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Hortense and the Shadow
"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.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
4 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Natalia O'Hara
6 books16 followersNatalia O'Hara is a script editor and author who lives in London. She is the older sister of illustrator Lauren O'Hara.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
August 2, 2018
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! Only later, alone in the wolfish woods, she learned that a girl without a shadow is far smaller... a fairy tale about light and shadows.
I've been in a bit of a reading slump this week, so this swift picture book couldn't have come at a more perfect time to save me. I was even more surprised to discover that not only was it full of brilliant and darkly illustrated pages, I cherished immensely the message it put across to its readers, both young and old. Plus, the rhyming was another key point for my adoration.
And here's what I mean when I talk about how the art will leave you reeling:
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication: October 5th, 2017
Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying Hortense and the Shadow, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!
Support creators you love. Buy a Coffee for nat (bookspoils) with Ko-fi.com/bookspoils
So Hortense decided: the shadow must go! Only later, alone in the wolfish woods, she learned that a girl without a shadow is far smaller... a fairy tale about light and shadows.
I've been in a bit of a reading slump this week, so this swift picture book couldn't have come at a more perfect time to save me. I was even more surprised to discover that not only was it full of brilliant and darkly illustrated pages, I cherished immensely the message it put across to its readers, both young and old. Plus, the rhyming was another key point for my adoration.
And here's what I mean when I talk about how the art will leave you reeling:
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication: October 5th, 2017
Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying Hortense and the Shadow, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!
Support creators you love. Buy a Coffee for nat (bookspoils) with Ko-fi.com/bookspoils
October 21, 2022
5 stars for the illustrations, 2.5 stars for the story.
The opening pages are lovely, delicately painted in subtle grey blues and peach with the odd touches of other colours.
Through the dark and wolfish woods, through the white and silent snow lived a small girl called Hortense
The story starts of looking quite interesting but after that it does become reminiscent of Peter pan becoming detached from his shadow, but it's a nice enough story. One I would take out of the library but not one I'd buy.
The opening pages are lovely, delicately painted in subtle grey blues and peach with the odd touches of other colours.
Through the dark and wolfish woods, through the white and silent snow lived a small girl called Hortense
The story starts of looking quite interesting but after that it does become reminiscent of Peter pan becoming detached from his shadow, but it's a nice enough story. One I would take out of the library but not one I'd buy.
September 2, 2017
I was initially attracted to this children’s story by the beautiful cover.
I just happened to have it on my NetGalley shelf when my six year old niece came to visit for a few days last week, so she was able to read it to me and her grandma. She had slight issues with the pronunciation of the name Hortense, as it’s not a name she’s heard before, but she got there in the end. She enjoyed the story, particularly liked the ending, and seemed to be fascinated by the bandits. She has asked me to give it four out of five stars.
As for me, I thought it was a fascinating story about a girl and the troubled relationship she has with her own shadow. The illustrations are beautiful. I love the choice of pastel colours mixed with black, navy and grey, giving it a whimsical fairy tale feel with a hint of darkness that many fairy tales have. Although more detailed and more subtle in colour, I would say the illustrations and even the story to some degree reminded me a little of The Fox and the Star, so I think this would appeal to fans of that story. I give this four out of five stars too.
I just happened to have it on my NetGalley shelf when my six year old niece came to visit for a few days last week, so she was able to read it to me and her grandma. She had slight issues with the pronunciation of the name Hortense, as it’s not a name she’s heard before, but she got there in the end. She enjoyed the story, particularly liked the ending, and seemed to be fascinated by the bandits. She has asked me to give it four out of five stars.
As for me, I thought it was a fascinating story about a girl and the troubled relationship she has with her own shadow. The illustrations are beautiful. I love the choice of pastel colours mixed with black, navy and grey, giving it a whimsical fairy tale feel with a hint of darkness that many fairy tales have. Although more detailed and more subtle in colour, I would say the illustrations and even the story to some degree reminded me a little of The Fox and the Star, so I think this would appeal to fans of that story. I give this four out of five stars too.
August 18, 2017
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. To truly appreciate this book I would suggest purchasing this in a physical format as the e-book version just does not do the beauty of this justice.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Natalie O'Hara, and the publisher, Puffin, for this opportunity.
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. To truly appreciate this book I would suggest purchasing this in a physical format as the e-book version just does not do the beauty of this justice.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Natalie O'Hara, and the publisher, Puffin, for this opportunity.
November 16, 2017
Hortense is a kind and brave girl, but she is sad as her shadow follows her everywhere she goes. She hates her shadow and thinks her shadow hates her too. But then one cold, dark night, bandits surprise her in the woods. Hortense discovers that her shadow is the very thing she needs most.
What a beautifully illustrated book this is. A beautifully written fairytale. A tale that children will love to read or listen to being read and adults will enjoy being read to their children. A story where a girl learns to come to terms with her appearance.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK Children's and the authors Natalia O'Hara & Lauren O'Hara.
What a beautifully illustrated book this is. A beautifully written fairytale. A tale that children will love to read or listen to being read and adults will enjoy being read to their children. A story where a girl learns to come to terms with her appearance.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK Children's and the authors Natalia O'Hara & Lauren O'Hara.
December 17, 2017
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.
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.
July 12, 2019
A spooky but beautifully illustrated read about a young girl called Hortense, who hates her shadow. After banishing it, she finds herself in a tricky situation. Who will save her from danger? Fast-paced, gorgeous colours used throughout. I just wished the length was a little longer, to really flesh out the story.
March 12, 2026
Beautifully illustrated!
- fun folklore elements
- easy before bed read
- fun folklore elements
- easy before bed read
November 15, 2017
I seldom read children's literature these days, but I made an exception for this exquisitely illustrated book about a young girl who hates her shadow.
Sisters Lauren and Natalia O'Hara, from the north of England, have created a magical allegory with an old world feel. As youngsters they were excited by fairy tales and animal fables, and loved listening to their Polish grandmother tell stories on cold winter nights - and there is a palpable Eastern European look and wisdom to the spare narrative and snowy landscapes.
"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 delightful Christmas gift for a young person with a lively imagination.
Sisters Lauren and Natalia O'Hara, from the north of England, have created a magical allegory with an old world feel. As youngsters they were excited by fairy tales and animal fables, and loved listening to their Polish grandmother tell stories on cold winter nights - and there is a palpable Eastern European look and wisdom to the spare narrative and snowy landscapes.
"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 delightful Christmas gift for a young person with a lively imagination.
August 3, 2017
Hortense and the Shadow by Natalia O’Hara and Lauren O'Hara. Penguin Random House UK. Children’s fiction. Publication date: Nov 2017. Gorgeous, majestic and cozy snowy winter art with the story about a good girl finally accepting her shadow and its gifts. Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ebook for review.
January 13, 2022
2,5☆
„Czymże jest papier bez atramentu, jelonek bez plamek albo księżyc bez nocy?”
Rozczulająca opowiastka o zapachu hortensji.
„Czymże jest papier bez atramentu, jelonek bez plamek albo księżyc bez nocy?”
Rozczulająca opowiastka o zapachu hortensji.
August 25, 2023
„Czymże jest papier bez atramentu, jelonek bez plamek albo księżyc bez nocy? Jesteś moją częścią, cieniu.“
Historia o lęku przed częścią siebie, w tym przypadku przed cieniem, pogodzeniu się z nią i polubieniu. A to w towarzystwie naprawdę ładnych ilustracji.
Historia o lęku przed częścią siebie, w tym przypadku przed cieniem, pogodzeniu się z nią i polubieniu. A to w towarzystwie naprawdę ładnych ilustracji.
November 21, 2017
Check out this review on my blog - Random Melon Reads
5.742369 stars
Well, this was totally adorable!
Me and my 8yr old niece enjoy reading stories to each other, so I am always on the lookout for a good children’s book. This was a good children’s book. The story is of a little girl, Hortense, that decides to cut off her shadow as she doesn’t like it and thinks it doesn’t like her. When bandits attack, Hortense’s shadow helps scare them off and Hortense decides she likes her shadow again.
This is super cute. A lovely story exploring the need to love oneself and all that comes with that. The setting is wonderful, a medieval snowy environment. This is a short, easy, but sweet and highly enjoyable folk tale. The artwork throughout is simply stunning. So much so, I ordered a couple of prints to display in my office.
Maddie’s thoughts (8yr old niece):
“It was beautiful. It is so peaceful and lovely. 5 stars.”
We enjoyed it so much we decided to buy a hardcover version to add to the children’s book collection.
Anyway, we’re off to frolic in the woods. Peace and Love.
I received a copy of this from Netgalley. My thanks to the publisher for this opportunity. This is my honest review.
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5.742369 stars
Well, this was totally adorable!
Me and my 8yr old niece enjoy reading stories to each other, so I am always on the lookout for a good children’s book. This was a good children’s book. The story is of a little girl, Hortense, that decides to cut off her shadow as she doesn’t like it and thinks it doesn’t like her. When bandits attack, Hortense’s shadow helps scare them off and Hortense decides she likes her shadow again.
This is super cute. A lovely story exploring the need to love oneself and all that comes with that. The setting is wonderful, a medieval snowy environment. This is a short, easy, but sweet and highly enjoyable folk tale. The artwork throughout is simply stunning. So much so, I ordered a couple of prints to display in my office.
Maddie’s thoughts (8yr old niece):
“It was beautiful. It is so peaceful and lovely. 5 stars.”
We enjoyed it so much we decided to buy a hardcover version to add to the children’s book collection.
Anyway, we’re off to frolic in the woods. Peace and Love.
I received a copy of this from Netgalley. My thanks to the publisher for this opportunity. This is my honest review.
Be my friend and chat with me on the twitter dot com
December 8, 2017
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 an old fairy or folk tale, although it conveys a very relevant message about acceptance and to never fear being alone. The only downside to this is perhaps it's too short, as we don't really get to see more of Hortense without her shadow.
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.
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.
October 5, 2017
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.
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.
November 14, 2017
This is such a cute and imaginative read that children and adults alike will love. Hortense is a young girl who hates her shadow and then comes to realise that she shouldn't be so hateful, as she needs her shadow, it will forever be a part of her.
With beautiful illustrations, and compelling prose this is a book adults should definitely pick up for their children.
With beautiful illustrations, and compelling prose this is a book adults should definitely pick up for their children.
January 22, 2018
Reasons to read:
Lovely story about acceptance
Beautiful artwork
Fairy-tale atmosphere while reading
Lovely story about acceptance
Beautiful artwork
Fairy-tale atmosphere while reading
December 2, 2017
The illustrations in this high-quality picture-book are so beautiful, but powerful too, so much so that I bought it today. Children would enjoy spotting the bandits hiding in the snow. The story is also inspiring, it is about a young girl who hates her shadow, but soon discovers that she needs it more than anything. The book explores building confidence in yourself and your identity, facing your fears, being brave and forgiveness. Alliteration and similes are used throughout and it is admirably written in a poetic style with occasional rhyming. Very few, but beautiful words are used. In my opinion the illustrations and writing are so powerful and enjoyable they could both stand alone, and still be as much of a delight to read. I can’t wait to share this book with children.
Cross-curricular links:
- Science: shadows, habitats, reflection, light (eyes).
- Mathematics: prepositional language, symmetry, shapes.
- Art: finger painting, printing.
- PSHE: self-identity and confidence, body image.
- Geography - saving our environment.
Cross-curricular links:
- Science: shadows, habitats, reflection, light (eyes).
- Mathematics: prepositional language, symmetry, shapes.
- Art: finger painting, printing.
- PSHE: self-identity and confidence, body image.
- Geography - saving our environment.
September 4, 2017
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautifully illustrated story about a little girl who hates her shadow so she tries to get rid of it. Ultimately she finds she needs it more than she ever thought possible and grows to appreciate that she is incomplete without it. A beautifully told tale of a search for self esteem and identity Hortense and the Shadow is charming and a fantastic story to share with youngsters.
This is a beautifully illustrated story about a little girl who hates her shadow so she tries to get rid of it. Ultimately she finds she needs it more than she ever thought possible and grows to appreciate that she is incomplete without it. A beautifully told tale of a search for self esteem and identity Hortense and the Shadow is charming and a fantastic story to share with youngsters.
August 9, 2017
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*
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*
February 24, 2018
Hi all!
“Through the dark and wolfish woods, through the white and silent snow, lived a small girl called Hortense”
And that is just one of the many wonderful quotes you can find in this beautiful picture book!
I usually buy picture books based on the illustrations, and with this one it was no different. That’s always a big gamble because the story itself may turn out really weird or just plain ridiculous, taking away from the illustrations. With Hortense and the Shadow, the gamble paid off big time.
Hortense and the Shadow is about a girl who doesn’t like her shadow, and wants to be rid of it, so she cuts it off. But when she has, she’s utterly alone. It isn’t until her shadow saves Hortense from a band of bandits that she truly learns to appreciate her shadow, and from then on, they are inseparable (pun intended).
I think it is a valuable lesson for any child to learn that even if you don’t like certain things about yourself, you should embrace them because they are part of who you are. The same way Hortense had to learn to like her shadow!
And then there are the illustrations. I adore these illustrations. Every time you flip through the pages, I guarantee you will notice something new in the forest on the background, or some new detailing on the buildings. If I had to describe them in one word, and don’t ask me why I would have to, I’d say they make me feel ‘cozy’. And who doesn’t want that?
All in all, as soon as I saw the cover I knew I needed to have it, and once it arrived and I had a look through it, I knew straight away Margriet needed to have it too. So, I went out and got my sister a copy for Christmas. (Yes, that’s how long I have had this book, it takes me a while to get around to writing the reviews, okay?)
If you are looking for an excellent picture book to enjoy with your little one, or you just haven’t added this book to your collection yet, I strongly, strongly, advise that you do. It will be a beautiful addition to any bookshelf, adult or kid’s!
Review published on my blog: https://sistersscribbles.wixsite.com/...
“Through the dark and wolfish woods, through the white and silent snow, lived a small girl called Hortense”
And that is just one of the many wonderful quotes you can find in this beautiful picture book!
I usually buy picture books based on the illustrations, and with this one it was no different. That’s always a big gamble because the story itself may turn out really weird or just plain ridiculous, taking away from the illustrations. With Hortense and the Shadow, the gamble paid off big time.
Hortense and the Shadow is about a girl who doesn’t like her shadow, and wants to be rid of it, so she cuts it off. But when she has, she’s utterly alone. It isn’t until her shadow saves Hortense from a band of bandits that she truly learns to appreciate her shadow, and from then on, they are inseparable (pun intended).
I think it is a valuable lesson for any child to learn that even if you don’t like certain things about yourself, you should embrace them because they are part of who you are. The same way Hortense had to learn to like her shadow!
And then there are the illustrations. I adore these illustrations. Every time you flip through the pages, I guarantee you will notice something new in the forest on the background, or some new detailing on the buildings. If I had to describe them in one word, and don’t ask me why I would have to, I’d say they make me feel ‘cozy’. And who doesn’t want that?
All in all, as soon as I saw the cover I knew I needed to have it, and once it arrived and I had a look through it, I knew straight away Margriet needed to have it too. So, I went out and got my sister a copy for Christmas. (Yes, that’s how long I have had this book, it takes me a while to get around to writing the reviews, okay?)
If you are looking for an excellent picture book to enjoy with your little one, or you just haven’t added this book to your collection yet, I strongly, strongly, advise that you do. It will be a beautiful addition to any bookshelf, adult or kid’s!
Review published on my blog: https://sistersscribbles.wixsite.com/...
October 15, 2017
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating 3.5
I found this little book to be really cute but lacking a bit of substance.
The illustrations are beautiful and the story is lovely but there's just not enough of it. I also felt that the bandits situation felt really weird and unnecessary.
I liked Hortense and the last couple of pages are gorgeous 'And if it is sometimes dark, cross, strange, silly, jagged or blue, well sometimes Hortense is too' is a lovely ending point.
Actual rating 3.5
I found this little book to be really cute but lacking a bit of substance.
The illustrations are beautiful and the story is lovely but there's just not enough of it. I also felt that the bandits situation felt really weird and unnecessary.
I liked Hortense and the last couple of pages are gorgeous 'And if it is sometimes dark, cross, strange, silly, jagged or blue, well sometimes Hortense is too' is a lovely ending point.
August 28, 2017
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.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 11, 2018
Hortense hates her shadow. Wherever she goes her shadow will follow, until one day Hortense finds a way to separate herself from the thing that she fears. However, life in the woods may not be as safe as it first appeared, and when danger arises Hortense finds herself in need of some assistance.
With themes of acceptance, fear and identity, Natalia and Lauren O'Hara have created a stunning picturebook which could be read on so many levels- particularly in learning to be comfortable with who you are. Whilst there are clear fantasy and fairy tale elements within this story, it is interesting to think about how troubles are defeated and what this says about Hortense's inner journey. Who really overcame the monster in this story?
A fantastic tale to ponder upon where fear may come from and what it might tell us about the protagonist's sense of self.
With themes of acceptance, fear and identity, Natalia and Lauren O'Hara have created a stunning picturebook which could be read on so many levels- particularly in learning to be comfortable with who you are. Whilst there are clear fantasy and fairy tale elements within this story, it is interesting to think about how troubles are defeated and what this says about Hortense's inner journey. Who really overcame the monster in this story?
A fantastic tale to ponder upon where fear may come from and what it might tell us about the protagonist's sense of self.
November 14, 2017
A wonderful picture book with absolutely stunning illustrations and a clever story that teaches kids how they can turn some of the absurd fears they may have into their assets. The Russian-inspired theme was brilliant and I would definitely recommenda this book as a most fitting Christmas gift for the little (or even big!) ones.
November 19, 2017
A fun and interesting story with some of the best illustrations I have ever seen. They remind me of classic book illustrations from the children's book greats. Detailed, warm and inviting. Everything you could ask for in a picture book. A must read!
November 19, 2017
This is such a lovely picture book. The story is sweet but the best part is the beautiful artwork, which is evocative of artwork used in books about fairy tales. It is the perfect book to read this time of year, in the run up to Christmas.
February 22, 2018
En ole nähnyt näin kaunista kuvakirjaa aikoihin.
July 20, 2022
This book is SO GREAT but it's also creepy enough that I decided to keep it for myself.
I heard about the author & illustrator in a great interview with June Thomas on the Slate Working podcast!
I heard about the author & illustrator in a great interview with June Thomas on the Slate Working podcast!
September 18, 2017
I was drawn to Hortense and the Shadow because of its beautiful illustrations, I thought it might be a fun read for some of my little ones to try during reading time. Unfortunately, this is one of those books were the quality of the artwork is not matched by the quality of the writing. I found the writing didn't flow well and although the layout was mostly helpful for the children to read by themselves they didn't end up enjoying it. One of the boys was convinced we'd missed a page when we hadn't, a couple were a bit scared by the story and wanted to switch to something else, the character's name was a bit tricky really and I didn't enjoy reading it out loud to the ones who can't read on their own yet either. It felt a bit like the writers had tried to stick to a formula in order to write a book but it didn't really add up to a good one in the end.
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