This section of my collector's guide to interactive books with removable ephemera includes books with letters and postcards inserted into envelopes that you can take out and read, forming part of the storytelling experience. This format has its roots in epistolary literature (narratives that are told through letters, diary entries, or other forms of correspondence), but the added interactive charm of unfolding and touching letters elevates these books and make them my favourite genre.
I hope you enjoy, and do let me know in the comments if I've forgotten one of your beloved titles!
On this page
Series: Griffin and Sabine | Jolly Postman | Lettered Classics | Correspondence Anthologies | Van Helsing Diaries | Felix | Mouse Letters | Babysitter's Club | Animal Post | Letters from Maisie | Peppa's Post | Paddington Post | Dear Holly
Standalones: Upcoming books and other fun interactive titles…
The Griffin and Sabine series is the original classic that introduced a generation of adults to the magic of removable letters in fiction. A mysterious relationship between two artists – Griffin Moss and Sabine Strohem – is told through a series of removable letters and postcards shared between the two main characters. The story is told through two sets of three books, known as the ‘Griffin & Sabine Trilogy' and the ‘Morning Star Trilogy', with the final volume The Pharos Gate published later linking the trilogies more closely together. These books are the classic ‘removable letter' epistolary volumes of this type and are made with quality paper and richly illustrated inserts that are integral to the story (even studying the postmarks on the envelopes adds to the intrigue). Many of the books are currently out of print, but the 25th Anniversary edition of the first book is still easy to find and is enjoyable on its own (although it's so good you're sure to want the rest after reading it).
Chronicle Books, 2016. 9781452155951. This limited, 25th anniversary edition contains new artwork, an original postcard, and specially created decorative stamps.
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Chronicle Books, 1991. 9780877017882. The strange and intriguing correspondence of Griffin and Sabine.
Chronicle Books, 1992. 9780811801805. A sketchbook and diary kept by the magical Sabine.
Chronicle Books, 1993. 9780811802987. New obstacles test the tenacity of Griffin & Sabine's passionate connection.
Chronicle Books, 2001. 9780811831628. Matthew and Isabella are long-distance lovers who find themselves entwined in a perilous intrigue.
Chronicle Books, 2002. 9780811831406. Matthew and Isabella struggle to make sense of a world and feelings beyond their previous experience.
Chronicle Books, 2003. 9780811831994. The long-distance lovers are drawn into a magical maze beyond the certainty of experience.
Chronicle Books, 2016. 9781452151250. An enigmatic dénouement of the Griffin & Sabine story.
Chronicle Books, 2004. 9780811845083. A limited edition wooden box decorated with original artwork holds a treasure trove of the first six novels. Also includes an exclusive print of Griffin & Sabine's iconic parrot image, initialed by Nick Bantock.
A Jolly Postman delivers letters to several famous fairy-tale characters such as the Big Bad Wolf, Cinderella, and the Three Bears. Whole pages are made into envelopes that contain letters, cards and paper gifts. Each letter may be removed from its envelope page and read separately as part of the story.
LB Kids, 2001 (US) | Puffin, 1999 (UK).
Readers follow the Jolly Postman on his deliveries and can take each colourful letter out of its envelope to discover what well-known fairy-tale characters are writing to one another. Includes letters, postcards and a miniature storybook.
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This series includes the full text of classic novels, with any correspondence mentioned in the text reproduced with historical accuracy (from handwritten calligraphy styles through to postmarks and letter folding techniques) and often sensitively and creatively expanded from a fragment to a full-text letter. The letters are hand-folded, then inserted into glassine envelopes placed throughout the text to align with the story. Earlier editions focus on the letters from the text only, later ones (post-2021) also include other ephemera mentioned in the books, like family trees and maps. It's a delightful way to immerse yourself into a historical world as you read a beloved classic.
☞ Explore my extended review of this series for more detailed insights and internal images.
☞ You can also see the original Pride and Prejudice book in more detail and read about how it was created in my video and essay review.
Chronicle Books, 2025. 9781797232294. This updated edition now comes in a slipcased set of two volumes, with upgraded features including a cloth spine, color illustrated endpapers, historically accurate paper for the letters, and new removable ephemera.
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Chronicle Books, 2020. 9781452184579. Includes the full text of Pride and Prejudice, plus 19 full-size removable replicas of the characters' letters and other writings, from Lydia's announcement of her elopement to Mr Darcy's beseeching missive to Elizabeth.
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Chronicle Books, 2021. 9781797208916. Includes the full text of Little Women, plus 17 full-size removable replicas of the characters' letters and other writings, such as Laurie inviting Jo to join him for a picnic, letters from the girls to Marmee, and Jo's poem “My Beth”.
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Chronicle Books, 2022. 9781797216850.
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Chronicle Books, 2024. 9781797227689.
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This series of elegant anthologies features themed collections of real historical letters, thoughtfully curated by Michelle Lovric. Beautiful facsimile handwritten letters can be removed from envelopes on the pages, which are juxtaposed with printed text. Although mostly out of print, these volumes are typically surprisingly inexpensive and mostly in pretty good condition.
Shooting Star Press, 1995. Beautiful facsimile handwritten letters from famous lovers can be removed from envelopes on the pages, which are juxtaposed with printed text. A miniature envelope and letter is even on the dust jacket.
Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1997. A second collection of facsimile handwritten love letters between famous couples such as Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Horatio Nelson and Emma Hamilton, Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning.
Andrews McMeel, 2001. A small book of love letters where printed text is juxtaposed with facsimile versions of handwritten letters which are enclosed in envelopes or folded with (plastic) seals mimicking the originals.
Michael O'Mara, 1998 (UK, 1854793535) | Andrew McMeel (US, 0836268369). Also published as Woman to Woman. A celebration of all the roles that women play and how they express their most intimate feelings in correspondence.
For fans of gothic horror and monster lore, these guides to hunting various dark creatures are the brainchild of illustrator Miles Teves. Presented as newly discovered journals of various Van Helsing family members, each is published under various Van Helsing pseudonyms. Pockets and folders attached to the pages are filled with various pictures, spell books and other useful notes.
Barnes & Noble, 2006. 0760779805.
Pavilion 2007. 1862057788.
Originally published in German, the Letters from Felix series is about a travelling stuffed toy rabbit, who sends letters home to his owner Sophie from his adventures. Each book is framed as a global adventure, and the story is told through removable letters and postcards tucked into envelopes on the pages, and some have bonus ephemera like fold-out maps and travel tags. There are other titles in the series that don't include letters, like Felix, What Time Is It? which has a moveable clock instead.
Abbeville Press, 1994. 1558598863. The inaugural book introduces Felix, who gets lost at an airport and sends letters from various global destinations to his owner, Sophie.
Abbeville Press, 1995. 0789200023. Felix gets lost in a museum. Includes six letters and a timeline wall chart.
Abbeville Press, 1997. 0789203200. Felix journeys across continents. Includes six letters and a foldout map.
Abbeville Press, 2000. 0789206323. Felix joins a circus troupe. Includes six letters and a game.
Parklane Publishing, 2003. 1593840365. Felix shares Christmas traditions around the globe. Includes six festive letters and a hat.
A delightful series of miniature books tell the story of a family of mice through letters tucked in tiny envelopes. I've included the titles with removable letters here, but there are more books in this adorable series with flaps, pop-ups and illustrations hanging by strings if you want to check them all out!
☞ Explore my extended review of this series for more detailed insights and internal images from the rest of the titles (and also hints on finding cheaper copies).
Campbell Books, 1993; reprint 2006 (UK); Dutton Books, 1993 (US). Also published as Mouse Fairies and Fairy Letters.
Campbell Books, 1995; Dutton Juvenile, 1995; Lothian Books, 1995.
Campbell Books, 1996; Dutton Juvenile, 1996; Lothian Books, 1996
Campbell Books, 1999 reprint 2006; Lothian Books, 1998; Dutton, 1999.
Campbell Books, 1999 reprint 2006; Lothian Books, 1998; Dutton, 1999.
These interactive books are based on the popular teen Baby-Sitters Club (BSC) novels, published between 1986 and 2000 about a group of friends who live in the fictional suburban town of Stoneybrook, Connecticut. The books contain removable letters, paper items and even gifts such as necklaces and bracelets that the friends exchange over holidays.
Scholastic, 1993 (US) [as Chain Letter]; Scholastic, 1994 (UK) [as Dear Babysitter]. While Kristy is in the hospital recovering from an appendectomy, she receives a chain letter for telling secrets, which circulates around the US to her fellow club members on their summer holidays.
Scholastic, 1994. One Christmas, the Baby-Sitters Club decides to do a Secret Santa drawing of their Christmas wishes. The book chronicles each member's Christmas letters and postcards to family and friends as they work to grant the wish of the person they chose. Includes removable letters, a friendship necklace and confetti in one of the envelopes.
This charming collection of picture books have large pocket pages with letters you can open that contain character correspondence as part of the story. Only the first book (Dragon Post) has actual removable letters – the others in the series have letters that can be unfolded but remain stuck to the page.
Walker Books, 2018 (UK); Kane Miller, 2019 (US). A young boy discovers a dragon in his basement and seeks advice by sending removable letters to various experts.
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Walker Books, 2019 (UK). Kane Miller, 2020 (US). Releasd in paperback as Monster Post. Beast invites friends to a feast featuring a human child as the main course. (The letters in this volume can't be removed.)
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Walker Books, 2020. 9781406392197. Amy writes a letter to Santa, but he needs to seek advice from other characters. (The letters in this volume can't be removed.)
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Walker Books, 2025. 9781529525175. Candlewick 2025, 9781536246469 A unicorn comes to visit. (The letters in this volume can't be removed.)
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Peppa Pig books are aimed at preschool-aged children, and feature bright, simple illustrations and few words. There are many books picture books featuring this popular character, but these few listed here are special editions that include full-page pockets with removable letters and other paper ephemera.
Ladybird, 2017. Peppa solves the mystery of where Granny and Grandpa Pig have gone on holiday. Six pockets with pull-out mail and activities.
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Ladybird, 2017. Peppa and George plan for Christmas whne their parents fall ill. Six pockets with pull-out mail and activities.
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Ladybird, 2015. Peppa and friends put on a pantomime. Six pockets with tickets, invitations and a program.
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Maisy Mouse books are aimed at preschool-aged children, and feature bright, simple illustrations and few words. There are around a hundred picture books featuring the popular character and her friends, but these two listed here are special editions that include full-page pockets with removable letters and other paper ephemera.
Walker Books, 2019 (UK) [as Maisy's Christmas Letters]; Candlewick Press, 2019 (US) [as Maisy's Christmas Party]. Maisy is throwing a Christmas party. Includes six full-page envelope pockets containing Christmas cards, gifts, recipes, decorations and a letter from Maisy to personalise.
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Walker Books, 2020 (UK); Candlewick Press, 2020 (US). Maisy the mouse is on holiday and sends letters back to all her friends. Includes six full-page envelope pockets containing letters, souvenirs, games and a postcard.
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HarperCollins, 2019. Explores Paddington's new life in London after travelling all the way from Darkest Peru and meeting Mr and Mrs Brown at Paddington station. Includes six envelopes containing Paddington's first letter to Aunt Lucy, a half-price voucher for his favourite buns, a birthday card, and more.
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HarperCollins, 2022. Follows Paddington as he helps the Brown family get ready for Christmas. Includes five envelopes containing an Advent calendar, Paddington's home-made Christmas card to Aunt Lucy, a bear-shaped Christmas tree decoration and more.
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Walker Books, 2003 (UK). Candlewick, 2004 (US). Holly exchanges letters, riddles, a poster and a fairy coin with the Tooth Fairy. (Removable inserts only in the hardback edition.)
Walker Books, 2005 (UK); Candlewick, 2005 (US). Holly shares letters, a mini advent calendar an ornament and a foldout reindeer guide with Santa. (Removable inserts only in the hardback edition.)
Walker, 2007. Candlewick, 2007.
Holly searches for treasures left by a mermaid including a mini coloring book, underwater game, photo holder, and seahorse charm. (Removable inserts only in the hardback edition.)
The rest of the books in this section include children's books, fictional epistolaries, and other random goodness for you to scroll through and be inspired. They are listed in reverse publication order, and I've marked my most-loved titles with a ★.
Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2026. 9781526698674.
Includes six pull-out letters with advice from popular historical women: Kahlo, Curie, Tabei, Lovelace, Pankhurst and Parks.
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Black Cat 2026. 9781917768139 (UK); 9781917768184 (US)
An interactive picture book in which five witches prepare for a big convention. Includes 10 pullout paper props featuring handwritten letters, spells, and scientific diagrams straight from their kitchens and laboratories.
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Macmillan 2025. 9781035053865.
An interactive picture book with letters to open and read based on Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
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Simon Spotlight 2025. 9781665965736. Puffin, 2003.
Angelina Ballerina wins two tickets to a special royal production of the Cindermouse ballet. With six (full page) envelopes containing a pull-out invitation, letters, notes, tickets and a poster.
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Farshore 2024 (UK). 9780008701222. Farshore 2026 (US). 9780008701222.
An interactive picture book with Mr Stamp, the Happyland postman, delivering Mr Tickle lots of post. Includes six envelopes to open, with letters, postcards and pictures of Mr Men Little Miss friends.
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Magic Cat, 2024. 9781915569486 (UK); 9781915569912 (US)
Five children from all around the world write to Santa Claus with ideas for Christmas gifts and are amazed when he writes back. Beautifully designed.
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Macmillan, 2023. 9781529073850 (UK), reprinted 2024 9781035050581; Boxer Books, 2024 9781915801418 (US).
An adorable story based on Tove Jansson's beloved Moomin characters with removable letters, recipes and even origami.
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HarperFestival, 2021. 9780063029590.
Includes pull-out letters, postcards, posters, and other activism mail pieces embedded in the story.
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Familius, 2020. 9781641702591.
A state-themed Christmas book with pull-out cards and letters featuring Texas symbols, animals, and landmarks.
Hardie Grant, 2019. 9781760503116.
Thomas delivers eight pieces of mail to his friends (letters are in those large, full-page envelopes).
HarperCollins, 2019. 9780008180362 (UK); Penguin, 2019. 9780525515746 (US).
Duncan, the crayons, and their families celebrate the holidays with real, folded letters from the Crayons that you can pull from full-page envelopes as well as games, punch-out ornaments, a poster, and a pop-up tree.
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Familius, 2019. 9781641701679.
Santa is all ready to leave on Christmas Eve, but last-minute letters are arriving from Oregon (in large, full-page envelopes throughout the story).
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Scholastic Australia, 2018. 9781742993683
Santa receives pull-out letters from all the animals advising what they want for Christmas.
Arthur A. Levine, 2017. 9780545700306.
A girl writes letters to Santa over the years until her last letter is addressed to her mother.
Hodder, 2016. 9781444922547.
Tiger sends his friend Sam the snail pull-out postcards from around the world.
Scholastic Australia, 2015. 9781743626320.
‘Real' Letters to open and read, but they can't actually be removed from the book.
Ladybird, 2014. 9780723287995.
A swashbuckling pirate adventure with pirate memorabilia (messages, invitations and letters) to remove from five envelopes.
Puffin, 2014. 9780143505907.
A moving story of two brothers separated by war, based on the thousands of letters sent by and to Anzac soldiers fighting at Gallipoli.
Chirpy Bird, 2013. 9781742970295.
An interactive picture book with 5 letters to pull out and some removable Christmas decordations, based on A. A. Milne's lovable bear.
Warne, 2013. 9780723268338.
Peter Rabbit has to deliver various items, notes, and bills around the countryside.
Nancy Paulson, 2011. 9780399239731.
Michael is new to sleepaway camp, and it's not going so well. So he sends his dad a series of urgent notes pleading for rescue. Hilariously entertaining.
Macmillan 2010. 9780230714960.
Not all fairies live at the bottom of the garden, as Rosie and John Everdene's Great Aunt Harriet is about to find out. Includes removable letters and a pop-up ending.
Hodder & Stoughton/ Orchard, 2009. 9781408302040 (US); 9781408308530 (UK)
It's Fairy G's birthday and the Silver Rose Room princesses have a plan to give her the best birthday ever, with pull-out letters, cards, invitations and a princess letter-writing set.
Frederick Warne, 2008. ISBN-13: 9780723259886.
A Peter Rabbit short prequel story pop-ups, flaps, a paper-engineered map, and envelopes containing real pull-out letters.
Scholastic Australia, 2009. 9781741691252.
A collection of pull-out letters written to Santa by animals across the globe. (Note, the letters are connected to the envelopes so they can't be fully removed.)
Flame Tree 2007. 9781844517992.
Tiny removable fairy notes accompany whimsical fairy illustrations.
Flame Tree 2007. 9781844518005.
Tiny removable fairy notes accompany whimsical fairy illustrations.
Cartwheel Books 2007. 9780545000680.
A lonely polar bear writes to his friends. Note the letters can be pulled out of the envelopes, but not actually removed from the book.
Harry N. Abrams, 2006. 9780810957879.
An illustrated tale of forbidden love, and a layered feminist epic. Includes removable letters to read as part of the story.
Pavilion 2005. Harry N. Abrams, 2005. 9781862057081 (UK). 9780810957886 (US). A most gorgeously illustrated album containing removable letters, invoices for “spiritual services,” a fairy Valentine, an invitation from Alice Liddell to tea, and more.
Pavilion, 2001. 9781862054226 / Watson, 2001. 9780823050550.
A feline adventure around the world with multiple pullout letters throughout.
Dutton, 2001. 9780525464686.
Greta and Harris battle to see who can out-“Valenslime” the other through various exchanges of gifts and removable cards throughout Valentine's day.
Orchard, 2000. 9781860399473.
When Adele finds real letters from the fairies at the bottom of the garden, she reads about what fairies eat, what they wear and how much they love parties. Includes eight removable letters, five pieces of stationery, a package of fairy dust/glitter, and a pencil.
HarperCollins, 1999 (UK); Houghton Mifflin (1995).
Tolkien, in the guise of Father Christmas, sent letters to his children over a twenty year period that tell the story of life at the North Pole. Includes 10 envelopes containing pull-out letters and pictures that are facsimile extracts of the original letters.
*Note that later editions do not have removable letters.
American Girl, 1999. 9781562478230.
Ten-year-old Amelia exchanges (removable) letters and postcards with her long-distance friend Nadia.
Word Publishing / Thomas Nelson, 1998. 9780849915468.
A Christmas storybook with interactive envelopes containing pullout letters and small surprises.
Warne, 1995. 9780723241393.
The classic Peter Rabbit story with pockets on each page that contain copies of the letters that the author wrote to her young friends that inspired the beloved tales.
PSS Adult, 1994. 9780843136685.
A a parody of Griffin & Sabine, in which an angst-ridden young man and his eccentric mother trade blows over his latest infatuation in a series of hilarious letters.