Emotions are big, strong things.They can overpower us, pull us into unfamiliar places, fill out minds and hearts and bodies.
Shadow is playing in her own little world when the Girl comes. Girl is angry. She yells and chases, so Shadow runs, afraid of what it means.
But the Girl follows, and there seems to be no escape.
Until… Shadow sees she has more in common with the Girl then she thought. They move the same way, they like the same games and the fear inside both of them soon fades.
They forge a new relationship — Shadow and the Girl — and become something… new. Together.
Shadow and the Girl is a brilliant picture book about the world through the eyes of a child. It’s about emotion and feelings and exploring these things. It’s about discovery and learning and journeying in the way kids understand way more than adults.
I adore this picture book for its rich quirkiness that sets it apart from other picture books about emotion. This is not a story that hits you over the head with meaning. It’s a story to explore and ponder over, chat about with kids and uncover your own truth and meaning as you do. Jeanette Stampone has created a thoughtful, interesting, unique and complex story with this picture book. One that provides lots of different avenues for interpretation.
Demelsa Haughton’s illustrations are simply stunning. With gorgeous green, blue and aqua hues, the pages are dreamy and filled with secrets. The endpapers provide a beautiful sneak peek at some of the illustrations in progress, which I love exploring, and in Red Paper Kite style, there are copies of some of the illustrations at the end of the book for kids to colour in themselves. A delightful addition in all Red Paper Kite books to inspire and encourage creativity in kids. Love!
Shadow and the Girl is an imaginative and fantastical story that whisps it’s way into your heart and mind. It’s perfect for classroom discussions about emotions and perspective, and equally perfect for a special night-time read snuggled tight under the covers.
Title: Shadow and the Girl
Author: Jeanette Stampone
Illustrator: Demelsa Haughton
Publisher: Red paper Kite, $26.99
Publication Date: March 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978 0 6486 74221
For ages: 3 – 8
Type: Picture Book
March 1, 2022 at 11:36PM Shaye Wardrop
