Jackie and the Shadow Snatcher

by Lawrence di Fiori

Jackie is on his way home from school when he discovers that his shadow is gone! Did he lose it just like he lost his lunch pail and math book or could this be the work of the elusive Shadow Snatcher? With the help of his bulldog, Buster, and Mr. Socrates (the smartest man in the world), Jackie attempts a daring rescue to save his shadow from the Shadow Snatcher, who has sinister plans to conceal his crimes under a cloak of stolen shadows. Using a graphic-novel-inspired style for the artwork, Larry Di Fiori has created an old-fashioned caper perfect for keeping five- to eight-year-olds on the edge of their seats.

Genres: Picture Books, Graphic Novels, Mystery, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 13, 2006

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

As my son says, it was really too short to be able to make much of it. I liked the vintage style art and the Shadow Snatcher is a great vintage-style villain concept. Maybe if there were more in the series, we could get a better sense of characterization over several volumes. Again, on the better side of 2 1/2 stars.

[Conan Tigard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up reading comic books. This format has evolved into graphic novels. Jackie and the Shadow Snatcher is a beautifully drawn and well-written graphic novel.

I love the 1940's look of the characters and setting when times were simpler. I also liked the pencil look of the drawings, like it hasn't been inked over.

The story itself if fun and fresh. Jackie is a character all kids will love, along with his bulldog Baxter. As for The Shadow Snatcher, he is quite a sinister looking fellow. My only wish is that the book would have been longer.

I sure hope that Larry Di Fiori creates more graphic novels starring Jackie, as I would like to see him and his dog in more adventures. I found myself admiring some of the intricate details in the drawings.

Overall, Jackie and the Shadow Snatcher is an excellent book that kids will read over and over again.

I rated this book a 9 out of 10.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old fashioned story with a little supernatural, magic realism makes this an engaging story about a boy and his dog looking for the boy's lost shadow. While the story isn't as solid as it could be, the illustrations are superb! They take the graphic novel to a new place. Pen and ink drawings in the style of 1930s and 1940s comics/cartoons. The panels layered in ways to show movement and passage of time. This is a worthy addition to an elementary school graphic novel collection. And one worth sharing with your art teachers.

[Danielle Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good adventure or mystery to read. However, there wasn't much learning to come from the graphic book, mostly just pure enjoyment. The graphic illustrations were also in black and white, which may not catch the eye of children. Some of the graphics force the children to infer or conclude because the pictures don't have any words on them. If a child enjoys mysteries this would be a good book for them to choose.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie and the Shadow Snatcher
Fiori, Lawrence Di
a grafic novel, very cute to share with a young reader, a little boy has lost his shadow and has to face the shadow snatcher to get it back, through mistakes and courage he is victorious...

[Ruben Salamanca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books story was very fresh and original. I liked that it was set in an older time period. Normally thats done for a more specific reason to the story but here it was just aesthetic. I enjoyed it all the same.

[Pinky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jackie unravels a shadow snatching scheme before Mr. Socrates arrives on the scene with back up. He gets his shadow back before his mom returns from the factory.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining black-and-white graphic novel with an old fashioned style and a silly, but suspenseful story. The narrative is humorous and the illustrations are nicely detailed.

[Vandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

mix of comic strips and wordless pages ...engaging adventurous story

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jackie has a habit of losing things and thought he lost his shadow. Turns out it was stolen by the infamous shadow snatcher. Jackie musters up his courage and goes and gets his shadow back. All before Mom gets home.