storybook
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɔːrɪbˌʊk/
US
- /ˈstɔriˌbʊk/
Description
- children's picture book
- book of tales
- fairy-tale book
- ideal and charming
- sweet and unreal
A storybook is usually a book of stories for children, often with pictures, simple language, and a feeling of magic or wonder. It is not just any book with a plot. The word often brings to mind fairy tales, bedtime reading, and pages that open a small, bright world.
You might say a little village looks like something from a storybook, meaning it seems unusually pretty, peaceful, and charming. You could also say your grandmother read you storybooks when you were young. Sometimes, a "storybook romance" means a love story that seems perfect and almost too sweet to be real.
The term "storybook" conjures images of enchanting narratives, often geared towards young readers, but capable of captivating anyone with a fondness for imagination. It's more than just a book containing a story; it implies a certain quality—one of whimsy, moral clarity, and visual appeal. A true storybook is designed to transport you to another world, filled with talking animals, brave heroes, and lessons learned through adventure.
While traditionally associated with children's literature—think classic fairy tales collected by the Brothers Grimm or the colorful illustrations in Beatrix Potter's tales—the term can also be used more broadly. A place described as "storybook" is one that possesses an almost unreal beauty and charm, like a perfectly preserved medieval town or a snow-covered cottage.
The phrase "storybook romance" describes a love story that's idealized and seemingly too good to be true—filled with grand gestures and unwavering devotion. It's not necessarily realistic, but it's undeniably appealing.
Essentially, "storybook" isn't just about the narrative itself; it's about the feeling of magic, innocence, and wonder that a truly special story can evoke. It's a world where anything is possible, and happy endings are always within reach. So whether you're reading aloud to a child or simply daydreaming, a storybook offers an escape into a realm of pure imagination.
Examples
- 1
Bedtime reading
At bedtime, Grandpa always chose a storybook with bright pictures and short chapters.
- 2
Library shelves
The library keeps its storybooks on a low shelf so young children can reach them.
- 3
Perfect ending
After years of setbacks, the team finally got its storybook ending.
Phrase
storybook ending
an unusually happy or perfect ending
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- storybooknoun
Forms
- storybookspluralnoun