About this ebook
"Articulate narration and stunning illustrations harmonize to create a memorable, meaningful reading experience.” – School Library Journal
"Stunning illustrations utilizing the Japanese art of kirie—paper cutting—enliven this fabulistic feminist tale.” – Foreword Reviews
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 of paper: bright, kind, and eager to please.
When she’s told she should be beautiful, she folds herself into a flower. When she’s told she should be clever, she folds herself into a fox. When she’s told she should be “a shining example to others,” she folds herself into a star.
But no matter what she becomes, it never feels like enough—until she does something truly beautiful, clever, and wonderfully brave.
She says, “No.”
This modern fairy tale is powerfully written by award‐winning author Caryl Lewis and illuminated with exquisite papercut illustrations by debut artist Kanako Abe.
Presented as a beautiful hardcover, with an intricately embossed cover and gilded edges, this book is perfect for both kids and adults—an invitation to honor your strength, embrace your voice, and discover your true self.
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About the author
Caryl Lewis is a multi-award-winning Welsh novelist, children’s writer, playwright, and screenwriter. Her breakthrough novel Martha, Jac a Sianco is widely regarded as a modern classic of Welsh literature and the film adaptation, with a screenplay by Caryl herself, went on to win six BAFTAs and the Spirit of the Festival Award at the Celtic Media Festival. Her latest book The Paper Girl—a fairy tale for children and adults alike, illustrated by paper artist Kanako Abe—was written for her daughter.
Based in Seattle, Washington, Kanako Abe specializes in the intricate art of kirie, a traditional Japanese term that translates to paper cutting. She transforms sheets of washi paper—hand-dyed washi with indigo, rust, or Japanese sumi ink—into exquisite designs using a precision knife. Hours of dedication and concentration are woven into each piece. Visit her website kanakoabe.art/and follow her on Instagram under the handle @abemanatee
