Cute little story - the details are highly unlikely (leaving aside cutting off your shadow, bandits aren't likely to be scared by images), but the story and the ideas are fun. And a nice message of acceptance (that isn't pushed so hard as to spoil the story). ( )

like a folk-tale ... ( )

Shadow-phobia.
This book actually makes me feel rather uncomfortable - why would a young child hate her shadow? I've always encouraged my children and grandchildren to think of their shadow as a friendly presence, not something to be scared of.
Then, when Hortense slams the window sash down, the shadow howls and kicks and scratches at the glass, well, by this time, no wonder she's petrified by her shadow.

The art work is cute, with a Russian feel, cold and snowy, and this book appears to be well received by other reviewers. As yet my granddaughter is still a bit young to really test her reception to it, although I'm in no hurry to give her shadow-phobia. Maybe this is just one that I'll let pass by. ( )