Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Paper Girl | Hardcover | Children's Book on Feelings & Emotions
Paper Girl | Hardcover | Children's Book on Feelings & Emotions
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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 début 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
“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
“Plot and setting combine to give this fable a perennial feel. ” — Publishers Weekly
“Articulate narration and stunning illustrations harmonize to create a memorable, meaningful reading experience. ” — School Library Journal
“This wonderfully imaginative modern fairy tale turns the pressure to be perfect into something both magical and deeply relatable. In it, a paper girl repeatedly folds herself into whatever others expect her to be – until she discovers the courage to say “No”. Author Lewis’ moving story is beautifully complemented by debut illustrator Abe’s intricate papercut artwork. ” — Natasha Onwuemezi
Reading age: 4 years or older
Ideal For: Perfect for 4+ readers (and the grown-ups reading along) who need a gentle, beautiful story about self-worth and saying no - a keepsake gift for birthdays or christenings.
Details: Hardcover | 64 pages | 25.5 × 18.5 × 1.3 cm
About the Creators: 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 sits on the Welsh curriculum. 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 other screenwriting work includes credits on BBC/S4C thrillers Hinterland and Hidden . In 2022, her first works in English were published. First came her adult novel Drift , which was named Waterstones Welsh Book of the Year and later scooped Wales Book of the Year – with Caryl making history as the first author to win this coveted award in both languages. Next came her children’s novel, Seed (Macmillan) and a picture book illustrated by Carmen Saldana, The Boy Who Dreamed Dragons (Puffin). These titles won enormous acclaim and have been published in multiple languages around the world. Caryl is also a visiting lecturer in Creative Writing at Cardiff University. 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
Publication details
- Published
- 2026
- Publisher
- Quarto Group
