A beautiful book with a story as magical as the illustrations.

This was a beautifully illustrated picture book that follows a hauntingly original fairy tale. The dark elements throughout really helped to bring out the valuable lessons of self discovery that every good fairytale should have.

unfortunately unable to download so can't leave a valid review.

A beautifully illustrated picture storybook about a young girl who dislikes her shadow and what happens when it runs away from her.
The setting for this story is a fairytale, and there are dark elements, but good triumphs and Hortense learns valuable lessons of self-discovery, A good story for the age group.
I received a copy of this story from Penguin Random House UK Children’s Puffin via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

What a lovely original fairy story. Did not realise it was a childrens book but loved it. Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher

I was unable to open the book so can’t comment. Looks and sounds very interesting g though

A haunting, original fairy tale from two dazzling debut picture book talents, in the spirit of Neil Gaiman and Carson Ellis.

Hortense is a kind and brave girl, but she is sad--even angry--that her shadow follows her everywhere she goes. She hates her shadow, and thinks her shadow must hate her too. But one cold, dark night, when bandits surprise her in the woods, Hortense discovers that her shadow is the very thing she needs most.

This stunningly illustrated story stirs the soul with its compelling, subtle exploration of self-esteem, self-identity, and finding inner strength.

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A beautifully illustrated picture book with deceptively profound and dark-ish themes. This a stunningly unique book, I haven't read anything quite like this ever before and a great and super important story for young or old readers alike. It was the perfect time to enjoy this - in the Christmas season - the illustrations are snowy and wintery to match this!

The message of this book is the most important aspect of it - accepting yourself and the things you can't change and learn to live with them or even love them. It definitely feels like those fairy tales that have a moral theme or crucial message running throughout them and I think this would be great for giving confidence to youngsters especially. There are so many things out there making youngsters question their appearance, their mental health etc that these books have become part of the fight against this culture and I do hope that continues as the pressure on children and teenagers in not likely to lessen any time soon unfortunately.

I voluntarily accepted an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely book with beautiful illustrations. The children I read this with were very engaged through out it so will definitely consider buying it for the classroom. Thank you for the ARC!

A beautiful and intricate tale of Hortense who dislikes her shadow. Slightly darker than the tales I usually read to my children. It was an accessible way to share the underlying message about embracing who you are and led to interesting discussions! This book was well received by both male and female recipients - and they were particularly enamoured with the illustrations.

A lovely book about shadows and children. A magical story about a little girl who doesn't like her shadow....that is until it disappears and danger comes calling.

A wonderful story which reminded me of the fairy tales I read, or was read to, as a child - even though it had a slightly scary side it was no more and perhaps not quite as dark as for example Hansel and Gretal. The story was beautifully illustrated throughout. I hope the author and illustrator, who are sisters, produce more books of this quality. Highly recommended.

Review will also appear on https://lovebooksreadbooks.wordpress.com/

With thanks to the publishers who sent me an e-copy of the book via NetGalley in return for an honest opinion.

A clever, inspiring, wonderfully written and illustrated children's book, for adults to also enjoy. I'll definitely be buying this beautiful book for my future children.

A beautifully illustrated picture book reminiscent of traditional folk stories. Hortense dislikes her shadow following her everywhere and so one day she cuts it off! She soon realises that her shadow is an important part of her and the message of only missing or appreciating something once it has gone is delicately handled. A little dark in places this is a story for slightly older fans of picture books. Whilst I'm not sure this will have mass appeal I'm sure this will become a firm favourite for some parents and children.

Delightful children's story about Hortense who hated her shadow. Reminiscent of childhood tales from years ago. The illustrations are wonderful.
Would recommend for ages 4 upwards.

I adored this book. The story was stunning and it is a book I would love to gift to friends and family

Lovely little picture book - great for children who are afraid of the dark, or feel there is a part of themselves they don't like or are unwilling to accept. A bit of poetic prose in the story. Very sweet artwork, perfect for the winter celebrations - I loved the images of snow and trees, adventurous shadow-shapes of knights and bears. Would recommend for anyone looking for a child's Christmas present this year.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this. It's beautifully illustrated, and the style of the images makes me wonder whether the finished physical book will be more tactile. It's a book just screaming out to be read and re-read.
The story is straightforward, and simple enough to appeal to children, yet there is a darkness that makes it feel more than just a children's fable. Hortense starts the book cross and unhappy with herself, desperate to lose her shadow. Over the course of the story she comes to accept herself for who she is. It's hard to find fault with.

So pleased I had the opportunity to discover this book and share it with my grandson (nearly 6 1/2 so he tells me, in case I think he's "only" 6). It is a delightful book and he thinks so too. He loved the quirky illustrations. In fact, he's still talking about it., even though I've gone home. I'm too far away to read it to him now and that's now his parents' job. lols

The beautiful cover attracted me to this. The artwork is stunning throughout, and gives a great sense of atmosphere. The whole book feels creepy yet beautiful.

As well as being a pleasure to read, this feels like it gives a great message to children. While Hortense hates her shadow, she soon misses it when it’s gone, and with it she can be strong and brave.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get the book to open, so I can't comment on it.