Pandora and The Story Forge
Written by Gaynor Andrews
Illustrated by Marie-Alice Harel
Published 2024 by Rocket Bird Books / Harper Collins
“Then the strangest thing happens. The magic unfurls.
A story, once read, shakes itself and uncurls.”
Discover the magical world of storyteller Pandora, adorer of brave and beautiful words, weaver and forger of tales.
Pandora is an explorer, a collector of words (even ones that misbehave). Once she has the words she needs, she watches them flower and then forges them into the most magical stories. Friend to all the story-starved children, Pandora knows a secret: once read, a story unfurls in your heart. Enter her world and you’ll never see words in quite the same way again.
Praise for Pandora and The Story Forge
…a dreamy book that feels like a modern classic. The lyrical text is presented in a specially designed script and supported by stunning illustrations… A real visual treat and a lovely story to share.
The Scotsman
… an absolute stunner of a picture book, gorgeously illustrated and effortlessly rhymed – a real future heirloom with an Art Nouveau vibe. Any fiction fan, or ‘adorer of words’ like Pandora will delight in sharing this paean to descriptive vocabulary, and it would make a perfect introduction to creative writing in schools.
Just beautiful in every way.
Sarah Ziman, author of Why Did My Brain Make Me Say It?
A book of possibilities. Of words, ideas and stories that are there to be crafted or forged.
This is a book that will be enjoyed by primary aged children whether listening or reading. It can act as a stimulus for a wide range of writing opportunities that put children firmly in the place of story makers – “as weavers and forgers of tales”. In an era where writing can all too often be presented as a technical challenge to be grappled with, this book inspires children to be creative writers and creators themselves.
The richness of the vocabulary and variety of devices to build word pictures present children and teachers with much to explore.
Carol Brammer, Headteacher, Education Consultant and Coach
Wow wow wow! Pandora and The Story Forge by Gaynor Andrews and Marie-Alice Harel is a thing of rare and captivating beauty! Absolutely in love with it.
The Rocketship Bookshop, the independent children’s book shop in Salisbury
“A gorgeous book about the magic of Storytelling – beautifully written and illustrated.”
Gaynor’s rhyming language sings off the page and the illustrations by Marie-Alice Harel are magical. This would make a wonderful gift or you could use it in the classroom as a springboard for poetry lessons. Highly Recommended.
Mariesa Dulak, award-winning author of There’s a Tiger on the Train.
…an absolutely gorgeous story incorporating rich vocabulary and delightful rhymes. An inspiring bedtime read on a wintry evening that will be enjoyed for years
Cara Matheson, author of Finding Floss
Enchanting!
What a beautiful, magical book. There’s something completely enchanting about the language, the rhythm, the rhyme, and the illustrations are gorgeous. I bought it for my 6 year old niece who absolutely adores it – it’s inspired her to write her own stories!
Absolutely Beautiful
…My son loved reading all of the words on the ribbons and finding out their meaning. The illustrations are delightful and complement the story perfectly. We loved seeing how the words Pandora collects are reflected in the pictures …. as a teacher, this is absolutely ideal for engaging children before a writing unit or as a whole-school book to build World Book Day around …This book is perfect for nurturing a love of words.
Pandora and the Story Forge is available from the outlets below. You can support independent book shops by buying through Bookshop.org.
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