Groundhog Day is right around the corner, and along with wondering if we’ll get an early spring, this event also brings to mind how many great books connected to shadows we have in the library. So if your little or middle reader is in the mood for something a little different than your average groundhog book this month, why not try something from this list?
Younger readers:
The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers (PreK-2nd grade)
PICTURE LEATHERS
Rabbit has a problem. There’s a large black rabbit chasing him, and no matter where he runs, the shadowy figure follows him. Finally, in the deep, dark woods, Rabbit loses his nemesis- only to encounter a real foe!
Substitute Groundhog by Pat Miller (K-3rd grade)
PICTURE MILLER (GROUNDHOG’S DAY)
It's almost Groundhog Day, but this year Groundhog is not feeling well. Dr. Owl diagnoses him with the flu and orders two days of bed rest. Groundhog is in a bind; the town is counting on him to let them know what kind of weather is coming! Then Groundhog has an idea--he can hire a substitute! Maybe Squirrel can be the substitute, or Eagle, or Bear? Can anyone come to Groundhog’s rescue?
Shadow in the Woods and Other Scary Stories (Mister Shivers series) by Max Brallier (1st-3rd grade)
EASY READ BRALLIER
For your scary stories seeker: Hugh does not like walking home alone through the woods which the other children say is inhabited by a monster; but today he has no choice, and it turns out that it is not only his shadow that follows him! This book also includes four other spooky stories, and it is part of the Mister Shivers series, so there are four more books to check out as well!
Fox at Night (Fox series) by Corey R. Tabor (preK-2nd grade)
EASY READ TABOR
When Fox is up late at night, he finds that there are shadows and noises everywhere. He is sure the night is full of monsters! Then he meets the real creatures of the night, and finds that they are not that scary after all! This is an adorable series that is likely to become your reader’s favorite!
Light: Shadows, Mirrors, and Rainbows by Natalie M. Rosinsky (K-3rd grade)
J535 ROS
Through this book, kids can learn about the importance of light in our everyday lives, and they’ll discover how to make reflections, shadows, and rainbows. Not only is this a great nonfiction read aloud book, it also includes places to stop to do activities together. If you are looking for clear, concise science books for kids, this is a perfect start! Light is part of the Amazing Science series, which includes other topics such as magnets, motion, sound, and more.
Out of the Shadows: How Lotte Reiniger Made the First Animated Fairytale Movie by Fiona Robinson (1st-4th grade)
BIOGRAPHY REINIGER R
Lotte Reiniger was a German film director and animator best known for The Adventures of Prince Achmed, which was released in 1926 and is the oldest surviving animated movie- it came out a full 11 years before Disney's Snow White! If your kiddo likes animated films, why not encourage them to explore a little of the history of that visual form of storytelling?
Middle grade readers:
Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows (Charlie Hernández series) by Ryan Calejo (5th grade & up)
FICTION CALEJO
Exposed to Hispanic folklore since childhood, middle schooler Charlie Hernández learns that the stories are true when, shortly after his parents’ disappearance, he grows horns and feathers and finds himself at the heart of a battle to save the world.
Shadow School: Archimancy (Shadow School series) by J.A. White (4th grade & up)
FICTION WHITE
Cordelia Liu knew Shadow School was going to be different. Still, she didn't expect the school grounds to be filled with ghosts. Cordelia soon realizes she's not the only one who can see the ghosts; her new friend Benji can too. Together with super-smart Agnes, the trio are determined to find out why the ghosts are there, and whether there's a way to set them free. But the school was created with more sinister intentions, and someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to ensure that the ghosts remain trapped forever.
Eclipse Chaser: Science in the Moon’s Shadow (Scientists in the Field series) by Ilima Loomis (4th grade & up)
J523.78 LOOMIS
This book, from the highly acclaimed and award winning Scientists in the Field series, documents the once-in-a-lifetime efforts of Shadia Habbal and her team of astronomers to collect data on the 2017 total eclipse to determine how the sun’s solar wind and storms are most likely to impact life and technology on Earth.