The Storyteller
Illustrated by Noar Lee Naggan
Nancy Paulsen Books – Penguin
(March 2024)
A 2025 Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year, recognized for Outstanding Merit
A 2025 Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO) Booklist selection
(* Click here to find the CTRO toolkit with activities and talking points to use in conjunction with the THE STORYTELLER)
Featuring an evocative text and luminous paintings, this stunning book celebrates the power of stories—how they connect us, inspire us, and keep memories alive.
Griffin’s grandmother spins the most marvelous stories, from breathtaking fairy tales to fascinating family lore. These stories fuel his imagination and fill their days with magic. So when he sees her once-bright spark begin to fade, Griffin is scared to think of the future. Fortunately, though, he has her stories to guide him—and to remind him that he is braver than he could ever imagine.
The Reviews Are In!
★ “Reality and stories blend in this tale of the bond between a boy and his grandmother. . . Brief but potent text is paired with illustrations that exude a sense of magic and the joy of storytelling. . .Warmly and tenderly conveys the comfort of sharing the lore of days gone by.” — Kirkus (starred review)
Griffin grows up listening to his grandmother’s wondrous storytelling. She weaves their family history and his life into every fable and fairy tale. . . When her light begins to fade with age and illness, Griffin seeks the stories he knows to stay connected to her, and ultimately, carries her stories—their stories—forward once she’s gone. . . A fresh selection to offer to young children experiencing the loss of a loved one.” — School Library Journal
