Winter Shadow — Richard Knight

Gr 2–4—Nine-year-old Maria lives with her grandfather in a small, isolated village in the mountains. When she discovers a wolf pup nearly frozen in the snow, she ignores the voices of her elders in her head telling her to leave nature alone and carries it home. Her grandfather agrees to keep it only until it regains its health. Shadow, however, refuses to leave, appearing at Maria's school and following her home. Soon they become inseparable. When traders come to town, a mysterious storyteller mesmerizes the villagers, along with Maria and Grandfather, with her calm, melodic voice as she tells the story of a boy raised by wolves. Soon after, Shadow howls for the first time—a mournful, beautiful sound. When Maria awakens to find him missing, she fears for his safety. As she struggles to accept his absence, the words of the storyteller assure her that this is for the best. In this brief story, Knight sprinkles a little magic into the plot as he gently suggests there is an otherworldly connection between Shadow and the storyteller: her cloak of gray fur; her calm, watchful demeanor; and the way she knew Maria's name. The plot moves steadily and gracefully, presenting enjoyment at face value or taken deeper as comprehension allows. Johnston's soft, whimsical illustrations enhance a text that explores the issues of responsibility of humans to their environment in a subtle, thought-provoking style.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH