Have you guys seen this book?  I’m absolutely in love.

Lizzy Bennet’s Diary: Inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Marcia Williwams

You guys, this book is everything ten-year-old me ever wanted. When my own ten-year-old got it for her birthday, I actually had retroactive jealousy. Just look at the adorable detailing on the cover (those mice are my favorite):

And there’s more inside! Those adorable pictures! And their captions!

I sat and stared happily at the map on the end paper for at least ten minutes.

The writing is charming, too. It tells the whole story of the novel from Lizzy’s point of view, with little extra tidbits of their daily life thrown in. The author has done a great job of showing how Lizzy matures over the course of the story. The tone of the writing is quite silly at the beginning and gets more reasonable over time, without losing Lizzy’s playful spirit. It’s a fun read.

I love how the author has put in all the letters Lizzy receives, in word-for-word form, just as if she had tucked them into her diary. They even fold out!

The happy ending is even happier told in Lizzy’s own words.

This is one of those books that uses visuals so perfectly. It’s very size and shape communicate coziness and happiness. It makes me want to sit down in front of a crackling fire on a cold day leading up to Christmas and just read all afternoon with a cup of tea in my hand.

Don’t even try to tell me that’s not what books were made to make you feel.

I’m proud to report that it’s not just me, either. Ellie flew through the book with the same speed that she read the Manga Pride and Prejudice, and I’ve even caught the five-year-old carefully flipping through the pages. Christmas is coming, people, and I’ve found the perfect present for the girls in your life. You’re welcome.

Go forth and be happy! (And take this book along if you need some help.)