Bamboo -> Paper -> Books -> Bookcase Blocks
3 bamboo in a row makes paper, 3 paper in a row makes a book. 1 (horizontal) row of wood, a row of books and another row of wood makes a bookcase.
Clay -> Bricks -> Brick Blocks
Smelt clay (the white block near water) in a furnace to get bricks. Craft 4 to get a block.