Everyone has a shadow. In this picturebook, everyone’s shadow displays their true desires. A policeman begins his day, but his shadow wants him to stay in bed. He misses his train, but his shadow just manages to board it. The use of the shadow to depict another reality emphasises the potential of visual storytelling and will inspire young readers to consider similar strategies of visualising mental processes without words. The beautifully illustrated city scenes provide a pleasing way to consider the role of private emotions and public behaviour in everyday life, demonstrating the possibilities of the wordless form to readers aged 8-11 years.
