Looking for the best Studio Ghibli-related books? These books are perfect for anyone who’s both a reader and a big Miyazaki or Ghibli fan!
Fans of Studio Ghibli naturally have a love for fantastical storytelling that feels comforting and dreamlike, yet simultaneously nostalgic. That is, after all, part of what makes these films so popular. If you or someone you know is a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s work, then this collection of official and fan-made books is sure to bring a sense of familiar, cozy delight. Plus, you don’t even need to be an avid reader to thoroughly enjoy most of the books in this collection! The books in this article range from short stories to cookbooks, art books, and even coloring books!
Studio Ghibli fans should also check out our articles showcasing Studio Ghibli home decor and anime-themed gaming accessories to find even more ways to add a little bit of magic to your home.
Video Games To Play If You Are A Studio Ghibli Fan
Studio Ghibli makes some fantastic films. Here are some games with a feel similar to the studio’s work that fans are sure to enjoy.
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Studio Ghibli: The Complete Works
$23 $35 Save $12
This book is an essential item for any Ghibli fan, as it outlines the studio’s history and discusses its future. It includes full-color illustrations, exclusive interviews, and director commentaries that will be super interesting for both Ghibli aficionados and casual fans alike!
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Sharing A House With the Never-Ending Man Book
$15 $20 Save $5
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the behind-the-scenes at Studio Ghibli, then this account from Steve Alpert, who worked for Ghibli for many years, is perfect. Alpert paints an interesting picture of iconic Ghibli figures like director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki, and recounts his own experiences as the resident foreigner at the company and being immersed in a new language and culture.
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The Ghibliotheque Anime Movie Guide
$18 $25 Save $7
This book, written by the hosts of the Ghibliotheque podcast, Jake Cunningham and Michael Leader, takes a look at some of the best animated movies to come out of Japan. This is perfect for anyone who has an interest in other Japanese films outside of Ghibli, or is looking for a place to get started.
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The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook
$17 $20 Save $3
This fun cookbook is perfect for Studio Ghibli fans who want a new way to celebrate their favorite anime movies! Written by Jessica Yun, this book features 50 fan-created recipes making it an “unofficial” compendium of delectable dishes inspired by the best Ghibli movies!
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Shuna’s Journey
$17 $28 Save $11
If you’re a Miyazaki fan, you’ll definitely want to check out Shuna’s Journey, a manga about a prince on a quest for a golden grain that could save his land. This is the first time the story has been published in English and is a must-read for anyone who loves Hayao Miyazaki’s work and wants to see more of the acclaimed director’s artistic and storytelling talent.
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Howl’s Moving Castle: The Novel
$9 $12 Save $3
Many of the Ghibli films are based on books, and there is perhaps none more famous than Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Relive the magic and read the original tale that inspired Howl and Sophie’s story in the movie!
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Hayao Miyazaki Book
$28 $33 Save $5
Hayao Miyazaki is probably the most famous of the Ghibli directors, helming such classics as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle, among a host of others. This book details his career and his detailed creative process, with concept art, storyboards, and much more included.
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The Art of Princess Mononoke
$31 $35 Save $4
If you’re interested in the art process of Ghibli movies, these coffee table art books are a great collector’s item to have. This one features paintings, character designs, and concept art from Princess Mononoke, and there are also art books for a lot of the other popular Ghibli films as well.
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My Neighbor Totoro Manga
My Neighbor Totoro is one of the most charming and iconic films to come out of Studio Ghibli, and this manga version of the story is perfect for fans of Satsuki, Mei, and their adventures with Totoro. It’s a great read for kids and adults alike who want to see the story represented in a different medium.
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An Unofficial Guide To The World Of Studio Ghibli
Ghibli fans may be well aware of the Ghiblioteque podcast, delivered by superfans Michael Leader and Jake Cunningham. This is their unofficial guide to all the films they love, presented in 8 enthralling chapters. The book comes in hardcover and is 125 pages in length, so whether you’re a fan of the podcast or just the films themself, it is sure to be both educational and enjoyable, as you pour over the illustrations and factoids presented by two authorities who are passionate about the subject matter.
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Studio Ghibli Cookbook
$13 $30 Save $17
The beautifully animated food scenes in Studio Ghibli movies are always a standout, and this cookbook will help you recreate some of the most iconic Ghibli dishes in your own home! The recipes found within the pages include okayu from Princess Mononoke, bento from My Neighbor Totoro, and seafood salad from When Marnie Was There.
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Kiki’s Delivery Service Journal
For fans of Kiki’s Delivery Service that prefer to write their own stories (or just want a place to write down their thoughts), this journal is a perfect piece of Ghibli merch to own. Not only does the journal have gorgeous full-color artwork on the front and back covers, it also includes concept art and illustrations throughout its pages.
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Kiki’s Delivery Service Novel
Whether you’ve seen Kiki’s Delivery Service once or a thousand times, it’s always worth checking out the original children’s book that inspired the whimsical film. Follow along with the young witch Kiki as she comes of age and finds a new town to move to for one year, as is the witch’s tradition. Little does she know she’ll change the town and learn things about herself along the way!
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Ghibli Best Stories
$21 $26 Save $5
This book compiles 13 different piano arrangements composed by Joe Hisaishi for the various Hayao Miyazaki films he worked on at Studio Ghibli. It is the only Ghibli score book approved by the composer himself and features music from Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and many more. It’s a perfect addition to the collection of the Ghibli fan who’s more musically inclined!
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My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book
$17 $20 Save $3
This picture book, based on the movie My Neighbor Totoro, is perfect for the younger Ghibli fans in your life! This storybook features art taken directly from the film and retells the story of Totoro in a written format, including scene-by-scene illustrations and dialogue straight from the movie.
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Studio Ghibli: 100 Collectible Postcards: Final Frames from the Feature Films
$20 $25 Save $5
You’ll need to buy two of these beautiful boxes of collectible postcards – one to keep and one to mail out to all your friends and loved ones. Or, maybe you need one extra so you can frame all your favorite pics?
This lovely box of collectible postcards from Studio Ghibli and Chronicle Books features the final frames from the feature films. They come in a keepsake box with a lifting ribbon, so you can easily take them out and look at them whenever you want.Â
More Ways to Add Studio Ghibli to Your Life
Filling your life with fantastical stories and implementing some of the recipes found in these Studio Ghibli-inspired cookbooks is a great way to introduce more Miyazaki vibes into your day-to-day life. In addition to decking out your home with Studio Ghibli merchandise, you should also aim to create a pleasant atmosphere. Here are some essential tips to enhance your living space, so you can feel like a character right out of a Studio Ghibli film.
- Upgrade Your Movie-Watching Setup: If Studio Ghibli movies are a source of comfort for you, then look into completing your movie-watching setup by adding a wide variety of blankets and pillows, with varying textures. Adding plushies of iconic characters such as No Face and Calcifer also adds to your comfort. Consider also investing in one of the best TVs for movie watching to further enhance your movie-watching experience.
- Add Some Greenery: Many Studio Ghibli films feature nature-inspired themes and stories. A great way to play into these themes is by adding some plant life into your living space. For those without a green thumb, fake plants and vines do a great job of creating the mystical environment associated with Studio Ghibli movies. Consider also investing in some gaming accessories that give strong plant vibes.
- Keep It Cozy: One of the most vital ways to increase the comfort and aesthetics of your home is to provide great, customizable lighting. Look for uniquely shaped lamps or lightened garlands to add some magic to your space. The best LED lights are also a great way to add unique lighting to enhance your living room or reading corner.
The Best Overall Studio Ghibli Book
Studio Ghibli: The Complete Works
This official Studio Ghibli book features a comprehensive deep dive into the history of Studio Ghibli’s animation studio and its most prominent projects. Complete with high-quality, full color illustrations and photos, this book makes a great addition to any fan’s collection. If you or anyone you know is an avid Studio Ghibli aficionado who enjoys learning more about what was going on behind the scenes of their favorite films, then this book is for you.
Best Studio Ghibli Cookbook
The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook
If you are interested in expanding your cooking horizons by introducing over 50 Studio Ghibli-inspired Japanese recipes, then this book is perfect for you. This cookbook showcases delicious recipes inspired by the films, like Herring and Pumpkin Pot Pie from Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ham-topped Ramen from Ponyo. Available digitally or hardcover for just under $20, this cookbook stands as an excellent gift or addition to any fan’s kitchen.
Best Studio Ghibli Manga
Shuna’s Journey is an original manga written and illustrated by Hayao Miyazaki and has been translated into English by Alex Dudok de Wit. This story centers around a young prince on a journey to improve the lives of his people by retrieving a legendary golden grain. Complete with full watercolor illustrations and immersive storytelling, this manga would make an excellent gift to any Studio Ghibli enthusiast by providing a brand-new piece of media to enjoy.
Top 12 Ghibli Journals & Sketchbooks: Ignite Your Creativity!
Studio Ghibli fans will love these beautiful journals and notebooks for recording daily thoughts, sketching, and keeping organized! Take a look …
