This
playful, delightful and captivating book is all about the joyful wonder of movement
and shadows.
When you’re
a child, there is never-ending fun to be had in chasing and catching shadows.
Shadow
Catchers harnesses a sense of abandon by following two small children from
daybreak to bedtime, and immersing young readers in a magical world.
On sunshiny
mornings, we go shadow catching.
Shadows in
the early morning, shadows from wandering down the street, from sipping a drink
and from playing in the local park. Funny, playful shadows and sometimes,
darker, scary shadows. Wall shadows, tall shadows, long shadows, pong shadows –
there’s nothing that a shadow cannot be or do or turn into!
Perfect for
younger children, Shadow Catchers will ignite imaginations and encourage
inside light play as well as flights of fancy outside in the natural light,
whatever the weather. With delicious moments of humour and fun, both the words
and pictures somehow capture that all-consuming, naive curiosity about the
where and why and what of shadows.
The
illustrations are gorgeous. Created in washes of watercolour with pencil
markings for definition, they’re quietly alive with movement and fun.
A lightness
of paint application and strategic mark making combine to suggest the bright
sunshine and imbue the atmosphere with gentle light and shadow throughout. All
these factors combine to make a book that is warm and rather wonderful.
Children
will adore the surprising and somewhat contagious humour of this book. As well
as bringing smiles, there’s no doubt that Shadow Catchers will encourage
small people to discover their shadows in the wider world, inside and out.
Title: Shadow Catchers
Author: Kirsty Murray
Illustrator: Karen Blair
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 2 May 2023
Format: Picture Book
ISBN: 0781760526955
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book
