopold find just the right one to tempt this reluctant reader? This funny, charming tale of the transformative power of books is a celebration of that first special story that sparks a child’s love of reading.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2022
2 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Carlie Sorosiak
14 books294 followersCarlie Sorosiak is the bestselling author of I, COSMO, as well as two novels for young adults, IF BIRDS FLY BACK and WILD BLUE WONDER. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @carliesorosiak.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 14, 2022
Read for my toddler's bedtime. Leopold owned a bookshop. He loved goat printed sweaters and books. He loved reading and recommending books to customers. Most of his customers were human but one day another goat came into his shop. He brought out a special book but the goat ate it instead. He gave him another and another but the customer goat ate them all. He went home and puzzled over the problem. The next day he brought a book that he personally loved and luckily the goat customer didn't eat it this time but curled up and read for hours.
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review!
October 17, 2022
« some books are just too good to eat »
so glad i asked for a specimen for this one!!!! the illustrations are STUNNING and the story so so cute and orignal! can’t wait to sell loads of these<3
so glad i asked for a specimen for this one!!!! the illustrations are STUNNING and the story so so cute and orignal! can’t wait to sell loads of these<3
May 11, 2023
i read this to my daughter and it was just too good not to add to my goodreads!!
the artwork is STUNNING and the story is so cute! i love that it’s encouraging kids to read books and teaching them how fun they can be😊
the artwork is STUNNING and the story is so cute! i love that it’s encouraging kids to read books and teaching them how fun they can be😊
July 6, 2025
gorgeous💖
March 13, 2023
Cute book for young children making the point that books are valued and not to be mistreated by any creature, even goats.
September 30, 2022
Title intriguing. Concept acceptable. I never understand when they mix talking animals with human characteristics with humans...
September 22, 2022
I just love this book. The elderly goat is the librarian and he doesn't eat the books. Instead, he delights in finding the perfect book for each of the library patrons.
And then one day a fellow goat comes into the library looking for a book. He finds one to his liking and immediately commences to eating it. He goes on to eat more and more much to the dismay of the elder goat librarian.
Mr. Goat Librarian is dismayed and goes home his thoughts consumed with how to help his fellow goat learn to love to READ books as he does and NOT to EAT books.
His solution is one from his own personal experiences.
I highly recommend this delightful read.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
And then one day a fellow goat comes into the library looking for a book. He finds one to his liking and immediately commences to eating it. He goes on to eat more and more much to the dismay of the elder goat librarian.
Mr. Goat Librarian is dismayed and goes home his thoughts consumed with how to help his fellow goat learn to love to READ books as he does and NOT to EAT books.
His solution is one from his own personal experiences.
I highly recommend this delightful read.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
December 18, 2022
Many picture books star anthropomorphic animals, but fewer have those critters living among humans. A goat-owned bookshop is novel. This works well with the plot: how does the bookseller convince another goat to read a book, rather than eat it.
The illustrations are delightfully cozy: fun sweaters, fires American Gothic with goats! The bookstore is the archetype of cozy. Plus, there are little bookstore mice reading tiny books.
Prepare to snuggle a child while you read this aloud. If there is deep snow outside, even better. So wintery!
Library copy
The illustrations are delightfully cozy: fun sweaters, fires American Gothic with goats! The bookstore is the archetype of cozy. Plus, there are little bookstore mice reading tiny books.
Prepare to snuggle a child while you read this aloud. If there is deep snow outside, even better. So wintery!
Library copy
February 14, 2024
Leopold adalah seekor kambing yang memiliki banyak sekali koleksi buku. Dia sering meminjamkan bukunya untuk yang lain (biasanya manusia) buku-buku sesuai karakter orang yang akan membacanya. Baginya memperkenalkan sebuah buku ke pembaca seakan-akan mengenalkan seorang teman baru.
Sampai suatu ketika, datanglah seekor kambing yangblain. Leopold sangat senang ada sesama kambing yang mau meminjam buku. Leopold memberikan buku dari koleksi istimewa-nya. Ternyata kambing itu memakan bukunya.
Kisah yang heartwarming. Buku yang tepat akan menemukan orang yang tepat pula, dan orang itu akan terhanyut di dalamnya. Buku ini cocok untuk memperkenalkan indahnya dunia membaca bagi anak-anak
Sampai suatu ketika, datanglah seekor kambing yangblain. Leopold sangat senang ada sesama kambing yang mau meminjam buku. Leopold memberikan buku dari koleksi istimewa-nya. Ternyata kambing itu memakan bukunya.
Kisah yang heartwarming. Buku yang tepat akan menemukan orang yang tepat pula, dan orang itu akan terhanyut di dalamnya. Buku ini cocok untuk memperkenalkan indahnya dunia membaca bagi anak-anak
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
lol it counts
November 3, 2022
Goats and books together ❤️
July 21, 2023
I ❤️ Leopold and I agree, some books are too good to eat!
February 18, 2026
gender-fluid woke koza teaches the reader not to eat books in a very child-friendly language. 5/5, no further comment.
November 13, 2022
Leopold is a goat who owns a bookshop. A long time ago, he used to eat books, but then he learned to read them instead. Now he loves to help other people (and animals) find the perfect book to inspire and entertain them. Leopold is thrilled when another goat comes into his bookshop! He offers the goat a special book that he thinks the goat will enjoy, but the goat eats it! Leopold tries everything to get this goat to stop eating the books. He searches high and low for a book that will inspire the goat to read instead of eating the pages. Finally Leopold thinks he has found a solution, but he will have to sacrifice his favorite book.
What a fun story! Poor Leopold is so distressed, but he really wants to help people find inspiration in books. He is so determined to help this goat see the value in books (other than nutritional value). I really liked that Leopold is kind and generous, even when it costs him dearly.
This book is so cozy! The illustrations show wintery scenes, snowy streets, and warm fires with endless steaming cups of tea. The bookshop is decorated with bright rugs, comfy armchairs, and long bookshelves with ladders. Leopold wears fuzzy sweaters with goat designs on them. The perfect atmosphere for some cozy reading!
I love the art style! Every page is so beautiful (and full of books). I love all the little details in the background of the scenes, and the cute designs of the characters.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
What a fun story! Poor Leopold is so distressed, but he really wants to help people find inspiration in books. He is so determined to help this goat see the value in books (other than nutritional value). I really liked that Leopold is kind and generous, even when it costs him dearly.
This book is so cozy! The illustrations show wintery scenes, snowy streets, and warm fires with endless steaming cups of tea. The bookshop is decorated with bright rugs, comfy armchairs, and long bookshelves with ladders. Leopold wears fuzzy sweaters with goat designs on them. The perfect atmosphere for some cozy reading!
I love the art style! Every page is so beautiful (and full of books). I love all the little details in the background of the scenes, and the cute designs of the characters.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
February 4, 2024
"Books Aren't for Eating" by Carlie Sorosiak is a delightful and whimsical children's book that combines humor, charm, and a love for reading in a story that is sure to engage young readers and listeners. Illustrated with vibrant and expressive artwork, the book is not just a story, but a visual adventure that complements the narrative beautifully.
The story centers around the unique relationship between a book-loving monster and a young child. The monster, with an insatiable appetite for literature—quite literally—learns a valuable lesson about the proper way to appreciate books. Sorosiak's narrative is playful and imaginative, making it a fun read that also imparts an important message about respect for books and the joy of reading.
One of the strengths of "Books Aren't for Eating" is its ability to connect with its audience on multiple levels. Young children will be drawn to the colorful illustrations and the story's gentle humor, while parents and educators will appreciate the underlying message about the value of books and the importance of reading. The narrative is structured in a way that encourages reader participation, making it an excellent pick for read-aloud sessions where children can engage with the story actively.
Carlie Sorosiak's writing style is warm and accessible, making complex concepts like respect for literature and the joy of reading understandable and relatable to a young audience. The monster character is not just a source of humor but also serves as a vehicle for learning and transformation, embodying the idea that everyone can grow to appreciate the intrinsic value of books.
For those who enjoy "Books Aren't for Eating," other titles to consider might include "The Book with No Pictures" by B.J. Novak, which also plays with the concept of what a book can be and the power of imagination, or "We Don't Eat Our Classmates" by Ryan T. Higgins, which shares a similar humor and a lesson on understanding and empathy.
The story centers around the unique relationship between a book-loving monster and a young child. The monster, with an insatiable appetite for literature—quite literally—learns a valuable lesson about the proper way to appreciate books. Sorosiak's narrative is playful and imaginative, making it a fun read that also imparts an important message about respect for books and the joy of reading.
One of the strengths of "Books Aren't for Eating" is its ability to connect with its audience on multiple levels. Young children will be drawn to the colorful illustrations and the story's gentle humor, while parents and educators will appreciate the underlying message about the value of books and the importance of reading. The narrative is structured in a way that encourages reader participation, making it an excellent pick for read-aloud sessions where children can engage with the story actively.
Carlie Sorosiak's writing style is warm and accessible, making complex concepts like respect for literature and the joy of reading understandable and relatable to a young audience. The monster character is not just a source of humor but also serves as a vehicle for learning and transformation, embodying the idea that everyone can grow to appreciate the intrinsic value of books.
For those who enjoy "Books Aren't for Eating," other titles to consider might include "The Book with No Pictures" by B.J. Novak, which also plays with the concept of what a book can be and the power of imagination, or "We Don't Eat Our Classmates" by Ryan T. Higgins, which shares a similar humor and a lesson on understanding and empathy.
September 15, 2022
I mean, you had me at "a goat who owns a bookshop." This story is delightful and charming. Leopold the goat loves books and especially selecting the perfect book for his various customers. That is, until a younger goat comes into his shop and is more interested in eating the books than reading them. Not to be thwarted, Leopold makes strides to convince this young goat that books ARE worth reading.
I love the illustrations -- they playfully celebrate books and the imagination and pair nicely with the narrative. The story is engaging and has some nice themes without being heavy-handed for children. Overall, I am charmed by the final line "Some books are just too good to eat."
It makes me think of that story from Maurice Sendak: “Once a little boy sent me a charming card with a little drawing on it. I loved it. I answer all my children’s letters — sometimes very hastily — but this one I lingered over. I sent him a card and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it. I wrote, “Dear Jim: I loved your card.” Then I got a letter back from his mother and she said, “Jim loved your card so much he ate it.” That to me was one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. He didn’t care that it was an original Maurice Sendak drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it.”
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Candlewick Press. Opinions are my own.
I love the illustrations -- they playfully celebrate books and the imagination and pair nicely with the narrative. The story is engaging and has some nice themes without being heavy-handed for children. Overall, I am charmed by the final line "Some books are just too good to eat."
It makes me think of that story from Maurice Sendak: “Once a little boy sent me a charming card with a little drawing on it. I loved it. I answer all my children’s letters — sometimes very hastily — but this one I lingered over. I sent him a card and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it. I wrote, “Dear Jim: I loved your card.” Then I got a letter back from his mother and she said, “Jim loved your card so much he ate it.” That to me was one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. He didn’t care that it was an original Maurice Sendak drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it.”
**Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Candlewick Press. Opinions are my own.
January 29, 2023
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2023/01/28... THANK YOU!
Books: More than Tasty!
Leopold goat loves books. His favorite thing to do is to pick out books for others in his book store. Usually, he gets the books for humans, but one day another goat walks in, and wants a book.
After looking around and getting him a special book, the goat eats it! Leopold is really upset.
Join Leopold in his hilarious attempt to get the goat not to eat the pages, but to read them.
Little children will giggle at the ways Leopold tries to convince the goat about the good things that books have to offer—besides being a tasty morsel.
This jolly story is a picture book that children ages four to eight-years-old will have a lot of fun with. Don’t be surprised if you hear peals of laughter from your youngster while they look at this five-star book.
Thank you, Walker Books US, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Books Aren't for Eating, for the purpose of review.
Books: More than Tasty!
Leopold goat loves books. His favorite thing to do is to pick out books for others in his book store. Usually, he gets the books for humans, but one day another goat walks in, and wants a book.
After looking around and getting him a special book, the goat eats it! Leopold is really upset.
Join Leopold in his hilarious attempt to get the goat not to eat the pages, but to read them.
Little children will giggle at the ways Leopold tries to convince the goat about the good things that books have to offer—besides being a tasty morsel.
This jolly story is a picture book that children ages four to eight-years-old will have a lot of fun with. Don’t be surprised if you hear peals of laughter from your youngster while they look at this five-star book.
Thank you, Walker Books US, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Books Aren't for Eating, for the purpose of review.
September 12, 2022
It is intriguing to think about children reading this picture book by Carlie Sorosiak because many know that goats eat everything/anything. This time, things are different! Leopold, a goat, now owns Leopold's Bookshop. He now loves and collects books and warm sweaters, but first, he had to learn not to eat them! He shares several things that he loves about them, being "inside" them and going to so many places, like ice-skating. However, his favorite thing is choosing for others. He chooses so carefully, like an adventure tale for the girl in rain boots! One day, a surprise happens. A goat comes in which is very rare. And the challenge this time, you guessed it, is to teach this customer that "Books Aren't For Eating"! Manu Montoya's graphic illustrations fill out the details of the story as it evolves from Leopold's adventures in sharing books, instead of eating them!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
October 23, 2022
I adore books about books especially when the story involves finding the book that makes you fall in love with reading.
There is a goat named Leopold who owns a bookstore that humans usually visit. He loves to recommend books to his customers that he knows they will enjoy. Leopold is delighted when a fellow goat comes into the store but soon learns this goat likes to eat books instead of reading them. Book after book he just chomps them up. That is until Leopold shares with him a special book.
I love the message of trying different books until you find the one for you. The illustrations are charming and pair perfectly with this sweet story.
Book lovers will appreciate this story and the message that "some books are just too good to eat."
This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here https://www.yabookscentral.com/books-...
There is a goat named Leopold who owns a bookstore that humans usually visit. He loves to recommend books to his customers that he knows they will enjoy. Leopold is delighted when a fellow goat comes into the store but soon learns this goat likes to eat books instead of reading them. Book after book he just chomps them up. That is until Leopold shares with him a special book.
I love the message of trying different books until you find the one for you. The illustrations are charming and pair perfectly with this sweet story.
Book lovers will appreciate this story and the message that "some books are just too good to eat."
This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here https://www.yabookscentral.com/books-...
December 31, 2024
It took just the right book for a goat to start reading and stop eating books. The same goat became a book seller and found a love of picking the right book for the right person. Until the day another goat comes into the bookshop and starts eating every book they’re handed. But goat number one must figure out how to get goat number two to like books to read and not eat just as much as go one. This book was fun. There’s no other way to put it. As a librarian, I understand the sentiment of finding just the right book for the right person. I’m lucky that nobody’s eating my books (usually). But that excitement you get of not only reading the right book but finding the right book for somebody else. It’s a chef kiss feeling and this book of votes it perfectly. The illustrations that go with it are fantastic and the right tone for the story.
September 23, 2022
I love a good funny book with a great message hidden in its pages. Makes for good eating… er… I mean reading! What a fun book with a great dose of creativity. A great story about the joy of reading and the caring eye of a good motivator. The illustrations are very sweet with goats, laughing faces, hopping bunnies, rainbows and books books books. This is a fun story about the amazing power that books have and that each reader can find their own unique style of reading. Never stop trying to find the right book for your child!
November 30, 2022
Utterly charming book about Leopold, the Bookstore owning goat who delights in matching the perfect book for each patron. Until his patron is a goat who delights in devouring books in the digestive way involving an actual gastrointestinal system. Leopold must find a book which is compelling enough for his new patron to not eat but engaging enough to read. So satisfying. This could work well with Ryan T. Higgins We Don't Eat Our Classmates as a general theme of how do we treat books and classmates... no matter how delicious they are. :-D
January 30, 2024
"But his favorite thing was picking out books for others to read. It gave him such a pleasant feeling like introducing someone to a friend."
This was such a sweet picture book, it would make for a great story time. The quote from above just hit home, as this is something I enjoy so much working in a library. This is a great book to introduce the love of books to kids, and a funny way to explore it for those who already love books.
This was such a sweet picture book, it would make for a great story time. The quote from above just hit home, as this is something I enjoy so much working in a library. This is a great book to introduce the love of books to kids, and a funny way to explore it for those who already love books.
September 3, 2024
Leopold the goat loves his bookstore. His favorite thing is picking out the right book for each customer. When another goat enters the bookstore all it wants to do is eat the books, not read the books! Leopold uses every trick in his tool belt to help the goat realize books are are meant for inspiration and imagination not digestion!
*Great for spring board conversation about how we take care of books and what books mean to each of us.
*Great for spring board conversation about how we take care of books and what books mean to each of us.
October 5, 2022
A brilliant book that for me is very similarly to the notion 'If you don't like reading, you just haven't found the right book yet.' except in this case, it's you haven't found the book you DON'T want to eat yet! $.5 stars purely for the missed opportunity of having a half-eaten page somewhere in the story!
February 23, 2023
Leopold loves books -for reading not eating! He loves to use his imagination to become the characters in the books and to travel to the places in his imagination and have the adventures told about in the stories. He has a bookstore and loves finding the perfect book for his customers. His customers are mostly human until one day another goat arrives who believes books are for eating. Let the challenge begin as Leopold tries to reform his new friend. An adorable story with great illustrations.
March 6, 2023
Leopold owns a wonderful bookstore where he helps customers (mostly human) to find the right books for them. One day a goat enters the bookstore. Leopold chooses a perfect book for him...and he gobbles it up. Leopold is dismayed. Books aren't for eating. Will Leopold be able to help his customer find the right book...for reading?
April 26, 2023
This is a cute picture book about a goat who owns a bookshop, enjoys matching readers with the right books for them, and then takes on the challenge of a goat who only wants to eat books. It's cute and silly, and although librarians and booksellers will gravitate towards this because of their identification with it, I believe this also has enough humor and silliness to appeal to children.
August 10, 2025
This is about the time of year I used to look for a cute book about book care or the wonders of reading to share with students the first week of school. This book does both: don’t eat the pages, let them fill up your brain instead of your belly. Love how on the first visit the goat customer shirt is about to pop open since he ate so many books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews