Description

‘A brilliant example of the power of picture books: concept, words, images and design all work together to deliver a message that every girl – every child – needs to hear.’ – Nicola Davies

A spellbinding keepsake book about learning to say ‘no’ and the transformative beauty of becoming who you truly are, brought to life with exquisite papercut artwork.

This is the story of a girl made from paper, who is bright and kind and eager to please.

When she is told she should be beautiful, she folds herself into a flower; when she is told she should be clever, she folds herself into a fox; when she is told she should be a ‘shining example to others’, she folds herself into a star.

But nothing she does is ever quite enough – until she does something truly beautiful, clever and shiningly wonderful. She says, ‘No.’

So unfolds this modern fairy tale, powerfully written by the multi-award-winning author, Caryl Lewis. Her words are paired with exquisite papercut artwork by debut illustrator Kanako Abe.

Packaged as a beautiful hardback – featuring gilded edges, an embossed cover and an intricate diecut design sitting over the title page – this book is suitable for children and adults alike . . . An invitation to celebrate your strength and find your true self.

‘Powerful, moving and magical.’ – Eloise Williams, inaugural Children’s Laureate Wales

‘A real work of art with a powerful message about staying true to yourself. This is a book to read, share and treasure.’ – Clare Fayers

‘A poignant and truly moving tale of empowerment that will speak across generations.’ – Sita Brahmachari

Publisher Review

“A brilliant example of the power of picture books: concept, words, images and design all work together to deliver a message that every girl – every child – needs to hear.” — Nicola Davies, Children’s Laureate for Wales 2025-2027 Sublime storytelling with the perfect combination of words and illustration. Powerful, moving, and magical. This will speak to hearts of every age and remind us of the strength in being true to ourselves and in choosing the world in which we want to live. My heart is full! — Eloise Williams, inaugural Children’s Laureate Wales The Paper Girl is stunning. A real work of art with a powerful message about staying true to yourself. This is a book to read, share and treasure. — Claire Fayers Delicate images slowly unfurl a message of great power. This book is both hugely important and transcendently gorgeous. — Marianne Levy A stunning gem of a book – glorious!’ — Liz Hyder ‘A beautiful reminder that our hearts are never meant to be folded small enough to fit someone else’s expectations. The images and words are perfectly paired, and each turn of the page feels visually alive, with a quiet rhythm that stays with you.’ — Coralie Bickford-Smith, Author, Illustrator and Designer ‘A poignant and truly moving tale of empowerment that will speak across generations.’ — Sita Brahmachari, Children’s and YA author. “Stunning illustrations utilizing the Japanese art of kirie-paper cutting-enliven this fabulistic feminist tale.” * Foreword Reviews, Starred Review *