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

From the father of modern Italian childrens literature, this is one of the great works about the imagination and how stories are madefeaturing radiant illustrations from Matthew Forsythe and a refreshed translation from Jack Zipes.

AMarginalianFavorite 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 Peoples Literature, for theNew 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 childrens 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 childrens literature Jack Zipes, and with original art from illustrator Matthew Forsythe, this edition ofThe Grammar of Fantasyis one to live with and return to for its humor, intelligence, and remarkable understanding of children.

Gianni Rodariis widely considered the father of modern Italian children’s literature. In 1960, he collaborated with the Education Cooperation Movement to develop exercises to encourage children’s creative and critical thinking abilities. The recipient of the prestigious Andersen Prize in recognition of his contribution to children’s literature, he was also one of Italy’s most important educators and an activist who understood the liberating power of the imagination.JalCÌ