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Paper John
A good-hearted fellow who lives by the sea in a paper house and makes paper boats for the village children comes up against the devil in a life or death situation which can be salvaged only by his skill with paper folding.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1987
62 people want to read
About the author
David Small
120 books320 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
David Small is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal, a Christopher Medal, and the E. B. White Award for his picture books, which include Imogene's Antlers, The Gardener, and So, You Want to Be President? He lives in Mendon, Michigan.
David Small is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal, a Christopher Medal, and the E. B. White Award for his picture books, which include Imogene's Antlers, The Gardener, and So, You Want to Be President? He lives in Mendon, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 12, 2024
This is the story of a young man named John who enters a town as a stranger but becomes accepted as a much-loved eccentric. He has a talent for making objects from paper. Roses, kites, beds, model airplanes, even his own house! He settles down in his new home, which is right on the waterfront, and commences to hold a regatta of paper sailing boats for all the children. “Paper John” gets along with everyone so well, they say he could even be friends with The Devil.
One night, Paper John hears his fishing lines tinkle and finds a little bedraggled man tangled in them. It’s The Devil, of course, and once the mischievous imp enters Paper John’s home, it’s mayhem for John, the town, and its citizens. Can Paper John save the day?
I became a big fan of David Small after reading his wonderful graphic novel, Stitches. Here, Small shows the same inventiveness for Paper John, but for younger eyes. I think kids will really like this book, if only for the world of paper inventions.
Book Season = Year Round (windy frolics)
One night, Paper John hears his fishing lines tinkle and finds a little bedraggled man tangled in them. It’s The Devil, of course, and once the mischievous imp enters Paper John’s home, it’s mayhem for John, the town, and its citizens. Can Paper John save the day?
I became a big fan of David Small after reading his wonderful graphic novel, Stitches. Here, Small shows the same inventiveness for Paper John, but for younger eyes. I think kids will really like this book, if only for the world of paper inventions.
Book Season = Year Round (windy frolics)
March 6, 2020
When a somewhat eccentric paper-folding man named John comes to a little village by the sea, the residents are charmed by his lovely creations, from folded paper flowers, to a tiny fleet of paper boats (distributed to the village children), and are soon won over by his gentle, kindhearted nature. Dubbing the newcomer "Paper John," they accept him (and his extraordinary paper house - lacquered, in order to make it waterproof) into their community. When a gray demon is fished out of the water, and wreaks havoc on the village, they have reason to be thankful for this decision, as Paper John, and his house-cum-boat come to the rescue...
Although I have read quite a few children's books illustrated by the talented David Small - Sarah Stewart's The Library , and The Gardener , Elise Broach's When Dinosaurs Came with Everything , Heather Henson's That Book Woman - this is only the second title, following upon the classic Imogene's Antlers (a personal favorite!), that I have read that is both written and illustrated by him. I found the story charming, with its fairy-tale feeling - the stranger who comes to town, the defeat of the devil/demon figure, by a seemingly "simple" hero: these are common folk motifs - and charming artwork. Some of the visual details - the changing expression on the sun-face kite that Paper John is making, before and after the arrival of the demon - are really quite droll! Recommended to young readers who enjoy fairy-tales, and to fans of David Small.
Although I have read quite a few children's books illustrated by the talented David Small - Sarah Stewart's The Library , and The Gardener , Elise Broach's When Dinosaurs Came with Everything , Heather Henson's That Book Woman - this is only the second title, following upon the classic Imogene's Antlers (a personal favorite!), that I have read that is both written and illustrated by him. I found the story charming, with its fairy-tale feeling - the stranger who comes to town, the defeat of the devil/demon figure, by a seemingly "simple" hero: these are common folk motifs - and charming artwork. Some of the visual details - the changing expression on the sun-face kite that Paper John is making, before and after the arrival of the demon - are really quite droll! Recommended to young readers who enjoy fairy-tales, and to fans of David Small.
November 20, 2018
A man named John who is an expert paper folder, lives peacefully by the sea making paper boats for the children of the town. Up jumps the devil to stir up trouble, and Paper John has to do some quick thinking to help save his town, and the town folks from this troublesome imp.
June 1, 2019
What a delightful story! I loved it!
September 5, 2021
Pacing is all off, as the 'battle' between the artist and the devil is far too facile & brief. Concept, language, and art work are all charming, though.
February 18, 2024
Wonderful story with wonderful pictures by the incredible David Small. Highly recommended.
January 9, 2013
(Mommy's review from 3/13/12)
We almost didn't read this. We passed by it at the library last week and both the title and cover failed to grab me. Something made me pick it up and scan through it though and even though I still wasn't very hopeful we brought it home.
We both ended up liking it more than we expected. The description is readily available so I won't go through it again. I'll stick with our thoughts. We listened to this while following along in the book and if I remember right the author was the narrator. Whether it was the author or not it was read well.
I personally don't care for the illustrations much. I don't normally like very thin lines like David Small uses here. Julia said she liked them well enough.
The story, on the other hand, was interesting and enjoyable for us both. Children's books about someone being "different" have been some of our favorites and this fits the bill. It's not so much about being "different" as John's day to day activities and what stems from these.
This is I would recommend seeking out, this is worth reading.
We almost didn't read this. We passed by it at the library last week and both the title and cover failed to grab me. Something made me pick it up and scan through it though and even though I still wasn't very hopeful we brought it home.
We both ended up liking it more than we expected. The description is readily available so I won't go through it again. I'll stick with our thoughts. We listened to this while following along in the book and if I remember right the author was the narrator. Whether it was the author or not it was read well.
I personally don't care for the illustrations much. I don't normally like very thin lines like David Small uses here. Julia said she liked them well enough.
The story, on the other hand, was interesting and enjoyable for us both. Children's books about someone being "different" have been some of our favorites and this fits the bill. It's not so much about being "different" as John's day to day activities and what stems from these.
This is I would recommend seeking out, this is worth reading.
May 23, 2008
A man named John breezes into a small town and establishes himself as an artist who can make anything out of paper. He even folds himself a paper house (lacquered to withstand the weather) full of paper furniture.
One day a greedy demon wreaks havoc in the town, picking everybody's pockets. John reveals the demon's misdeeds, making the demon so angry that he calls upon the four winds to blow everybody in town out to sea.
John refolds his lacquered paper house into a waterproof paper ship. He pulls the townspeople aboard one by one and saves the day.
This simple story is heightened by Small's exquisite illustrations. I tend to be a sucker for anything about paper crafts, so maybe I'm crazy, but I think this is a beautiful little book.
One day a greedy demon wreaks havoc in the town, picking everybody's pockets. John reveals the demon's misdeeds, making the demon so angry that he calls upon the four winds to blow everybody in town out to sea.
John refolds his lacquered paper house into a waterproof paper ship. He pulls the townspeople aboard one by one and saves the day.
This simple story is heightened by Small's exquisite illustrations. I tend to be a sucker for anything about paper crafts, so maybe I'm crazy, but I think this is a beautiful little book.
March 16, 2016
A very fun little tale about a man who comes to town that makes everything - and I mean everything - out of paper. He folds little boats for the children to play in the sea with and he even makes himself a house! One day a nasty ol' devil comes to visit. He has one mean trick of commanding all the winds and he can only do it once. After he is caught stealing from the townspeople, he uses his trick and a great hurricane sweeps through the town.
Paper John manages to change his house into a boat with a few folds here and then and saves the townspeople.
Very nice illustrations.
Paper John manages to change his house into a boat with a few folds here and then and saves the townspeople.
Very nice illustrations.
March 16, 2025
I've liked to do origami ever since my grandfather taught me to fold paper chickens. I made 100s of them (that might be a slight exaggeration) in assorted sizes and put them in families that were distinguished by color. This book would have enchanted me. A man who could make toys, furnishings, and even houses and boats out of paper! Now I also appreciate when a story focuses on someone who is different, good, and happy. (Celebrate diversity!) Yes, the devil has a part in this story, but he loses in the end.
2025: a keeper for sure
2025: a keeper for sure
May 5, 2011
Paper John can make anything out of paper: a hat, flower bouquet, house, boats and more. One night a little devil is tied up outside the window; Paper John rescues him and shares food and lodging. The devil steals from the townspeople and attempts an escape on Paper John's kite. Trapped, the devil calls on the four winds to destroy the town. Paper John proves himself to be heroic, while the devil goes 'back to where he came from.' The story is complemented by the colorful illustrations.
October 20, 2014
This was a total wildcard. I'd never heard of it and probably wouldn't have picked it up but what a gem it turned out to be! This is a fabulous book and now one of our favourites. It's reminiscent of the fairy stories I grew up with but without any of the clichés. I'll be looking now for more from this author.
September 27, 2012
I knew this book existed! I remember reading it as a kid, in fact I think it was Reading Rainbow that featured it. I loved this book as a kid, I thought maybe it was shelved because of the devil reference but glad it is still around.
February 23, 2013
This book was definitely different than I expected. Not really worth the read, but I enjoyed the illustrations.
July 1, 2016
A wonderful story! A man who lives in and through origami? Now that is creative.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews