THE PAPER GIRL

Caryl Lewis, Kanako Abe
Price $25.00
Description Description

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.  

Subject area:
Format:
Format Juvenile - Hardcover 64 Pages
ISBN:
ISBN 9781805701835
Size:
Size7.28 in x 10.04 in / 185.00 mm x 255.00 mm
Published:
Published Date October 6th, 2026
Caryl Lewis

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. 

Kanako Abe

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

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