A wonderful story, both for animal lovers and young adventurers. It’s the story of a little girl who finds an abandoned wolf cub and how they become inseparable as they grow up together. Slowly the fear that the local village people have of wolves begins to dissipate, until one day Maria awakes to find Shadow has disappeared... It’s a story of happiness, sadness and an appreciation of the wonders of the world around her, but in the end it’s a little 12 year old girl’s realisation that life must go on and that there’s a reason for his departure. As with all Barefoot Books it is absolutely beautifully packaged. Winter Shadow is 80 pages of integrated text and beautiful thought-provoking illustrations – it’s the perfect gift for any child or adult for that matter of 8+.
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 Development: 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.
Having taught in primary schools for 19 years, Richard Knight became a first-time author with the publication of “Winter Shadow”. The story began life as a bedtime story for his young children. He enjoys walking and mountain climbing when he's not writing or teaching. Richard lives in Saddleworth with his wife Kathryn, children Calum and Emily, and dog, Barney.
Richard Johnson studied illustration at Loughborough University School of Art and Design and graduated with first degree honours. He lives and works in Lincolnshire with his partner, who is also an artist. Richard joined the Organisation Illustration Agency in 2002.
