William and the Magic Ring: A Shadow Casting Bedtime Story

by Laura Robinson

In this enchanting read-aloud, every page is illustrated with a laser-cut image that can be used with the included flashlight to cast shadows on any wall. Crafted of extra-heavy paper in the tradition of the handmade book. When projected, the illustrations create a magical atmosphere of light and shadow. Flashlight included for immediate enjoyment.

Genres: Holiday, Fantasy, Childrens, Poetry

Hardcover

Published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Lisa Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! My kid loved it some much from when they were little that they took it with them when they moved out.

[Jeffrey Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really, really delightful bedtime read. Requires a flashlight for full effect. Artwork might be a little spooky for the very young, so be cautious.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a visual delight in its exquisitely cut pages, each one a masterfully created specimen of the rarely seen art of shadow casting. For those of use old enough or lucky enough to remember when our parents told a story by making shadow creatures on the wall with their hands, this book will seem like a long-lost treasure. For those of us who have never had that privilege, it stands as a prime example of what a truly gifted artist can do. This one combines the effects of the cut page, a simple story and elegant rhyme to tell a tale of one boy’s nighttime adventure. This book is a carefully crafted surprise for the discerning adult. But most children (especially those who are scared of the dark)will see this as a simple story that well deserves to be told by a thoughtful parent.

[Theresa F.]

As an adult discovering this book for the first time, the intricate "shadow casting" insertions are true works of art and rightly the focal point of the work. The accompanying story is charming enough, with an ending that will no doubt be reassuring to young children. However, while I can appreciate the book from an artistic standpoint, I'm no longer young enough to connect with the story on an emotional level.
Did I like it? It wasn't bad, but I couldn't fully appreciate it, seeing as I'm not in the target demographic.
Would I reread it? No.
Would I recommend it? I think this book has a lot to offer when used as intended, engaging the minds and the imaginations young children.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I saw this book I knew I wanted to get it for the kids I used to nanny. This book is perfect because it will have kids on the edge of their seats, and so interested! They will be so excited to see what comes next, and I can just imagine how much fun a little kid would have holding the flashlight seeing what shadows will come next. This is a great interactive book, and I love how creative and different it is!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book is very creative. It uses cutouts that if light is shone behind them they cast shadows of pictures that tell the story. Of course the boy in the story is imagining all the shadows as figures and creatures that are telling a story. In the end it just goes to show how Imaginative children's minds can become in the dark.

[Ashley Soules · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so interesting! The illustrator cut out sections of the book to create a shadow casting illustrations. Each page has a fantastic piece to been seen on the wall of your home. The story was fantastic as well. Little William sure has a great imagination. By far one of the coolest little books that I have ever seen in my life.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great illustrations, forgettable story. What a great concept for a book--shadow casting! But the story is a snore--at least if your kid is older than, say, 4 (but then, if they're that young, the illustrations may be too frightening). Too bad, so much more could have come of this.

[Haley Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adventurous and the shadow art it so much fun for kids. They love the different experience of reading in the dark. I loved the way the book ended! SO CUTE! Great for bedtime story, and for in the classroom!

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cool book! I love the shadow casting and cannot wait to share this with my grandchildren.

[Julie Surface · Rating 4 out of 5]

spooky and very fun.
This is about a boy who has a wild imagination and sees shadows on his window.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the way that this story was told was amazing and unique. I really loved how the story is told through cut outs, to make the story so much better.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book as a gift. It was so much fun to read with my two boys!