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‘We need the literature of other countries to expand our
horizons and stimulate our ideas. Without it, we are not only
diminished, we are starved’
(The Times, Magnus Linklater 29/06/05)
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Invisible Story (The)
by Jamie Gamboa
Age Range: 6-8
“The world is full of stories” so begins this beautiful and unusual book by Costa Rican writer, musician and journalist Jaime Gamboa. “Some are as long as lizards, others so short that they never even make it to the End.” This story, however, has never been read and languishes hidden away in the darkest corner of the library. The little story is sad as it listens to the chatter of the other tales arguing amongst themselves about which of them is the most popular and it longs to be just like them. If a reader approaches the shelves the story repeats to itself “I’m just a ghost, nobody can see me.” Everyone passes the little book by until one day a reader appears who stops and runs her fingertips over its white pages discovering a magical story within.
The Invisible Story is a special book to Outside In World as it was discovered during ‘Reading the Way’ - Inclusive Books from Around the World Research in 2014. Now, ten years later we are delighted that it has been published in English by Lantana Publishing.
Gamboa’s creation is truly original, moving and powerful with lilting poetic text, exquisitely translated by Daniel Hahn. This atmospheric story is also cleverly constructed. By making the book itself the narrator, Gamboa’s extraordinary metaphor for stories makes it intriguing – a braille book that thinks it is a ‘ghost’ and not like all the other books that surround it because its pages appear to be blank. Once discovered by the blind girl the story within the book can come to life.
The artwork by Wen Hsu Chen combines delicate paper cut-outs with watercolour. The empty pages of the story are conveyed in captivating white silhouette outlines that contrast sharply with the colour displayed for the bright and vivid tales in the library. When the invisible story is finally discovered colour begins to flood the pages as its tale is released.
The concept of The Invisible Story is an ideal way to teach children about braille and together with the highly unusual illustrations it makes this book both fresh and different.
At the back of the book, there is a page ‘About Braille’ and the book is also available in accessible formats from RNIB Bookshare.