Scout Editions pour their heart and soul into super-cute new book, Mini Stories

We've long been admirers of online bookshop and publisher Counterprint at Creative Boom. Since being founded by designers Céline Leterme and Jon Dowling in 2008, its whose colourful and perfectly formed little books have never failed to delight. So we were thrilled to see their latest title released today.

Mini Stories is the creation of Scout Editions, a paper goods design and brand studio in London with a passion for RISO printing and vibrant, colourful illustration. And it's a super-cute illustrated book that delves into the back stories of the everyday objects and phenomena that surround us.

Did you know, for instance, that ice cream cones were invented during the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, when an ice cream vendor sought help from a nearby waffle vendor due to overwhelming demand? Or that the largest-ever knitting needles were made by Elizabeth Bond and measure 4.46m long with a diameter of 9cm?

Mini Stories' is brimming with such intriguing tidbits, spanning from the natural world's wonders to the innovative creations of humankind.

And these bite-sized anecdotes are accompanied by a stunning array of illustrations, originally printed on a RISO printer to impart a unique textural quality, and reproduced expertly here by book photographer Thom Atkinson.

For an extra touch of designer fun, Mini Stories boasts eight distinct bellyband designs, each adorned with a unique illustration from the book, so readers can pick a cover of their choosing. These thoughtfully designed bellybands fold out to reveal a black and white poster showcasing a collection of icons, specially crafted by Scout Editions.

A homage to both the ordinary and extraordinary, this beautiful book features a casebound cover and 288 pages of captivating content. Whether you are a lover of history, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the magic hidden in the everyday, it's a great buy, and would make a fun gift as well.

Mini Stories is available now and can be purchased at bookstores, online retailers and directly through the Counterprint website.