From Forgotten to Found: The Story Behind Rescued Tales
- Kristie Harris
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Every book tells two stories: the one inside its pages, and the one of how it came to rest in your hands.
At Tales & Trinkets, we reckon both deserve to be celebrated. That’s why rescued tales—stories abandoned, overlooked, or gently waiting for their next reader—hold a special place in our heart-shaped book bins.
One of Quill’s recent rescues was a well-loved copy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It had clearly been on a few adventures of its own—the spine was a little relaxed, the pages gently yellowed, and the cover had that charming, faded look only time can give. We couldn’t walk past it.
It’s the kind of book that leaves a mark, especially if you first read it curled up on the lounge as a kid, wondering if your own stuffed rabbit might bolt for the garden. So, we tucked it into one of our middle-grade fantasy rescued book bundles with a little note: 'For the dreamer who still believes in impossible things before breakfast.'
Not long after, the reader DM'd to tell us it was their childhood favourite—and re-reading it felt like stepping back into a world they didn’t realise they missed. That kind of moment? That’s exactly why this little project matters so much to us and Quill.
Why rescuing matters
Giving stories a second chance is about more than sustainability or finding great books on a budget—it’s about honouring voices that might otherwise go unheard. Some books just need someone to notice them. And some readers are waiting for exactly those kinds of stories.
As an author, a reader, and a believer in story as medicine, I hold deep gratitude for these quiet treasures. They remind me that healing is not always loud. That beauty doesn’t always shout. And that some tales, like some people, simply need someone to say, ‘I see you.’
Sustainability in action (and in your bookshelf!)
Turns out, rescuing books is one small way we’re lightening our environmental footprint. Here’s why it matters:
In 2024, just under 70 million books were sold in Australia—huge demand, but not all copies find a forever home.
Libraries in Australia have to get rid of around 4.5million books every year in order to have space for new books. This doesn’t account for books discarded by households, educational institutions, and bookstores – suggesting that it could be way higher.
Recycling hardcover books is still tricky because of binding materials, and even damaged titles that could be loved again often get binned.
By rescuing books before they end up in the skip, we’re reducing waste, saving resources, and giving forgotten stories a fresh start. Plus, you get some awesome little trinkets to go with your mystery book – how FUN!
Want to learn more or join the mission? These links are a good starting point:
Affordable by design
Let’s be honest—we’re not here to get rich off dusty paperbacks. Tales & Trinkets is built on the idea that everyone deserves access to magical, meaningful stories. Our rescued books are priced with care: just enough to keep the mission alive. Every bundle we sell helps us source, restore, and rehome more forgotten books. It’s budget-friendly for our readers, and soul-friendly for us.
We make just enough to keep the shelves stocked and the kettle boiling. And that’s perfectly fine by us!
Not your typical blind date
You’ve probably seen those “Blind Date with a Book” bundles—usually new titles wrapped in brown paper, sold for the thrill of surprise. We love the whimsy, but we’re doing things a little differently.
Quill’s Hoard of Forgotten Tales are pre-loved books full of character. We don’t wrap them to hide them—we wrap them to honour them. Each one comes with hints about the theme, genre, and the little journey it took to get here. It’s not a mystery for mystery’s sake—it’s a connection with purpose.
Our bundles aren’t about trendy packaging. They’re about giving books a second life and letting readers discover what they didn’t know they needed. Each mystery book is hand-picked around your chosen theme—and wrapped with care, intention, and a splash of whimsy.
Alongside your book, you might discover one (or more!) of these delightful extras:
Themed sticker sheets or decals
Bookmark
Trinket or piece of jewellery that reflects the book’s mood.
Page holder
Highlighter or coloured pencil for your favourite quotes
Mini diary or note pad for thoughts and musings.
Small collectible item or charm
Textile accents—like a fabric wrap or ribbon bookmark.
Surprise item sourced from reclaimed materials.
Each bundle is unique—no two are ever quite the same. That’s part of the magic.
If you’ve ever felt a little lost, only to find the perfect story at just the right moment—you get it.
That’s the heart of Quill’s Forgotten Tales.
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Here's to the stories we save—and the beauty we refuse to bin.
Kristie
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