By Clay Rice
Joggling Board Press
www.jogglingboardpress.com
PO Box 13029
Charleston, S.C. 29422
843-971-6930
The Lonely Shadow is a children's picture book for ages 4-8. What makes this book unique are the 60 pages of illustrations that accompany the story line of a lonely shadow looking for who or what he belongs to. The illustrations are cut-work silhouettes, which are striking on both the stark white and color-wash backgrounds.
My eight-year-old enjoyed the book and said any young child would like it. The rhythmic text begs to be read aloud. Like all good storybooks, this one ends with a happy bedtime scene: the little boy and his shadow are in bed, happy to be reunited. The pictures and words are simple and sweet, perfect for young children.
In one scene, the shadow and child playfully pull the polka dots off of Grandpa's underwear, and as the boxers are yanked away, the silhouette of the top of the old man's bottom can be seen. This, my daughter thought, was "a little inappropriate."
This is a good read for any child. Families who especially enjoy out-of-the-ordinary illustrations will like The Lonely Shadow.
Product review by Kathy Gelzer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, August 2009
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