The Shadow Who Lost Its Boy
illustrations by
What’s inside...
What if you frightened yourself so badly that you scared your shadow right out of you? What if you were that shadow who just lost someone so dear? Would you venture out on Halloween night to be reunited with the person that means the most to you?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the shadow felt when it lost its boy? Can you describe what being lonely might feel like?
What would you do if you were the boy and noticed your shadow was missing?
Why is it important to stick together with friends and family?
How did the boy and the shadow help each other throughout the story?
What did you learn about friendship and bravery from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you felt lost or separated from something important, helping the child relate to the shadow’s feelings.
Encourage your child to draw or act out different parts of the book, particularly focusing on scenes where the boy and the shadow help each other. Discuss the emotions and lessons learned from these scenes.
Ask your child to think of different endings to the story, enhancing their creative thinking and engagement with the book’s themes.
Create a comfortable reading environment where your child feels free to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, reinforcing a positive experience with reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In the story, the shadow learns about loyalty and the power of companionship when searching for its lost boy.
Real-World Application: Children will understand the significance of supporting and being there for friends, especially in challenging times.
Example Lesson: Understanding identity
Explanation: The shadow's journey to find its boy leads to self-discovery and understanding its own identity beyond being just a shadow.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate their own unique qualities and the importance of self-awareness from an early age.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, despite obstacles, the shadow never gives up on finding its boy, demonstrating determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, encouraging resilience and persistence in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the shadow encounters different characters, it learns to understand and empathize with their diverse experiences and emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy towards others, understanding that everyone has unique feelings and challenges.