The Shades

I had read my children NO FLYING IN THE HOUSE, and they loved it. When I looked to see if the author had any other titles, I found THE SHADES. After reading the previous four reviews about how good it was, I bought myself a used copy. What a beautiful story. I just finished reading it to my nine year old daughter, and she loved it. I found it to be almost an allegory of the Garden of Eden. It was definitely good versus evil, with good winning, and yet it was a gentle story, not at all a frightening one. Great stuff, I highly recommend it. Why, Why, WHY aren't these great old books brought back into print when there is clearly a market for them?!! Book Publishers out there...HELLO!!!

I remember this book so well. I remember thinking it would be so cool to have a shadow friend or even be a shadow. I really hope I can find this book to share with my 9 year old daughter.

I adored this book so much as a child that I was literally the only one who checked it out of our school library. I would return it and check it out again simultaniously. I read and reread it so many times. I am so glad to finally know that other people have enjoyed it also. A very highly recommended novel for any child from ages 9 - 12!

If you find yourself in a used bookstore or thrift store and are lucky enough to run across an old copy of Betty Brock's "The Shades" run... don't walk ...to the nearest cashier and buy it immediately.This is an old favorite of mine from many years ago that I have read and reread countless times.It is a wonderful story of a lonely young boy (Hollis) left to stay with a friend of the family while his parents vacation in Europe. The friend (Emily) lives in a large, old mansion which light rarely seems to penetrate. While exploring the overgrown gardens one afternoon Hollis comes across a fountain shaped like a dolphin. He decides to take a drink and accidentally falls in. Upon emerging he finds he is looking into the face of a boy around his own age...a boy who wasn't there moments before.Soon Hollis becomes acquainted with all the "Shades"...the shadows left behind by all those who had come into the garden over the years. He also becomes involved in their problems. This is a truly magical book for any child or for the child in you. I can't reccommend it highly enough.-Stacy Gibbs

Another childhood favourite, along with Brock's No Flying in the House. This is for slightly older children, perhaps 9-12. The children discover that their shadows live lives independant of them. I recall it being rather sad, but it was one of the top 5 books I read in primary school.