17 Of The Best Cottagecore Books

As a result of the coronavirus, baking bread — and in particular sourdough — is on the rise. Especially in the beginning of the pandemic where yeast was vanishing from shelves. So if you are looking to expand your sourdough prowess, or even see what all the hype is about, this cookbook is for you!

Part of cottagecore is looking at those who have come before us, and who have passed down their wisdom. This book is full of ideas, stories, and recipes that have been part of different indigenous cultures for centuries. An absolutely beautiful book to remember and honor those who did all of this first.

A biography about the “Last True Hermit”. In 1986 Christopher Knight disappeared from his home. Years later it was discovered that he had been living on his own in the middle of the wilderness. He survived by stealing food, living by his wits, and finding ways to stay warm while living in his tent, even though the harsh Maine winters. While maybe not as “cozy” as the rest of the cottagecore aesthetic, this is still a remarkable story about making it work, and reusing whatever you have.

A woman is grieving the death of her husband and tries to find solace wherever she can. Eventually, she does find it, in an extremely unlikely place, mushroom hunting. Through this, her memoir, Long Litt Woon, tells the story of her grief and loss, and the way something as simple as mushrooms helped her heal, and move on. This is a powerful testament to the reason cottagecore has become so popular — a reclamation of the simplicity of life.

A hard-to-find book, to be sure, but a beautiful one nonetheless. This book is a series of poems mailed back and forth from the gardens of Aimee Nezhukumatathil and Ross Gay. They talk about nature, the seasons, and their gardens. A simple, yet endearing collection of poems that is perfect for any CottageCore bookshelf.

A book that has been a staple of many households for generations, it tells the story of young orphan Anne, who is sent to a brother and sister to work on their farm. The siblings had hoped for a strong boy to work the land, and instead get a strongheaded girl who they grow to love. A testament to the power of will and resourcefulness, this is a must-read.

Generations of women in the Nomeolvides family have tended the gardens that enchant and amaze all who wander through them. However, these women are also cursed, and should they fall in love too deeply, their lovers vanish. A beautiful mystery set to the backdrop of a miraculous garden, this is the perfect escapist book for anyone longing for their own garden one day.

A charming story about the magic of dragons, tea, and friendship, this is the first in a series about loving oneself, forgiving past mistakes, and being in community with those you love. An adorable, cozy, and endearing read, this one isn’t just for the kids in your life, as there’s something we all can learn from.

Set alongside the river Thames, we follow four friends, Badger, Ratty, Mr. Toad, and Mole, as they explore, eat, and sometimes even solve mysteries. A cozy children’s book that has enchanted readers for years, this is the perfect book to have on your cottagecore shelf.

Imagine if every time you baked something, you could fill it with whatever emotion you wanted, or even change their physical body altogether! That is exactly the power Marie has. However, when she is captured by Marauders who demand she make sinister goods, Marie realizes that her past may be different from what she knows. Complete with ghosts, fairytales, and delicious treats, this is a whirlwind of a story that will stay with you for a long time.

This is a sweeping story of a young girl named Kiki who wants to do good with her magic powers. Despite her intent, many are wary and even scared of her, and Kiki must do what she can to earn their trust. Accompanied by her adorable cat Jiji, Kiki learns that magic can be in simple things too, and sometimes friendship is magic in itself. A perfect blend of magic, and everyday life, this story is truly a cottagecore reading essential.

When Willow decides to run away into the woods near her home, she soon encounters Pilu, a lost tree spirit. Willow promises that she will help Pilu get home, but there’s just one problem: Pilu isn’t ready. A story where finding, and making a home is at the core of its message, this is an adorable middle grade book about love, loss, and family.