The Paper Girl
Caryl Lewis and Kanako Abe
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Stunning cut paper art work and a matter of fact text present a fable of a girl made entirely of paper. Everyday she would walk through the paper forest towards the village for lessons from the elders and her heart would fill with the wonders of the world.

One morning she’s told to “look for beauty in everything: in yourself and in the world around you.” Eager to obey, the girl walks to the middle of the village and folds herself into an origami style flower and starts to bloom. However some of the villagers then start to criticise her shape and colour.

Further lessons follow, first one about being a shining example to others. In response the girl folds herself into an eight-pointed star but is told it isn’t bright enough. More lessons and criticisms keep coming

until having been told that she’s selfish and then sensitive she folds herself into a box, puts the hurtful words inside and locks it. Before long, enough is enough: The girl flatly refuses to do as she’s instructed and away she walks.

Come the night something magical happens: her body becomes not paper but something warm and she finally becomes a real girl – herself for herself who sees, ‘a world of her own choosing gently unfolding.’ New awesome images in colour show this on the final spread.

An unusual, enigmatic, memorable story for older readers and listeners.