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The Grammar of Fantasy: An Introduction to the Art of Inventing Stories

by Gianni Rodari

A practical study of how stories take shape

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Awards & Recognition

  • Editorial selection

    The Marginalian Favorite Book of 2025

    Named a Favorite Book of 2025 by The Marginalian.

  • Critical praise

    School Library Journal starred review

    The metadata identifies the review as a starred review; the accompanying quote recommends the book for educators...

AlbakiReads Editorial

A practical study of how stories take shape

Gianni Rodari brings storytelling and teaching together in a collection of ideas, fairy-tale glosses, stories, and creative activities. The book examines how imagination can be used to invent narratives and develop a personal voice, making its subject as much the practice of story-making as the stories themselves. This edition pairs Jack Zipes’s translation with illustrations by Matthew Forsythe. Its combination of reflection and exercises gives the subject a hands-on dimension, while its attention to children’s storytelling connects creative work with education.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teachers exploring creative approaches to language arts and storytelling
  • Writers and other creatives interested in story-making exercises
  • Readers interested in children’s literature, fairy tales, and imaginative education

Themes

Imagination and storytellingCreative writing practiceFairy talesEducation and pedagogy

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

From the father of modern Italian children's literature, this is one of the great works about the imagination and how stories are made--featuring radiant illustrations from Matthew Forsythe and a refreshed translation from Jack Zipes.

A Marginalian Favorite Book of 2025!

"Holds great value for the adults who teach kids and the adults who write for them." --Mac Barnett, U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, for the New York Times

★ "A must-have for educators and librarians looking to inject creativity into their classrooms." --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW!

This handbook for writers of all ages and kinds is essential reading for teachers and creatives. It offers a playful, practical path to finding your own voice through the power of storytelling. Full of ideas, glosses on fairy tales, stories, and wide-ranging activities, this book changed how creative arts were taught in Italian schools.

Gianni Rodari is not only revered as a children's author, but also remembered for his visionary pedagogy, and it is these two fields he combines in this revolutionary essay collection. Translated into English by acclaimed scholar of folklore and children's literature Jack Zipes, and with original art from illustrator Matthew Forsythe, this edition of The Grammar of Fantasy is one to live with and return to for its humor, intelligence, and remarkable understanding of children.

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