The Shadows: A Short Story from the Author of Phantastes

by George MacDonald, Heidi Kimball (Illustrator)

What would life be like if there were magical creatures who hid in our homes and helped us make better decisions?



Poor Ralph falls ill and is stolen away by fairies, who crown him King of Fairyland. After this, he is suddenly able to see dark, shadowy creatures everywhere. Now they want to tell him about what they do and what they want from him. Of course Ralph is a good person, but nothing prepares him for the lessons his new friends want to give him about what it means to truly do good to another human being.



Experience the charm and wisdom of beloved Victorian author George MacDonald in this Christian tale from more than 160 years ago, combined with all-new, hand-drawn illustrations. The Shadows is the first book in the MacDonald Tales series of picture books for the young and young-at-heart. Printed in the United States with high-quality ink; 80 pages; ages eight and up.

78 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2025

About the author

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.