Book Review: Pages & Co. by Anna James — A Whimsical Adventure for Every Book Lover
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If you've ever wished you could step right into your favorite book and have tea with Anne of Green Gables or solve mysteries with Sherlock Holmes, then Pages & Co. by Anna James is your dream come true.
This delightful series of books -starting with Pages & Co.: Tilly and the Bookwanderers - is a real love letter to readers, libraries, and the magic of storytelling. It follows the story of eleven-year-old Matilda (Tilly) Pages, who lives with her grandparents above their cozy bookshop in London. It is only when fictional characters start appearing in the shop and Tilly learns she can “bookwander” — literally travel into books — that things take a magical turn.
Anna James has crafted a world that's rich with imagination, yet grounded in relatable emotions — grief, friendship, curiosity, and the search for identity. Tilly is a wonderfully inquisitive heroine, and her adventures are equal parts thrilling and heartwarming. Whether she’s chatting with Lizzy Bennet or navigating the rules of the Underlibrary you’ll find yourself completely charmed.
Pages & Co. is such a celebration of reading. James doesn’t just weave in classic characters — she brings them to life in a way that reminds us why we fell in love with them in the first place. And it’s not just about nostalgia. The series gently explores themes like loss and belonging in a way that’s thoughtful but never heavy-handed.
Is it just for kids? Absolutely not. While it's written for middle-grade readers, Pages & Co. is perfect for anyone who finds joy in books. Adults will appreciate the literary references and the lovingly described bookshop (which, let’s be honest, we all wish was real). It's also a fantastic read-aloud choice for families.
Final thoughts:
Pages & Co. is pure bookish joy — whimsical without being fluffy, adventurous without being overwhelming, and heartfelt without being sentimental. If you're looking for a cozy, magical read that rekindles your love of stories, this is one to add to your shelf.
Best for: Readers aged 8+ and anyone who’s ever dreamed of stepping into the pages of a book.
Also published at thefamilybookreview.blogspot.com
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