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Winter Shadow
Maria lives with her grandfather in a small mountain village in the snowy north. One winter morning, she is on her way to school when she spots a small grey bundle lying under a tree, half-covered in the powdery snow - a wolf cub! Maria knows that she should leave the cub, but her curiosity and compassion are aroused. Will the cub still be there when she walks home? "Personal and Social New to the Barefoot Young Fiction" series, this debut novel by Rochdale author Richard Knight explores key issues around the relationship between humans and animals, and between the individual and their community.
- GenresChildrens
79 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 9, 2019
Such a heartwarming story about a young girl who finds a wolf pup on the way to school one day. Maria is a strong-willed girl and wants to do what's right, but what will come of this young wolf named Shadow?
We really enjoyed this book; it's one I would've loved to have as a child. The illustrations are beautiful and offer perfect breaks in the text for young readers. It's wonderful as a read-aloud for very young children too. We all loved the ending, which wasn't totally expected. This book is perfect for all animal lovers.
5*****
We really enjoyed this book; it's one I would've loved to have as a child. The illustrations are beautiful and offer perfect breaks in the text for young readers. It's wonderful as a read-aloud for very young children too. We all loved the ending, which wasn't totally expected. This book is perfect for all animal lovers.
5*****
November 27, 2009
What a wonderful children's book. It took me back to the sort of books I loved as a child.
Winter Shadow is a story about a girl and her Grandfather who live in a little house in a tiny village on the edge of a forest where the snow is knee-deep. Maria finds an abandoned wolf cub on the way to school one day and takes it home to warm it by the fire and look after it. What follows is a lovely tale about friendship and nurturing and fun. It might not end in the way that you think it will either.
I devoured this in one go last night and it brought back all the cosy feelings of being read to as a child. The illustrations are beautiful and really capture the magic of this little snowy village and Maria's companionship with her little wolf, Shadow. I didn't think they made 'em like this anymore. I am going to give this as a gift to my 6 year old neice and I just know she'll love it.
Winter Shadow is a story about a girl and her Grandfather who live in a little house in a tiny village on the edge of a forest where the snow is knee-deep. Maria finds an abandoned wolf cub on the way to school one day and takes it home to warm it by the fire and look after it. What follows is a lovely tale about friendship and nurturing and fun. It might not end in the way that you think it will either.
I devoured this in one go last night and it brought back all the cosy feelings of being read to as a child. The illustrations are beautiful and really capture the magic of this little snowy village and Maria's companionship with her little wolf, Shadow. I didn't think they made 'em like this anymore. I am going to give this as a gift to my 6 year old neice and I just know she'll love it.
May 7, 2012
A short chapter book for beginners with really pretty illustrations, and good descriptions of the wilderness. Winter shadow is a story of a girl, called Maria, who finds an abandoned wolf cub in the woods. Her grandfather agrees to let her keep it and the cub quickly becomes a faithful companion.
It tells of the bonding and faithfulness between Maria and the wolf cub as it grows, and of the nature of humans to mistrust what they do not understand, but that if they give in a little to begin to accept they can be very surprised by what can happen. The ending is probably what makes the book, other than that I found it a little forgettable.
I can see lower KS2 reading this book. Children can work on the descriptions of the setting. Also, of the strange woman that appears in the book who the author may have forgotten to explain. Who is she? Why does she appear?
It tells of the bonding and faithfulness between Maria and the wolf cub as it grows, and of the nature of humans to mistrust what they do not understand, but that if they give in a little to begin to accept they can be very surprised by what can happen. The ending is probably what makes the book, other than that I found it a little forgettable.
I can see lower KS2 reading this book. Children can work on the descriptions of the setting. Also, of the strange woman that appears in the book who the author may have forgotten to explain. Who is she? Why does she appear?
February 27, 2010
A very heartwarming tale about a young girl and her love for an abandoned wolf cub.
The second offering in Barefoot Books’ Young Fiction line, this story also includes beautiful, full-color illustrations.
The second offering in Barefoot Books’ Young Fiction line, this story also includes beautiful, full-color illustrations.
February 17, 2015
Although this is a short children's book, I didn't read it in one sitting because it was short. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened next!
In addition to a great story told beautifully with beautiful images, the paper was wonderful! Yes, I mean the paper the book was printed on. It was quality, silky, and thick. A scrapbooker's dream!
In addition to a great story told beautifully with beautiful images, the paper was wonderful! Yes, I mean the paper the book was printed on. It was quality, silky, and thick. A scrapbooker's dream!
April 9, 2010
I was excited to find a book published by Barefoot Books for a little bit older reader, but wasn't thrilled with the story. It was a nice, gentle, feel-good read with pretty illustrations. Perfect for animal lovers.
Read
May 31, 2010you are never to young to help or care
October 2, 2010
Great early chapter book with amazing color illustrations. The story is about a young girl that befriends a young wolf pup.
June 6, 2013
Awesome book I read it once when I was like 7 i was so exited because I read it in a day. Then I read it again this summer. Great book if you like mysterious thing also if you like wolfs
September 26, 2025
Maria's community is not afraid of the wolves in the woods. They know that if they leave the wolves alone, the wolves won't bother them, either. When Maria finds an abandoned wolf pup freezing in the snow, though, she can't help but try and save it.
Interest Level: ages 5+
Reading Level: ages 7+
OVERALL RATING 7/10
A sweet story! I love the simplicity of this book, and the beautiful way it is written. Between the (nearly) poetic sentences and the colour illustrations, it is easy to get lost in the story. I especially loved the bittersweet ending, that leaves you fulfilled but still feels realistic. My one issue with this book is that every single character is white, so from the representation perspective this is not a great pick.
Interest Level: ages 5+
Reading Level: ages 7+
OVERALL RATING 7/10
A sweet story! I love the simplicity of this book, and the beautiful way it is written. Between the (nearly) poetic sentences and the colour illustrations, it is easy to get lost in the story. I especially loved the bittersweet ending, that leaves you fulfilled but still feels realistic. My one issue with this book is that every single character is white, so from the representation perspective this is not a great pick.
Read
May 11, 2020There is a lot to love about this story, and it would make a nice selection for a mixed-age audience. The illustrations are gorgeous; and the relationships between Maria and her grandfather, as well as the grandfather and the wolf are captivating. Keep reading.
August 28, 2016
Believe it or not, Richard Knight, the author, is married to my primary school headteacher, so I've had the pleasure of meeting him and talking about his book in a workshop he did for my class in school. Winter Shadow is a lovely little book that is a good read when you have some time for spare. When I read it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would recommend.
Want to read
November 27, 2009Grrr! My libraray doesn't have this and I really want to read it with Sunshine. It sounds like a story that is right up her alley.
Read
June 9, 2014x2
August 30, 2010
Sweet, beautifully illustrated story about a girl who find an abandoned wolf cub. 3rd-4th gr.
March 30, 2014
Cute. Fluffy. Predictable.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews