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No Books For Benjamin?
A self-awareness story for kids ages 3-7 to help children recognize and develop their own unique talents and improve their self-worth.
When the books disappear, one little bookworm takes action. Benjamin the worm loves his job at his favorite library—reading, organizing, and receiving letters from kids who share their favorite books. But everything changes when a strange illness sweeps across the world. Schools close.
Libraries shut their doors. And suddenly... no more letters. No more books. Kids everywhere are cut off from their favorite stories—and Benjamin knows he has to do something.
With the help of his clever and determined friends, Benjamin sets out on a mission to bring books back into children’s hands.
Whether it’s finding new ways to share stories or helping build connections in unexpected places, this little team proves that determination—and a love of reading—can go a long way.
Because stories matter. And heroes come in all shapes... even squiggly ones.
When the books disappear, one little bookworm takes action. Benjamin the worm loves his job at his favorite library—reading, organizing, and receiving letters from kids who share their favorite books. But everything changes when a strange illness sweeps across the world. Schools close.
Libraries shut their doors. And suddenly... no more letters. No more books. Kids everywhere are cut off from their favorite stories—and Benjamin knows he has to do something.
With the help of his clever and determined friends, Benjamin sets out on a mission to bring books back into children’s hands.
Whether it’s finding new ways to share stories or helping build connections in unexpected places, this little team proves that determination—and a love of reading—can go a long way.
Because stories matter. And heroes come in all shapes... even squiggly ones.
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2025
34 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
R.G. de Rouen
9 books13 followersR.G. de Rouen is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature in Connecticut and writes fiction that inspires a love of reading with a pinch of humor along the way. Throughout his 30+ years as an elementary teacher throughout the world, he has also been an advocate of animal and nature protection which he brings into his nonfiction stories.
Books For Benjamin, his first picture book, has been widely recognized and received several awards, including the Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal. Like his fictional character Benjamin, R.G. de Rouen can’t live without books!
Mother To Elephants, a non-fiction picture book biography, portrays the life of Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Her dedication in rescuing baby orphan elephants in Kenya, serves as a great inspiration to children and adults alike.
To find out more about the author, please visit him at www.rgderouen.com or follow him on Facebook @R.G. de Rouen, author, Instagram @rg.derouen_author, or Pinterest @rgderouenauthor.
Books For Benjamin, his first picture book, has been widely recognized and received several awards, including the Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal. Like his fictional character Benjamin, R.G. de Rouen can’t live without books!
Mother To Elephants, a non-fiction picture book biography, portrays the life of Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Her dedication in rescuing baby orphan elephants in Kenya, serves as a great inspiration to children and adults alike.
To find out more about the author, please visit him at www.rgderouen.com or follow him on Facebook @R.G. de Rouen, author, Instagram @rg.derouen_author, or Pinterest @rgderouenauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 27, 2025
Benjamin is a sweet fellow who loves books and reading as much as I do. When sickness strikes it’s up to him and his friends to get library books distributed. The illustrations jump off the page in a lively manner. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
August 29, 2025
Bookworm Benjamin and I are definitely kindred spirits; from childhood, I loved reading more than anything! So when the infectious “purple dots” force the closure of Benjamin’s public library, he and his insect pals join the librarian in sanitizing and delivering books so that masked children can read and keep healthy. A great read even years after the pandemic.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial in exchange for an honest review.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2025
Four Point Four Stars
Beautiful story of Benjamin the worm who loves books. Benjamin lives in the library and enjoys reading . However, once the new books stop coming. Then when Benjamin finds the reason he decides to do something about it. The other insects also help. Lovely sweet story with interesting information about insects. Nice illustrations and good read for older kids.
Beautiful story of Benjamin the worm who loves books. Benjamin lives in the library and enjoys reading . However, once the new books stop coming. Then when Benjamin finds the reason he decides to do something about it. The other insects also help. Lovely sweet story with interesting information about insects. Nice illustrations and good read for older kids.
September 24, 2025
Another great story about our favorite book obsessed
friend, Benjamin. Benjamin was having an amazing time working at the library. It is his lifelong dream come true. The best part is sharing that love with others, especially children as they discover a love for book. He loves sharing all the wonderful books he finds with children all over the world. That is until the day the books stopped coming. Benjamin is determined to figure out why and to help. He finds out that the purple spots are making everyone sick. Benjamin jumps into action! With the help of all his amazing and caring friends they find a safe way to deliver the books to children everywhere.
This was a truly encouraging story. A real celebration of community, caring, understanding, friendship and a love of books. Just like our friend, Benjamin, our books take us on so many adventures and we can't wait to have millions more.
I loved how the amazing took something that we have lived through and turned it into something creative and meaningful for our precious little ones.
A huge shout out for our wonderful library’s everywhere and all they do for us and books.
A sincere and grateful thank you to the author, the publishers and to NetGalley and Story Originfor allowing us to enjoy this book. We enjoyed the ebook and can’t wait to get it for our home library.
Enjoy this reading adventure together
friend, Benjamin. Benjamin was having an amazing time working at the library. It is his lifelong dream come true. The best part is sharing that love with others, especially children as they discover a love for book. He loves sharing all the wonderful books he finds with children all over the world. That is until the day the books stopped coming. Benjamin is determined to figure out why and to help. He finds out that the purple spots are making everyone sick. Benjamin jumps into action! With the help of all his amazing and caring friends they find a safe way to deliver the books to children everywhere.
This was a truly encouraging story. A real celebration of community, caring, understanding, friendship and a love of books. Just like our friend, Benjamin, our books take us on so many adventures and we can't wait to have millions more.
I loved how the amazing took something that we have lived through and turned it into something creative and meaningful for our precious little ones.
A huge shout out for our wonderful library’s everywhere and all they do for us and books.
A sincere and grateful thank you to the author, the publishers and to NetGalley and Story Originfor allowing us to enjoy this book. We enjoyed the ebook and can’t wait to get it for our home library.
Enjoy this reading adventure together
September 22, 2025
One day Benjamin the Bookworm came to find all of the books gone. And the librarians were wearing masks! They explained that the purple dot disease was among them and that people had to
stay at home and that there was sanitizing that needed to be done. Benjamin and his insect friends worked out a plan and everyone still had the books available once again.
The illustrations by Uliana Barabash are complex, imaginative, and FUN in brilliant colors.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital Galley on PDF from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. *****review #NetGalley #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph
#NoBooksForBenjamin by @rg.derouen_author and illustrated by #Uliana Barabash @ibpalovesindies @booksgosocialgroup #Globetrotter Stories @childrensbookcouncil @librarythingofficial #picturebookart #kidlit #storytelling #picturebook #illustration #childrensbooks #imagination #Wearing a mask #perseverance #accomplishinggoals #overcoming #storytelling #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #indiebookstoresca
stay at home and that there was sanitizing that needed to be done. Benjamin and his insect friends worked out a plan and everyone still had the books available once again.
The illustrations by Uliana Barabash are complex, imaginative, and FUN in brilliant colors.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital Galley on PDF from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. *****review #NetGalley #bookbub #goodreads #storygraph
#NoBooksForBenjamin by @rg.derouen_author and illustrated by #Uliana Barabash @ibpalovesindies @booksgosocialgroup #Globetrotter Stories @childrensbookcouncil @librarythingofficial #picturebookart #kidlit #storytelling #picturebook #illustration #childrensbooks #imagination #Wearing a mask #perseverance #accomplishinggoals #overcoming #storytelling #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #indiebookstoresca
September 11, 2025
I Love Benjamin Books
This is a really cute story of Benjamin the bookworm and his friends who solve an important problem. Due to a pandemic closing all the libraries, Benjamin and everyone have run out of books to read. Working together they figure out how to use their strengths to get books to people. The illustrations are spot on and lovely.
This is a really cute story of Benjamin the bookworm and his friends who solve an important problem. Due to a pandemic closing all the libraries, Benjamin and everyone have run out of books to read. Working together they figure out how to use their strengths to get books to people. The illustrations are spot on and lovely.
September 7, 2025
In No Books for Benjamin? by R.G. de Rouen, readers are introduced to an extraordinary little worm with an insatiable love for books. Benjamin isn’t your typical earth-dweller; he lives and works at none other than the Library of Congress, where he enjoys a daily feast of fresh stories and endless pages. Surrounded by the written word, his life couldn’t be more perfect, until a mysterious illness called The Purple Dots sweeps through the country, forcing libraries everywhere to close their doors indefinitely.
Suddenly, Benjamin is left heartbroken. No new books. No new stories. Just silence. Desperate to keep his passion alive, he consults Ms. Nicholas, the wise librarian, and together, with the help of both human and animal friends, they hatch a clever, collaborative plan. But what exactly is their idea? And will it be enough to bring books back into Benjamin’s life?
This delightful picture book is a heartfelt celebration of reading. Benjamin’s charm is undeniable, and children will instantly connect with his wide-eyed enthusiasm and boundless curiosity. He’s not only adorable, he’s inspiring. His determination to find a solution teaches young readers the value of teamwork and creative problem-solving.
What stands out most in de Rouen’s storytelling is his ability to deliver meaningful messages without ever being heavy-handed. The book playfully emphasizes the joy of collaboration and community, with Benjamin and his friends working together toward a common goal. Even the concept of “The Purple Dots” illness, while referencing a challenging event, is portrayed with humor and imagination that will spark giggles rather than fear.
De Rouen enriches the experience further by including a page of fascinating insect facts, tying the story to educational content in a seamless way. His website also features a treasure trove of engaging extras, printable bookmarks, coloring pages, and even a maze that extends the fun long after the last page is turned.
The illustrations by Uliana Barabash are a visual treat. Rendered in bold, full-page acrylic-style paintings, each image bursts with color and whimsy. Her attention to detail and affection for animals, plants, and nature shine through, adding depth and personality to every scene. It’s easy to get lost in the expressive characters and lush backgrounds she’s brought to life.
No Books for Benjamin? is a joyful, imaginative journey that celebrates books, friendship, and perseverance. Charming, educational, and beautifully illustrated, it’s a must-have for any child’s library.
Suddenly, Benjamin is left heartbroken. No new books. No new stories. Just silence. Desperate to keep his passion alive, he consults Ms. Nicholas, the wise librarian, and together, with the help of both human and animal friends, they hatch a clever, collaborative plan. But what exactly is their idea? And will it be enough to bring books back into Benjamin’s life?
This delightful picture book is a heartfelt celebration of reading. Benjamin’s charm is undeniable, and children will instantly connect with his wide-eyed enthusiasm and boundless curiosity. He’s not only adorable, he’s inspiring. His determination to find a solution teaches young readers the value of teamwork and creative problem-solving.
What stands out most in de Rouen’s storytelling is his ability to deliver meaningful messages without ever being heavy-handed. The book playfully emphasizes the joy of collaboration and community, with Benjamin and his friends working together toward a common goal. Even the concept of “The Purple Dots” illness, while referencing a challenging event, is portrayed with humor and imagination that will spark giggles rather than fear.
De Rouen enriches the experience further by including a page of fascinating insect facts, tying the story to educational content in a seamless way. His website also features a treasure trove of engaging extras, printable bookmarks, coloring pages, and even a maze that extends the fun long after the last page is turned.
The illustrations by Uliana Barabash are a visual treat. Rendered in bold, full-page acrylic-style paintings, each image bursts with color and whimsy. Her attention to detail and affection for animals, plants, and nature shine through, adding depth and personality to every scene. It’s easy to get lost in the expressive characters and lush backgrounds she’s brought to life.
No Books for Benjamin? is a joyful, imaginative journey that celebrates books, friendship, and perseverance. Charming, educational, and beautifully illustrated, it’s a must-have for any child’s library.
September 4, 2025
The first book in this series (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) had a bookworm try its hardest to work with books and be around them as much as possible. This starts with him as a librarian's assistant, but lo and behold something is going to ruin life for him – Covid. Or if not that then a bug that gives everyone purple blotches. And I mean disease bug, not bug bug – the bug bugs prove themselves fine, as the ants can carry books (one each, allegedly – and read them at the same time!) and the dragonflies can zoom around and parachute them towards their prospective loaners. Therefore the library service can survive through lockdown! Yay!
Well, yay-ish. This is kind of in keeping with what I remember of the first book, but at the same time really puts itself in an awkward place with the huge issues with scale I mentioned. You can sort of see why the author wanted to honour those working under lockdown conditions for their service to books and reading, but with this amount of implausibility it's not really going to work. The two typos I saw in my early review copy will rattle Benjamin, as well. All told this is fine, with a more forgiving eye than mine, but if you don't wish for your youngsters to be fed fictions about coronasniffles and lockdown, then you won't like this or my three-and-a-half rating.
Certainly, a step down from the classy original.
Well, yay-ish. This is kind of in keeping with what I remember of the first book, but at the same time really puts itself in an awkward place with the huge issues with scale I mentioned. You can sort of see why the author wanted to honour those working under lockdown conditions for their service to books and reading, but with this amount of implausibility it's not really going to work. The two typos I saw in my early review copy will rattle Benjamin, as well. All told this is fine, with a more forgiving eye than mine, but if you don't wish for your youngsters to be fed fictions about coronasniffles and lockdown, then you won't like this or my three-and-a-half rating.
Certainly, a step down from the classy original.
September 2, 2025
No Books for Benjamin is the sequel to Books for Benjamin, written before the pandemic. This book serves as a thoughtful record of what life was like during the pandemic, capturing the unique challenges and experiences of that time in a way that is accessible and relatable. The illustrations, along with the lovable character of Benjamin, bring a playful and lighthearted touch to what was otherwise a very serious and often traumatic period, making the story engaging for young readers while still honoring the reality of the moment.
September 4, 2025
I received an electronic ARC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley.
Benjamin is back and still loving all the books. Sadly, one day, the library closes for a serious illness so no books are available. Together with the librarian, Benjamin and his friends brainstorm ideas to get books to kids. Readers see the many ways they work together and distribute books. The author also includes informative text about insects at the end of the book. I appreciate the gentle tone and way de Rouen explains about illnesses and caring for each other.
Benjamin is back and still loving all the books. Sadly, one day, the library closes for a serious illness so no books are available. Together with the librarian, Benjamin and his friends brainstorm ideas to get books to kids. Readers see the many ways they work together and distribute books. The author also includes informative text about insects at the end of the book. I appreciate the gentle tone and way de Rouen explains about illnesses and caring for each other.
August 27, 2025
I just loved this book! It was unique in its story, and I found that very creative. The illustrations were adorable. I especially loved that the story contained fun facts about the creatures which is a great learning opportunity for children. The end of the book speaks about these facts in a bit more detail, which was a brilliant extra!
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2025
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion:
I loved this book. It covers so much in such a little book, and makes it all understandable for the littlest of readers. It brings reminders of how people worked together during pandemic lockdowns to ensure we could all still read and find happiness in books. This is also a perfect introduction to bugs and their characteristics.
I loved this book. It covers so much in such a little book, and makes it all understandable for the littlest of readers. It brings reminders of how people worked together during pandemic lockdowns to ensure we could all still read and find happiness in books. This is also a perfect introduction to bugs and their characteristics.
September 8, 2025
❤️🤗A must-read!
Benjamin was a little earthworm who loved reading books.
He actually lived in a beautiful bookstore...
------
A mystery to solve and an adorable little main character to discover in this charming, funny, and cute children's book with beautiful drawings and a fun plot.
A must-read!
Benjamin was a little earthworm who loved reading books.
He actually lived in a beautiful bookstore...
------
A mystery to solve and an adorable little main character to discover in this charming, funny, and cute children's book with beautiful drawings and a fun plot.
A must-read!
October 8, 2025
“No books for Benjamin?” is a well written sequel by author R.G. de Roven and illustrated by Uliana Barabash. The cover of this picture shows you how concerned Benjamin is- where are all the books? Will Benjamin and friends find a way to solve this problem? I highly recommend this adorable picture book.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 15, 2025
I guess I liked this book so much because I too love books. COVID was a hard time for the world. We learned new ways of doing our everyday tasks. One thing we did learn though was that reading was a winner.
September 19, 2025
This was such a cute read, I adored it as an adult, and I am positive that a young child would love for this to be read to them or to read themselves! It was super cute and the illustrations were spot on! Definately pick up this book and read it to your little ones!
September 20, 2025
❤️🤗A must-read!
Benjamin was a little earthworm who loved reading books.
He actually lived in a beautiful bookstore...
------
A mystery to solve and an adorable little main character to discover in this charming, funny, and cute children's book with beautiful drawings and a fun plot.
A must-read!
Benjamin was a little earthworm who loved reading books.
He actually lived in a beautiful bookstore...
------
A mystery to solve and an adorable little main character to discover in this charming, funny, and cute children's book with beautiful drawings and a fun plot.
A must-read!
September 22, 2025
This book taught my granddaughter about helping to solve a problem at the library by different types of insects working together by being able to do different things because of their unique abilities.
October 7, 2025
A Joy!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Benjamin's journey to finding a way to sanitize and deliver books to everyone. It required all insects to get involve and become team members. I do recommend adding this book to your library.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Benjamin's journey to finding a way to sanitize and deliver books to everyone. It required all insects to get involve and become team members. I do recommend adding this book to your library.
September 20, 2025
No Books For Benjamin?: A Picture Book About How Friendship and Teamwork Can Overcome Obstacles by R.G. de Rouen - A wonderful love letter to libraries and the magic of books! Happy Reading!
November 2, 2025
What I like most about this book was the encouragement it could have on students. This book is full of encouragement about how fun reading can be for everyone.
November 13, 2025
I love how all the insects cane to the rescue of the libraries. When a group works together they can accomplish what seemed to be impossible!
November 13, 2025
Great book!
I live how all the insects cane to the rescue of the libraries. When a group works together they can accomplish what seemed to be impossible!
I live how all the insects cane to the rescue of the libraries. When a group works together they can accomplish what seemed to be impossible!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews