This was a delight. The story is simple enough to appear to be a long-lost, middle European folktale, except it seems to be brand new. A girl in the woods and the snow and the (occasional) dark decides she's had enough of her shadow, so gets rid of it. The visuals are just as fine - perfect for laying out this or any Christmas, as it just looks sparkly and lush. Sometimes the jumble of words are not always easy to find on the page, but this will be a book that's turned to more than just a few times.

Gorgeous, majestic and cozy snowy winter art with story about a good girl finally accepting her shadow and its gifts. Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ebook for review.

This is a beautiful book and the illustrations are simply wonderful. Hortense hates her shadow and is cross that it follows her everywhere she goes so she decides to get rid of it. However one night she discovers what a gift her shadow is to her and how much she needs it. This is a book about embracing every part of ourselves and one I will read over and over. Thank you NetGalley and Puffin Books for giving me a free copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review

It takes a special book to invoke such a whimsical and loving feeling within a few words and brilliant illustrations. This book is marvelous in every way.

The book is very brilliant in it's weirdness about a girl who decides her shadow hates her so tries to escape from it. I think it was brilliant and ready enjoyed it. I also thought the artwork on the pages was very well drawn and added a lot to the book

Beautifully illustrated and an exciting story. Loved the images and the story is one to share. I like the idea of making the dark less scary as I was terrified as a child.

Atmospherically elegant with illustrations that completely compel an obsessive adoration. I want to surround myself with this beauty!

-Jesica Sweedler DeHart

Hortense and the shadow is a children's book aimed for the age group 5-7 years.
It is an interesting read about a girl called Hortense. She dislikes her shadow and is annoyed it follows her everywhere she goes. It takes a scary event for her to appreciate what she has lost. A shadow may be scary at times but it can also have advantages.

This is a creative story with a difference. I really enjoyed this book. It has a hidden meaning behind the story which could be adapted to fit children's fears.

5 stars out of 5.

*ARC received in exchange for a fair review*

Hortense and the shadow is an absolutely lovely story, it's about a little girl who hates her shadow so it goes away. Beautifully illustrated with lots of pictures for the children to see.
Wonderful story that I've had to read 3 times in one sitting with my little girl
Highly recommended

Hortense and the shadow was a less than 5 minute read for me. If I had had a younger child to read it to, I'm sure the experience would have been longer. In saying that, I did enjoy this fairytale type of story. I'm not sure if I have my culture correct, but it gave me Russian fairytale vibes, similar (but simpler and more child friendly) to The Bear and the Nightingale.
There's not too much to it and I wouldn't agree with the publisher that it is like the Grimm fairytales because this wasn't a dark read at all. It is more like the other comparision they made: The Fox and the Star.
The illustrations are so stunning. I'd love to own prints of some of these.
Ultimately, although I enjoyed it, it wasn't great enough for me to think about purchasing it, especially because it will cost around £10.99 for 30ish pages. It is stunning though, and I feel perhaps someone who loves little books like this, or perhaps have children, would want to own a physical copy.
I ended up having to read this as a protected pdf on my PC because all the imagry and words got jumbled up when I tried to read it on my tablet.

Hortense and the shadow is so much more than I expected, it starts out dark and I begin to wonder whether this will be a book I would like. I was never a fan of the dark fairytale as a child, but as I turn each page I begin to fall more and more in love with Hortense and her shadow. It is one of those stories that when you have read it once that you will want to read it over and over and it will become a favourite.

“Though Kind and brave, she was sad as an owl because of one thing. Hortense hated her shadow.” Hortense really doesn’t like her shadow – it is with her always, it is crooked, it is with her in holes, and behind columns – no matter what she did it is everywhere she is. Eventually Hortense manages to get separated from her shadow and it is then when she finds out she needs it the most and just why her shadow was with her always.

The illustrations are simply beautiful, they remind me of an old china plate, with intricate patterns in white and blue with the odd small pop of yellow, red, pink and grey. Each time I read through the book I discover something new, and at a closer look I notice that hiding throughout the book are some hidden people that we meet later in the story…keep a lookout for them.

This story is memorable and beautifully heartwarming, and like all fairytales it delivers a message. In this book, the message I get from it is that sometimes the parts of yourself that you like the least because they are strange, silly, weird or flawed, are the best parts that make you the beautiful person that you are and are usually that way for a reason that we sometimes don’t see.

I highly recommend this book and can see it being a treasured, modern day fairytale for the avid young reader.

The illustrations in this are beautiful and add depth to the words. This is an ideal story to use with lower Key Stage 2 when investigating how illustrations and words can work together to draw a reader in. This would also work well for introducing new vocabulary such as 'ottoman' - most of my children wouldn't recognise that word and would enjoy identifying its meaning with the support of the illustrations.
This is also a great book for a parent to read with a child at home. Shadows can be scary for children so it's an ideal bedtime story for kids to know their shadows will protect them.

A wonderfully illustrated story with an enchanting tale based around a young girl and her shadow.

Hortense and the Shadow is a short picture book about a little girl who hates her shadow. At only 32 pages, it's incredibly short, however it does the job of describing Hortense and her tale very well, and rather eloquently. This read almost like a fairy or folk tale, although it conveys a very relevant message about acceptance and to never fear being alone.

It's the illustrations that really bring the tale to life, and they go wonderfully with the story. Their beautiful, and compliment the winter aslect of the tale well.

A great addition to any children's library.

Hortense hates her shadow. That thing just won't leave her alone. It follows her everywhere. But one night when bandits attacked she realises she was wrong about her dark companion.

As always with my childrens book reviews it isn't really my opinion. It's my daughter's, now 6 and almost as passionate about books as her mum. She loved this. Initially I read this to her (with her commentary about the illustrations added) and then she immediately read it herself. We both loved the illustrations, they added to the other worldliness of the story which is pure unadulterated fantasy. When I asked her what she liked about it after she told me it was getting five stars she said she liked how it was about needing someone and getting them back, and how even if you argue you can make up. So it got her thinking which is surely half the point? I personally would give it five stars as well just purely on the enjoyment she got out of it.

I received this from Puffin and Penguin Random House via Netgalley for an honest review.

Delightful tale filled with gorgeous illustrations.
Young Hortense is fed up of her shadow, so one day traps it, cutting it off from her body. Little does she realise how useful her shadow is until she's in peril.
This is the perfect story for independent readers aged 7+, or bedtime for younger children.

This book is. Aimed at 5 to 7 year olds and tells the story of Hortense who hated her shadow.
This is a fairy story all about shadows and light and Hortenses discovery that her shadow was very important when she was faced with danger in the woods.

The illustrations are very dark but work very well with the story.

This story could be useful exploring children's fears of the dark and the hidden meaning could be adapted to an individual child's fears. It was well received from my 5 year old readers who had a few questions after reading the book and was requested again which is always a good sign.

I thought that this book would be excellent for use in the classroom - in particular discussions around issues such as fears and to promote an engaging approach for teaching grammar for writing.

An unusual picture book about a little girl called Hortense who inexplicably hates her shadow. The illustrations set in a wintery looking forest had a Russian feel to them and were interesting. However, perhaps due to the nature of the galley copy, the text seemed a little jumbled initially making it hard to be sure I was reading it in the correct order on my Kindle Fire. Despite this,I think the story would appeal mostly to ages 5-7 and could be used to bring interest to a topic on shadows if considering for the curriculum. Some more sensitive children may find it slightly scary as Hortense seems to be frightened of her shadow and very keen to escape from it. The interlude with the bandits is the turning point over which Hortense learns the value of her shadow and begins to enjoy it. I can see how this might lead to a few enjoyable hours of shadow play with the children.

Hortense hated her shadow. Everywhere she went, it went. Everything she did, it did. And every time night fell it grew, tall and dark and crooked.
So Hortense decided: the shadow must go !

It was cute ! The illustrations are wonderful ! The story is simple but original !
It was a cozy snowy winter story ! I recommend this book to talk about fear, dark with children !

A beautiful book. Stunning illustrations and a wonderfully fun and meaningful story.

Hortense and the shadow is a very sweet and charming picture storybook about a girl and her shadow.
Hortense, at the beginning, becomes very annoyed with her shadow as it is everywhere she goes, making her look out of proportion. She does what any child would do and tries to hide her shadow, with one day managing to separate herself from it. Now seemingly free she soon finds that it would be nicer to have it back than to have to face some bandits alone. They are reunited with a beautiful message.

The story presents itself a lovely little message about how comforting and companionable a shadow can be when one is alone, and how it can much fun you can have with it. Also that it is nothing to be annoyed at or afraid of. It is delivered alongside some absolutely gorgeous illustrations, that I personally would love prints of for my walls. All in all a beautiful little book that I'm sure kids and adults will just genuinely adore.

What a perfectly adorable and yet deceptively dark read!

This is a small picture book about a girl called Hortense and her discontent with the shadow that follows her wherever she goes. Despite the limited text the reader truly gets a feel for this darling little protagonist and the accompanying art work only enhances the beauty of this small but impressive read.

The art had a whimsical quality reminiscent of the illustrations from some of my most beloved fairy tales anthologies. The tale itself also evoked the same qualities and, for this reason, the two combined to give this a timeless and universal appeal.

This is such a beautiful book: both in the gorgeous pastel illustrations and in the wonderful prose. Hortense, like many children (and not too few adults) is scared of the ghastly shapes that her shadow makes. Her shadow follows her everywhere, so she does all she can to rid herself of it. But then, one dark night when all seems lost, it is her shadow that saves the day (or night!), and Hortense realises that “if (the shadow) is sometimes dark, cross, silly, jagged or blue, well sometimes Hortense is too”.
This book will thrill all – young or old. Underneath the fairy tale story, it is about a young girl coming to terms with her appearance, and all facets of her being – the good, the bad and the ugly – each has a part to play in making the child into a rounded human being.
The story makes me think of Adelbert von Chamisso’s novella “Peter Schlemihl”. Peter sells his shadow to the Devil, and thence is completely ostracised from society as a person with no shadow is held to be untrustworthy, however much money he has. Hortense realises just in time that her shadow is part of who she is.

Do I want children? No sure. Would I have children just to give them pretty names, dress them up, and read picture books with cute illustrations to them? I guess so! Good thing I have a godchild I can read this to instead. Hortense and the Shadow is a great example of children's graphic design and will serve me as an attempt to turn that one-year old into an art afficionado. Not much of a deeper message to find between the rhyming lines, but there doesn't have to be one in everything.

Beautifully illustrated with a cute premise. Will definitely be picking this up when it's released!

Hortense’s shadow follows her everywhere, copies everything she does and never leaves her. She hates it. Only when she is rid of it, and finds herself in desperate trouble, does she discover it's true value.

Stunning, delicate illustrations not only complement, but add depth and narrative to this wonderfully original fairytale. The muted colour palette and white space add to the ethereal feel, with lots of intricate detail to explore and enjoy. The message of true friends always being there for you no matter what shines through.

Great for fans of The Fox And The Star and Under The Same Sky.

ebook proof courtesy of Penguin Random House UK Children's Books via Netgalley.

Well this is so beautiful and haunting, my little one got a bit scared half way through and I was a tiny bit worried, but things turned out wonderfully at the end - phew! The illustrations are just lovely, and the story is clever and thoughtful, we talked a lot about shadows and being frightened and who looks after us etc. It was a really good read for a wide range of ages, and we will be reading it again and again I'm sure.

This lovely picture books tells the story of Hortense who wants to get rid of her shadow and takes drastic steps to do so. She's very happy without it until she is threatened by robbers and her shadow saves the day by taking the shape of a bear and frightening them off. The two are then reunited. Beautiful illustrations perfectly complement the text and there is so much to see in them that repeat readings wouldn't be a chore as you would notice different details each time. I particularly liked the pictures of the forest at night, the colour palette is just lovely and very striking. Perfect as a gentle bedtime story or as a read aloud at any time of day.

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book telling the story of a little girl and her shadow. It's deceptively dark - although not Roald Dahl dark - and I liked it a lot. I may well add it to my shortlist for Christmas present books.

Hortense and the Shadow, by Natalia O'Hara and Lauren O'Hara is a delightful picture book for children.

A little girl named Hortense hates her shadow, especially since it follows her everywhere, and Hortense decides her shadow must go away. However, she later realizes that her shadow is there for a reason.

Within thirty-two pages, this children's book features an intriguing story and lovely illustrations.

Hortense and the Shadow is geared toward young children, particularly kindergartners to third graders. Highly recommend adding this book to your collection!


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I'm still not totally certain of how to review picture books and this is my first picture book I've read as an adult outside of some good old Dr Seuss (it's the rhymes, guys, who can resist a rhyme?

I think the art in this book was amazing. Like truly stunning, I just wanted to marvel at the pictures as I read it. The dedication to the drawings shone through and I know picture books use the pictures to aid the story and it totally made the story so much better and any child (any adult) would have wanted to look at them.

I found the story to be short and simple and strangely sweet. Hortense hated her shadow and seeing the lengths she went to to lose it was extreme. It was sweet, though, and totally the kind of book you can see reading to children. I'd really read it more for the pictures than the story, though.

Puffin invited me to view this title on NetGalley, and I'm glad that I decided to check it out. The premise is simple: Hortense is scared of her shadow, so she decides it has to go!
If I was still working as a library assistant, Hortense and the Shadow would have been a must-read during storytime. It's so simple yet effective, and the illustrations are unbelievably gorgeous. It's hard to believe that this has been created by two debut picture book writers.
This was a very quick read for me (under five minutes!) but for someone who's been struggling through Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Second Sex' all day, this was a welcome reprieve. Thank you, Puffin, for inviting me to view this title, and to the authors for bringing some much needed magic to my day.

Absolutely stunning, such a wonderful story and captivating illustrations made me want to be a child again. I shared this with some if the younger members if my family and each one loved it as much as myself

Absolutely beautiful, gorgeous illustrations and a really lovely story. This book belongs on the bookshelf of every young person.
I've seen the hard back edition and it would make a wonderful gift, I may even buy myself a copy as I read the digital edition courtesy of NetGalley.

4 stars for this stunning fairy tale.

I chose this ebook because I thought it charming that it is written and illustrated by two sisters. And I am really pleased with my choice, as this children's picture book is beautifully compelling to look at and read. The illustrations are drawn from a limited palette of pastel and dark shades that reflects the innocence and darkness of the story, and I think this works really well. I lingered over these gorgeous illustrations for some time. A young child might be scared of the lurking figures that are unexplained until near the end of the book.

The story is told quite simply with some deliciously wild imagery: 'wolfish woods' and 'Wind flew through the woods like a pack of wild dogs' are two of my favourites. The theme of the book has much in common with that of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, but written for children and with a happy ending! A real treat.

I received this ebook free from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This is a lovely book. I love the evocative pictures that accompany the text. Hortense is a little girl who decides that she doesn't really like the fact that her shadow hangs around. But what happens when her shadow goes away... You will have to read the book to find out.

‘She reached for her shadow…and her shadow reached back.’

Hortense and the Shadow is a delightful new children’s book; the illustrations are lovely, evoking classic fairy tales and luscious Eastern European landscapes, and the narrative that the O’Hara sisters have created has surprising depth to it, exploring ideas of self-esteem, identity, and inner strength.

The story is about Hortense, a young girl who is afraid of her shadow. She longs for nothing more than to be rid of it, but she soon discovers that her shadow is as vital a part of her as everything else. It may sound simple but, as with most children’s books, Hortense and the Shadow has a very important message within it. Although she fears her shadow, Hortense is a brave and kind girl – she cares for those who are injured, and when bandits attack she rushes out in the dark forest to try and defend her own. She realises that even though her shadow may turn into strange, dark shapes, it’s still a part of her, and people can be just as strange and dark at times, too.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning, everything about them conjures up fairy tales told on a cold winter’s night, huddled up in front of a fire with mulled orange or hot chocolate. They compliment the story beautifully and I could happily spend my time just flicking through and enjoying the gentle watercolours; pastel blues and pinks intermingle with greys and navy blue to create a feast for the eyes and I wanted to dive right into the story and live within it (keeping my fingers crossed for a Hortense and the Shadow print collection).

Children and adults alike will love this story, and I can see it becoming a new classic with its message of bravery and kindness and beautiful illustrations. Whether you have children in your life or not, I would highly recommend bringing this enchanting book into your life.

Rating: 4.5/5

This is a delightful picture book telling the story of Hortense who initially hates her own shadow. The illustrations are gorgeous snowy images in subtle pastel shades that really enhance to story. They are the sorts of images that are so detailed that you can spot new things in each time you read the story.

This is a fairy story about light and shadows and shows how Hortense learns to accept her shadow and appreciate its properties, especially when it comes to her rescue! It could easily be used by adults to help children come to terms with their own fears. I think it is a book that could be read time and time again, becoming a treasured book.

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Hortense and the Shadow is a beautiful picture book.

Hortense is angry that her shadow follows her everywhere, and resolves to get rid of it. One night, bandits surprise her in the woods and she discovers that she needs her shadow to make her bigger and braver. This is a lovely exploration of self and embracing the parts of yourself you might not like.

The pictures in it are gorgeous, but it was difficult to appreciate them fully on my Kindle, so this is one I will have to get in physical copy to fully enjoy it.

a little girl is spooked by her shadow on all occasions, and seeks to lose it. However, when trouble appears, she invites it back to keep her company and safe.
This is a sweetly illustrated children's book, with a message to children about being safe and feeling safe. The idea is delightful, and would appeal to children between the ages of 4 - 9 years.
The illustrations add to the book's plot.
Thank you to Net Galley, and the publisher for allowing me to read this book.

This was a beautifully illustrated book with a unique storyline. It was charming and unexpected. I loved it.

This children's book is very sweet and beautifully illustrated. Parents will enjoy reading this as much as the kids.

This is a beautifully illustrated short childrens book. Hortense hates her shadow- but comes to realise that she needs it. I can imagine the target audience really enjoying reading this aloud and sharing it with their parents. It provides an alternative for the sweet childrens stories that won't be everyone's cup of tea!

Hortense and the shadow by Natalie o'hara and lauren o'hara.
Through the dark and wolfish woods, through the white and silent snow, lived a small girl called Hortense. Though kind and brave, she was sad as an owl because of one thing . . . Hortense hated her shadow." A beautifully illustrated dark fairy tale that will remind you of the fables you read as a child. A treasure not to be missed.
Hortense hated her shadow. Everywhere she went, it went. Everything she did, it did. And every time night fell it grew, tall and dark and crooked. 
A lovely short read. Loved the pictures to. 5*. Netgalley and peguins random house uk children's.

I loved this children's picture book. I think sometimes, no matter how old you are, a simple tale, with beautiful illustrations, can just lift the soul.

I loved the message the book gave , about things that seem bad are sometimes good, and not prejudging and being open to change.

The book was just a little bit scary for younger readers, but not enough to give them nightmares! My son would have loved it when he was little.

This is a charming debut by the O'Hara sisters, written like a fable for children. The story follows fiery little Hortense, who hates her shadow. The delicate drawings that accompany this book are visually stunning at any age with finely detailed panels on every page. I really love the Eastern European style, which shines through even before noting that the entire book is inspired by the Polish folktales told to the author and her sister in their own childhood. On the surface, Hortense seems a simple tale but actually addresses quite a bit that children can respond to such as independence, self doubt and fear, courage, trust, and confidence. Like all of the best stories, it's easy to find a little of ourselves in little Hortense.

A heartwarming short story about a little girl that hates her shadow. Very pretty illustrations that lift your mood up and I really enjoyed reading this. Stunning visually and a fairy story about the light and dark. Highly recommended and can help explsining the need to overcome fears.

A beautifully illustrated book. Hortense is afraid of her shadow, she hates that it follows her around and changes into creepy looking shapes. She tries everything she can to escape it and eventually succeeds, but she will realise that it is a part of her that she should embrace instead of fear.