Tales of Curiosity by Sonya McArthur

Sonya McArthur’s Tales of Curiosity is a beautifully presented collection of eight illustrated stories that reawakens the timeless power of traditional storytelling while speaking directly to the imaginative and emotional lives of contemporary young readers. Written over the span of two decades and enriched by McArthur’s deep connection to New Zealand’s wild landscapes, this collection feels both ancient and new - a work rooted in fable, yet alive with modern sensibility.

Each tale unfolds within its own imaginative world, yet they share a quiet, lyrical coherence. Whether following twin brothers who see the world in opposite ways, a dancer who seems to defy gravity, or a river whose greed leads to ruin, the stories trace deeply human emotions through mythic imagery. McArthur invites readers to explore themes of loss, renewal, and transformation with the patience and wonder of a fireside listener. Her characters, often ordinary people or humble creatures, are drawn into moments of moral and emotional revelation that linger long after the story ends.

What makes Tales of Curiosity particularly engaging is its balance between simplicity and sophistication. McArthur writes with the clarity of a classic storyteller, yet her prose carries a quiet philosophical depth. The stories are symbolic without being obscure, rich with natural imagery and emotional truth. They encourage children - and indeed adults - to think about the beauty and fragility of the natural world, the importance of empathy, and the courage it takes to change.

The book’s visual presentation matches its literary grace. Illustrated by Bevan Smith, McArthur’s former Department of Conservation colleague, each image feels as though it has grown organically from the text. His graphite drawings are finely detailed and evocative, adding an earthy magic that mirrors the stories’ fusion of realism and fantasy. The hardcover design, with metallic foiling and rich paper stock, enhances the sense that this is a volume meant to be treasured and passed down, not merely consumed.

What elevates Tales of Curiosity beyond a simple anthology is its unhurried rhythm. In a world that demands constant stimulation, McArthur offers a quiet invitation to slow down and notice, to listen to rivers, to trees, to the small miracles of human kindness. The moral lessons embedded within the tales never feel didactic; instead, they grow naturally from the characters’ choices and the landscapes they inhabit.

Ultimately, Tales of Curiosity is a celebration of wonder, written by an author whose reverence for nature and humanity shines through every page. It recalls the timeless storytelling traditions of C.S. Lewis and Katherine Mansfield, while establishing its own distinctive voice in New Zealand children’s literature. McArthur’s collection reminds us that curiosity is not only the beginning of knowledge, but also the heart of compassion and creativity.

Reviewer: Chris Reed

Mary Egan Publishing