I entered the competition and didn't win but I decided to pick up a kindle copy of the book anyway. At 32 pages and a reasonable price what could go wrong?
This book tells the story of Sarah, who gets picked on in school by an insensitive peer. I don't want to use the word bully as the other character doesn't really come across like that, more like an obnoxious mouthy coward. Anyway, the reason Sarah gets picked on is for having a tall and lanky shadow. I have totally been there (only my shadow was more short and rotund).
Poor Sarah, rather than just ignoring the moronic behaviour of others feels that the problem is with her and upon seeing a shooting star wishes her shadow away. That's when her trouble really starts, that moment when, in a fit of pure sadness and dejection Sarah's shadow simply skulks away.
The illustrations in this book were lovely, reminding me of the cartoons I used to watch on Nickleodeon (think I might be giving away my age a bit there). The picture where Sarah's shadow leaves is genuinely sad.
What I loved most though was Sarah's inevitable realisation that her shadow was very much a part of herself and thus something that she very much needed in her life. She is a constant worrier, from the very morning after her shadow leaves she finds herself worrying about the situation. She fears what others might think and say (again I can relate), which rules her life. At first she tries to get around things by being solitary but that only lasts for so long. As they say you can't run forever.
I love seeing the climactic point of the book which I won't spoil for you but which left me feeling satisfied. It made me think about people in general as well as reflecting about my own vulnerabilities. In the end I was left thinking 'yeah so I don't like this or that about myself but maybe that's half of the problem, I should love and accept all of me as a whole person'. Talk about moments of profundity!
With roughly two paragraphs per page you can still enjoy reading it without the concern that it will be too text heavy. If you're looking for something to challenge a year 2 (7-8 year old) child this probably isn't for you. But I'd recommend it as a lovely one to read during story times to children from 4 upwards.
Book 10 on my list and a book featuring a character with my name in. A charming little read!
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