diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/tag_browser/view.py b/src/calibre/gui2/tag_browser/view.py
index 8d94bb6f34..64c08ea019 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/tag_browser/view.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/tag_browser/view.py
@@ -568,7 +568,7 @@ class TagsView(QTreeView): # {{{
 
     def show_item_at_index(self, idx, box=False,
                            position=QTreeView.PositionAtCenter):
-        if idx.isValid():
+        if idx.isValid() and idx.data(Qt.UserRole).toPyObject() is not self._model.root_item:
             self.setCurrentIndex(idx)
             self.scrollTo(idx, position)
             self.setCurrentIndex(idx)