A whimsical and beautifully illustrated story about a young girl and her shadow. Definitely one to buy - be it for children who would simply love it -or perhaps even for adults who just want to escape the real world of 2018 for a few hours.

This is a truly beautiful book inside and out, the artwork is stunning from front cover to back and the writing was just as wonderful .
Near to the end it becomes quite dark but most fairy tales aren't as innocent as they seem !
Parents ... you need to buy this and read it with your children ! It contains important life lessons and teaches them to love themselves .

Unfortunately I was unable to download this story so I cannot leave an honest review.

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.

-----------------------

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.

Delightfully different. My nephews loved it...and they usually hate stories about girls! Well crafted & executed.

A sweet story nicely illustrated which will appeal to younger children.

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