LEGOs are the building blocks for cities, creatures, and other creations, both large and small. Not only do these well-loved bricks take many shapes, but they also tell many stories, some of which we first become acquainted with in the pages of a book. For those hoping to relive the magic of an enchanted world or feel the weight of an iconic storybook in their own hands, these six LEGO sets have all the pieces you need.
Sherlock Holmes: Book Nook
The iconic stories of Sherlock have come a long way from the mind of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to take the form of a cozy LEGO book nook. This set features minifigures of the title detective and his trusty companion, Dr Watson, as well as Irene Adler, Professor Moriarty, and Paige, all within a colorful and detailed facade. Destinations for these characters include Sherlock’s famous fictional address, 221B, as well as the Elementary Book Shop, seemingly a reference to the stories’ famed “It’s elementary, dear Watson” catchphrase. With a folding feature that makes this set perfect for shelving with a collection of Doyle’s stories, LEGO’s Sherlock Holmes book nook captures the mysteries and adventures of the detective we know and love.
The Lord of the Rings: The Shire
The green rolling hills, round wooden doors, and a friendly, miniature population of The Shire are brought to LEGO-sized life in their rendition of the region and, more specifically, Bilbo Baggins’ abode, Bag End. While The Hobbit first introduced readers to the home of the Hobbits, minifigures from the later Lord of the Rings stories, including Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Merry, Pippin, Odo Proudfoot and his wife, Rosie Cotton, and Gandalf the Grey, roam this set. Evidence of the festive events that JRR Tolkien brought to life in his novels are woven into its design, with alternate sooty faces and grey hair for Merry and Pippin’s firework-related mischief, and a birthday banner and stage to celebrate Bilbo’s 111st, as well as marvel at his sudden disappearance, thanks to a rotating feature in the build. This set offers a tactile and hands-on way to interact with The Lord of the Rings stories that have enraptured readers for years.
Chomping Monster Book of Monsters
The Harry Potter books carry a legacy matched by few other series in book culture, but this LEGO set takes interest in the titles Harry, Hermione, and Ron were cracking open… or at least attempting to. The Chomping Monster Book of Monsters, after all, gave the trio some difficulty, with gnashing teeth and nasty snarls that deterred students from reaching the information within. In addition to the fierce construction itself, this set includes a Harry Potter minifigure and a smaller version of the Book of Monsters, reminding readers of the Chosen One’s particular struggle with the textbook. For all builders who find their creation getting out of hand, Hagrid’s advice to stroke the spine may come in handy!
Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter
The royal Atreides family of the Dune series faces many dangers in the harsh deserts of Arrakis, but the sleek, dragonfly-inspired design of their Ornithopter lifts them above the fray. Frank Herbert’s novels following young Paul Atreides in his ascent to a duke and prophet feature a wealth of vast and imaginative innovations, and this set captures his ideas on a miniature scale. It also features eight minifigures, including both friend and foe to the Atreides house: Paul Atreides, Lady Jessica, Leto Atreides, Gurney Halleck, Chani, Liet Kynes, Duncan Idaho, and Baron Harkonnen. This winged construction takes Herbert’s sci-fi to the skies in style.
Celestial Pagoda
While the grandiose towers of this set are inspired by LEGO Monkie Kid’s animated show, a key character of the series comes from the 16th-century novel Journey to the West. Accredited to author Wu Cheng’en, and said to be based loosely on the life of a Buddhist monk traveling to India in order to study the scriptures of his religion, the story features a monkey, Sun Wukong, who gains supernatural abilities through practicing Taoism. In the Monkie Kid TV series, this character is called Monkie King, and acts as a mentor for the young fighter as he saves China from the terror of the Demon Bull. This celestial pagoda is based on adventures from the show’s 5th season, and it features minifigures of Monkie Kid, Mei, Pigsy, Mr Tang, Sandy, Baby Mo, Nüwa, and Li Jing. The six stories of this LEGO set call back not only to a spunky modern character, but to centuries of Chinese history and classic literature.
Welcome to Emerald City
Before the smash hit musical and movie of Wicked, Gregory Maguire’s book series, beginning with Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, took readers out of Dorothy’s ruby red shoes and put them into those of the Wizard of Oz villain. Creating both complex and twisted issues of politics and power in Oz, as well as a deeply empathetic and tragic figure in Elphaba, Maguire’s story immersed readers in the thrilling episodes of the witch we thought we knew and hated. One aspect similar to the Wizard of Oz film, and plucky Dorothy at its center, is the false hope of Emerald City, a destination both she and Elphaba seek to resolve their respective troubles. This LEGO set captures both the beauty and illusions of the green city, with ornate arches and sweet treats for sale, as well as the looming false face of Oz. With minifigures of Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Madame Morrible, and The Wizard making up its population, the LEGO Emerald City is a sight you would never want to de-greenify.
With these LEGO sets to collect, classic stories can be experienced from a new perspective. Worlds from Arrakis to Oz await!
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Find more of the stories we keep coming back to on our Bookshop Keeping it…Classic…Recs That Is shelf!
