Shadows Stick to Your Feet (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781923750203)

When Ellie the curious ginger kitten notices something dark and wiggly stuck to her paws, she freezes in surprise. "What is that?" she wonders. It moves when she moves and follows her everywhere she goes. Convinced it might be a sneaky creature playing a trick, Ellie turns to Ollie the gentle golden retriever for help.

With calm reassurance and a playful spirit, Ollie helps Ellie discover the amazing truth - shadows aren't scary at all. They are simply the light's way of saying hello. As Ellie experiments by stepping, jumping, and turning in the sunshine, she begins to see how her shadow changes shape and size, moving along with her in a fun and fascinating way. What begins as confusion quickly turns into curiosity, laughter, and discovery.

Shadows Stick To Your Feet by Marina Swan is a heartwarming and educational children's book designed for ages 4-8. Combining real-life photography with gentle storytelling, this story introduces young readers to simple science concepts such as light, movement, and shadows in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Through Ellie and Ollie's playful exploration, children are encouraged to ask questions, observe their surroundings, and develop a deeper understanding of the everyday world.

Perfect for home reading, classrooms, and school libraries, this book aligns naturally with the Early Years Learning Framework. It supports key developmental outcomes such as curiosity, communication skills, confidence, and early scientific thinking. Teachers and caregivers can use the story to guide discussions about light sources, shadows, and how movement affects what we see, while also encouraging children to explore these ideas through play.

A unique feature of this book is the interactive colouring-in format. On the left-hand page, children can colour their own version of each sunny scene, while the right-hand page displays the real-life photograph of Ellie, Ollie, and their shadows. This side-by-side layout encourages children to match colours, develop fine motor skills, and engage creatively with the story, strengthening both observation and artistic expression.

At the back of the book, activity and discussion questions support comprehension and extend learning beyond the story. These prompts encourage children to reflect on what they have discovered, explore ideas about light and movement, and share their thoughts with parents, teachers, or peers. This makes the book ideal for guided reading, classroom learning, and interactive exploration.

Through Ellie and Ollie's gentle and playful adventure, young readers are invited to see that even the simplest moments can hold exciting discoveries. The story celebrates curiosity, learning, and the joy of asking "why?" - showing children that understanding the world can turn uncertainty into excitement.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, librarian, or caregiver, Shadows Stick To Your Feet is a fun and meaningful addition to any child's library. Through the warm storytelling of Marina Swan, children will discover that even something as simple as a shadow can become a magical learning experience.