Is 40698 aimed at children or adults?

The book and reading-corner theme is aimed mainly at adults and older collectors who enjoy building small display models.

How many minifigures come with the set?

The set includes one minifigure, styled as a reader to suit the book-themed scene.

Why does the set have so many unique elements for its piece count?

With 116 unique elements across 285 pieces, the model relies on many small specialised parts for details like book spines and shelf edges rather than large numbers of basic bricks.

LEGO Ideas and CUUSOO

Books Are My Passion

Set 40698, 'Books Are My Passion', comes from the LEGO® Ideas series and is built entirely around books, reading and cosy reading corners. With 285 pieces in reddish brown, black, dark blue and dark tan plus one minifigure, it forms a small shelf model for book lovers. The parts list on this page covers all 116 unique elements in detail.

Set number: 40698
Year: 2024
Pieces: 285
Minifigures: 1
Theme: LEGO Ideas and CUUSOO
Different parts: 116

What can I build with it?

View the official building instructions at LEGO® ↗

Parts list 116

As BrickLink list (XML)

Import on BrickLink: Wanted → Upload, upload the file (or paste its content), pick a Wanted List and add the parts.

Spare parts (8)

These extra parts come with the set in case one gets lost.

Minifigures 1

Tan Torso, Sweater, Black Legs, Reddish Brown Hair fig-0156124 pieces × 1

Alternative models

Fan models by Rebrickable users that you can build (mostly) from this set’s parts. Instructions are available from the designers.

Bookshelf and Desk --- 40698 Alternate 144 pieces by SuperEagle09

View the idea at Rebrickable ↗

What can I build with it?

Description

From fan concept to official set

LEGO Ideas sets begin as fan designs that gather enough support on the Ideas platform to be developed into an official release. Set 40698 applies that process to a subject many collectors recognise instantly: a stack of books with a small reading corner. At 285 pieces, the model stays compact enough for a shelf or desk while still telling a small story about reading. The included minifigure rounds out the scene, turning a simple stack of books into a lived-in little reading nook rather than a static prop.

A colour palette pulled from the shelf

Reddish brown and dark tan dominate the model, echoing book spines, wooden shelving and aged paper, while black and dark blue add contrast through covers and small details. That palette gives the set a warm, layered look despite its modest 285 pieces, and it sits comfortably alongside other bookshelves or home décor builds. With 116 unique elements, the set is unusually detailed for its size, something that shows up most clearly in small touches like spine textures and shelf edges. Builders who enjoy colour and texture work will find plenty to look at closely here.

Built for readers, not just builders

Unlike a purely educational set, 40698 is aimed mainly at adults who enjoy books, reading or small LEGO® home accessories. The included minifigure works well as a standalone reader figure, while the book stack can also stand alone as a décor piece separate from the rest of the build. With 285 pieces spread across 116 unique elements, the model offers surprisingly varied building for its compact size, keeping the process more varied than many sets of similar scale. For collectors, it sits nicely alongside other Ideas sets built around everyday objects.

What the parts list tells you

Because 40698 packs 116 unique elements into just 285 pieces, it is worth checking the full list on this page before you start building or reorder missing bricks. It shows at a glance which specialised pieces go into the book spines, shelving and minifigure, making it easier to compare this set with similar Ideas subjects or track down a specific part without pulling the whole model apart.

FAQ

Is 40698 aimed at children or adults?: The book and reading-corner theme is aimed mainly at adults and older collectors who enjoy building small display models.
How many minifigures come with the set?: The set includes one minifigure, styled as a reader to suit the book-themed scene.
Why does the set have so many unique elements for its piece count?: With 116 unique elements across 285 pieces, the model relies on many small specialised parts for details like book spines and shelf edges rather than large numbers of basic bricks.