Horn Book (Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

A man named George wakes to find his shadow sitting in the kitchen. At first, George dislikes being followed around the city and tries to get rid of his shadow (via scissors, a vacuum, etc.). When he finally comes around to appreciating his constant companion, it disappears. This original story deserves distinctive art, and Bloch obliges with larkish mixed-media scenes.

ALA Booklist (Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

One ordinary day, George, a dapper urban dweller, discovers that his shadow wants to do more than just be a shadow. The shadow sticks with George, acting as a companion rather than a traditional shadow noying at first and then, as a playmate, entertaining. When the shadow abruptly disappears, George misses it til, on another seemingly ordinary day, he's greeted by his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Whimsical black-and-white line drawings eated, according to the front matter, with the artist's brain, hands, and computer early enhance the escapades, using swatches of color and texture to highlight various aspects, such as a green plaid for George's suit and homburg. Reminiscent of the style and humor of Jon Agee's books, this jovial New York City set story, originally written in Italian, is sophisticated in style yet deals with concepts (shadows and companionship) easily understood by young children. This paradox is mirrored by George, an adult with a child's lifestyle and sensibilities. Compare and contrast with Mac Barnett's The Skunk (2015).

School Library Journal (Sat Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

K-Gr 3The author and illustrator of The Enemy: A Book About Peace have teamed up again for this gently absurdist picture book translated from the Italian. George, a bespectacled white man in a plaid homburg, wakes one morning to discover that his shadow has come to life and is sitting at the breakfast table. "I was hungry," the shadow explains matter-of-factly. The book follows the classic plot of a grump reluctantly making a friend. First, the shadow plays the genial straight man to frantic George, who makes every effort to get rid of him. Next, George lightens up and the two enjoy each other's company. Finally, the shadow returns to his usual form, leaving George bereft. The last page hints at a sequel, this time with George's reflection in the mirror taking on a life of its own. Bloch's full-bleed digital illustrations resemble ink and collage and feature spare lines with some patches of color. The sketchy lines and exaggerated proportions are reminiscent of cartoons by James Thurber and Jules Feiffer and may appeal most to sophisticated young readers (or their parents). Scooter, George's expressive little dog, adds interest to the pages. VERDICT A whimsical but slight bit of silliness, this is an additional purchase for larger libraries.Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

George, a bespectacled urbanite who sleeps in blue pajamas and a plaid hat, finds a black silhouette at his kitchen table one morning. -Who are you?- he asks. -I-m your shadow,- the silhouette replies. -Shouldn-t you be on the floor?- George points out. -I was hungry,- the shadow says. Bibo-s translation of Cali-s text is smooth and sly. George-s shadow spends the day doing everything he does, and -George began to feel more and more annoyed.- Now dressed in a plaid suit that matches his hat, George attempts to get rid of his shadow-permanently-including snipping him to pieces with scissors and trying to vacuum him up. Collage elements add to the visual slapstick, broad blocks of color hint at the light-versus-dark theme, and Bloch-s loopy line captures chairs, crockery, and city buildings with impulsive spontaneity. George is one of those adult characters who could just as well be a child; eventually, he grows to enjoy his new companion. Bonus giggles are provided by George-s crocodile-schnozzed dog, who helps him see the shadow-s potential as a friend. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Kirkus Reviews

What's that sitting at the table? And why is it following George all over the city?One morning, when George walks into the kitchen, he sees a dark figure sitting at the table, drinking coffee. George recognizes this as his shadow and asks why it's not on the floor. The shadow responds, "I was hungry." So goes the day. When George takes the dog for a walk, the shadow follows, walking upright rather than on the ground. The shadow follows him everywhere. After a while, George starts to get annoyed. How can he make the shadow disappear? He tries cutting it into tiny pieces, but that doesn't work. Neither does trying to wash it away with a big hose, using a vacuum cleaner, garlic, or telling his dog, Scooter, to attack. Scooter just ends up cradled happily in the shadow's arms. George decides that maybe they can be friends. George and his shadow have an enjoyable day together. Then, abruptly, the shadow decides to nap, resuming its customary position on the ground, causing George to feel oddly lonely. The next day starts like any other—but when George walks into the bathroom, his reflection in the mirror introduces itself! Cali subtly explores friendship and solitude with panache and a refreshing lack of condescension. Bloch's stylish computer-generated illustrations play with shape, color, and perspective, adding another layer of absurdism. Droll. (Picture book. 5-8)