Pandora

Story

Pandora lives a lonely life and makes a home for herself by rescuing broken and forgotten things. When, one day, a bird falls from the sky, Pandora nurses it back to health. As it regains its strength, bird flies off but returns every day with little gifts of flowers and seeds. Then one day it doesn’t come back and Pandora is heartbroken. But look what happens when things begin to grow.

Why we chose it

A beautifully illustrated story with a delightful main character, which explores some big issues – pollution, waste, caring for the natural world. Its message is one of regeneration, renewal and hope.

Where it came from

Victoria Turnbull was born in York and graduated with an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art. She won the Association of Illustrators New Talent Award, Children's Book category, in 2013 and was nominated for the Bratislava Biennial of Illustration in 2017. Her illustrations have been likened to Maurice Sendak and she says the inspiration for Pandora comes from stories like Pandora’s Box and Noah’s Ark.

Where it went next

Pandora is Victoria’s third book and it has been translated into several different languages.It received high praise from children’s book reviewers.

Associated stories

Victoria’s first book The Sea Tiger was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. It was also shortlisted for Oscar’s First Book Prize. Next came Kings of the Castle and since Pandora she has written Cloud Forest.