Books to Inspire: January 2026
The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art Of Decluttering And Organizing
By Marie Kondo
“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” offers a refreshing lens on what it means to create orderly beginnings, making it an ideal companion for families striving to reset their homes and their habits for 2026. Through the gentle, yet disciplined, KonMari Method, Marie Kondo reframes decluttering as an intentional, joy-focused practice rather than a chore. Her emphasis on evaluating each object’s emotional resonance encourages families to slow down, work together, and build shared clarity about what truly matters.
What stands out is how seamlessly Kondo’s philosophy extends beyond closets and cabinets. Her guidance invites readers to rethink the systems that shape daily life, from managing kids’ belongings to curating routines that reduce stress. In doing so, the book becomes more than a manual for tidying; it’s a blueprint for harmony and efficiency. For families seeking balance amid busy schedules, Kondo provides an inspiring starting point, one that transforms chaos into calm, one joyful decision at a time.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo was first published in English in 2014. Other works include Spark Joy (2016), The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up (2017), and Joy at Work (2020). A copy can be found in the non-fiction section of Neilson Hays Library.
Tidy
Written and illustrated Emily Gravett
Emily Gravett’s “Tidy” is a beautifully illustrated cautionary tale about the perils of overzealous neatness. Pete the badger loves order. He snips off imperfect flowers, bathes forest animals, vacuums leaves, and even brushes birds’ beaks. But his fixation spirals when the autumn leaves become a mountain of trash bags, and soon he uproots all the trees in his forest.
When the forest becomes a concrete wasteland, Pete realizes he’s gone too far. With help from his woodland friends, he restores nature, admitting that perfect tidiness came at too high a cost. Gravett’s rhyming text is playful yet thoughtful, and her illustrations done in pencil, watercolor, and crayon overflow with charm. “Tidy” is a gentle, witty reminder that sometimes a little dirt is part of what makes life whole and that even the most joyful tidying, like the Marie Kondo method, works best in moderation.
Tidy by Emily Gravett was published by Two Hoots in 2016. A hardcover copy is available in the Children’s Corner of Neilson Hays Library. It is a fitting pick for families exploring the theme of Orderly Beginnings.
Prepared by Kit Lang @mskitlang. The Neilson Hays Library is Thailand’s premier English-language library. The Children's Program offers Saturday Story Time, a cozy Children's Corner, and special holiday events. Adult Programs include concerts, art exhibitions, book clubs, and book sales. Located in a UNESCO-awarded historic building with a garden and cafe on site: 195 Surawong Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.