Hortense and the Shadow
on Goodreads (753)
What’s inside...
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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Hortense feel when she saw her shadow, and why do you think she felt that way?
What does the shadow represent in the story, and what shadows do we sometimes face in our own lives?
How did Hortense’s feelings towards her shadow change throughout the book, and what helped her to change her perspective?
What do you think is the message of the story, and how can we apply it to our daily lives?
How did the illustrations help you understand Hortense’s emotions and the themes of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about shadows or fears they might have, similar to Hortense. Discuss ways to confront and understand these feelings. Highlight the importance of change and acceptance, as seen in Hortense’s journey with her shadow. Use the illustrations to guide the conversation, pointing out how colors and shadowing can portray mood and feelings. Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to build their confidence in expressing their views.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of oneself
Explanation: Hortense struggles with her own shadow, symbolizing her inner doubts and fears, but ultimately learns to accept it as a part of herself.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of self-acceptance and embracing all aspects of their identity, promoting a healthy self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Hortense faces various challenges and learns to overcome them bravely, showing courage.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to tackle obstacles in their lives with bravery and confidence, understanding that courage is key in overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: The value of compassion and understanding
Explanation: Hortense shows compassion towards her shadow when she understands its purpose and role in her life, highlighting the theme of empathy.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being empathetic and compassionate towards others, promoting kind interactions in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of confronting inner fears
Explanation: Hortense confronts and accepts her shadow, which represents facing one's fears rather than running from them.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing their fears is a crucial step in personal growth and overcoming personal obstacles.