Orsolya's Reviews > Paper Stories

Received as a winner of a Goodreads Giveaway

We are often reminded to encourage creativity and artwork in children especially when art funds are readily being cut from schooling budgets. Although this is indeed super important; we should also encourage imagination and the creation of ‘stories’ which can grow into the literary arts. Aya Watanabe addresses this niche need in her charming offering to small children with, “Paper Stories: A Snip-and-Glue Activity Book”.

“Paper Stories” is a colorful, scrapbook-paper quality activity book that feature various ‘prompts’ highlighting animals, people, food, etc; where children can cut and paste paper illustrations to complete a story. For example, adding stripes to a zebra, ice cream scoops to cones, umbrellas into children’s hands or decorating a bedroom. Using this method, children can practice scissor skills, arts/crafting and utilize using their imaginations to ‘write’ a story. Being both educational and entertaining while also exercising interaction; makes Watanabe’s “Paper Stories” beloved by children and parents, alike. “Paper Stories” even has a folder pocket in the inside back cover to collect scraps! Watanabe truly thought of everything!

I ‘played’ with “Paper Stories” with a six-year-old who is very much a budding artist and creative; and he was thrilled with the interaction and the feeling of being to make decisions that create his own version of events/stories. To be honest, even as a grown adult, I was itching to do some of my own cutting/pasting! “Paper Stories” is absolutely delightful.

Watanabe discloses at the conclusion of “Paper Stories” that some of the pages include hidden icons! This additional aspect of “Paper Stories” gives an extra ounce of fun to go back and look for the images that were missed during the first viewing.

“Paper Stories” is a high-quality and charismatic activity book that is perfect for small children. Watanabe is simplistic and yet truly unique with her piece making “Paper Stories” a winner and a must-have!