Review of the CUTEBEE DIY Book Nook Kit (The Secret Rhythm)
I’ll be honest, I had never heard of a book nook until I saw someone making one on tiktok. The idea fascinated me and when CUTEBEE offered me the chance to review their kit I couldn’t wait to get started. Don’t miss my discount code at the bottom of this post!
What is a book nook?
A book nook, basically is a small world 3d scene that is intended to fit within your bookcase. Think dolls house but on a smaller scale and with more specific themed worlds. This version is a kit form that you can construct yourself.
They come in various different themes and I chose the Secret Rhythm which is music inspired. But I basically chose it because it had a cat in it!
The finished book nook dimensions are: 23cm high, 11cm wide and 18cm deep
What’s inside the box?
The box is fairly large and contains all the pieces you will need pre-cut in sheet form for you to press out and assemble. You also get some papers and stickers you will need for the decorations and of course the assembly instructions.
You need to provide glue, (I used pva), scissors for cutting out some of the papers and two AA batteries for the lights. I also recommend a pair of tweezers as some of the pieces were fiddly to handle. And if you’re like me and past the age of forty, you’ll probably also need your glasses and good lighting!
Assembly
If you liked building Lego as a child (or adult) you’ll probably love assembling this book nook. Be prepared for it to take some time as you have to glue lots of it together. To speed up the assembly time, whilst I waited for things to dry I often flicked forward in the instructions and built something else.
Everything you see in the book nook had to be made, from covering the books, to building all the furniture and accessories. It’s fun, fiddly and immensely satisfying to see it come together over a few evenings.
All in all it took me around a week of evenings to make it, but if you had a weekend to spare this would be the ideal time to make one.
Tips and tricks
- As I mentioned before, I’d recommend tweezers for some of the small parts
- Don’t push out the pieces from their board until you need them otherwise you’ll get very muddled.
- Check the lengths of the lighting wires as they vary and it’s annoying if you have to disassemble a section because the wire is too short
Other themes available
- Eternal bookstore
- Magic pharmacist
- Train mystery
- Nebula common room
- Rose detective agency
- Grandfathers antique store
- Moles apartment
Final thoughts
After never evening knowing what a book nook was until recently I am in love with it! I never had a dolls house as a child and I just love all the tiny details, like the chess set and writing desk. It brings me joy to see it illuminated, nestled in my bookcase and I think every library should have one! In fact I’ve already bought friends them as gifts, so they can enjoy the process as well.
Where to buy
Buy direct from cutebee.net. The Secret rhythm is priced at £33.93
Get 10% off your purchase with code CRAFTCARTWRIGHT
Love the Dollhouse Kit（Magic Shop）
Looks fantastic
I love this kit you made and also Bookshop Memories. Anything with tiny books!!
The book shop as I am an avid reader
The CUTEBEE DIY Book Nook Kit (Train Mystery) looks like my type
The Rose Detective Agency kit is my favourite but they’re all lovely.
The Common Room is fabulous!
The Common Room is fabulous!
I love the CUTEBEE DIY Book Nook Kit (Elves Paradise)
How wonderful are these. The elves paradise is lovely.
The magic pharmacist. Love all the old bottles and potions
Love this, haven’t seen one before. Blog is full of good tips for assembly.
thanks, I hope you’ve entered to win one.
I think the Secret Rhythm is my favorite right now. My son is currently collecting instruments (and learning to play them – guitar, banjo, harp, tin whistle, fiddle) and it makes me think of him.
The Secret Rhythm one reminds me of my son who is currently collecting (and learning to play) various instruments.
Oh My Gosh – these are simply wonderful! I checked the site out and love love love all of them….have a feeling they are going to be my new creative outlet – bye bye budget 😀
The Secret Rhythm is my favourite but several others come close!
Great prize
These are all so cute!! I really like the Eternal Book store the most
The train mystery kit looks good to do
Mole’s Apartment looks very sweet, but love them all!
Looks great
i love Grandfather’s Antique Store these are amazing
Love the bookshop one, anything to do with books.
I have seen these at a dolls house event. They look great when constructed.
They are all lovely but the Magic Pharmacist stands out for me
These are fab! The Eternal Bookstore is my favourite xxx
Elves Paradise
My favourite is the Magic Pharmacist. It reminds me of the kind of jigsaws that I like.
Oops found right page – I love quite a few of them. I think Magical Common Room is my favourite xx
Looks good.