Cat Min’s April 2024 picture book, The Shadow and the Ghost is an odd tale. The story starts with a ghost and how they are not the typical ghost, and when they get the chance to make a wish on a falling star, they wish for a friend. They then see the rock they love sitting on with the word “Hi” written on it. Then we have a shadow of the rock. They are lonely too. You see, the ghost is from the night (when you can see them as there is no light) and the shadow is from the day (when you can see them as there is light). They start a “penpal” friendship. And the adventures are fun.
This is where things are odd. I am not sure I like how things started or are resolved. It actually was a solemn and even sad story, and not the hopeful one friendship usually has. It is the artwork that really grabbed my attention. The details are minimalist, but not skimped on. They are not always bold, but even the night scenes are rich. They are soft, but have some solid to them. Even if they are fantasy pushed. Even though they are realistic in their drawn format. They are an experience that each reader takes away from based on what they bring to the table. 
And The Shadow and the Ghost is an exact opposite story of A Damsel Not in Distress! by Bethan Stevens. Due May 2024 this book is Girl Power 101. The narrator does not listen to our princess who is NOT locked in a town, who is NOT cursed by an old hag witch (that’s her GRANDMOTHER!) and who is NOT in distress! (Well a little as the narrator won’t let her read quietly.) And of course, everyone thinks she needs rescuing. But the young knight as he tries to rescue her, falls into the moat (armor too heavy). And the young prince can’t fight the thorny vines (his sword is a practice one, as he’s not ready for a real one yet) and the gnome (everyone else was busy) doesn’t like heights (can’t climb the tower). And then there is the dragon!
These misadventures are all presented in simplistic art, but not in a negative way. They rely on the text and support it with bright colors, goofy images that are sweet and fun, and show the frustrations of our not DID (Damsel In Distress). There is no surprise when I say, our princess saves the day and they live happily ever after. It is a sweet book that might not become a classic, but does have its moments and is good for most ages.
Both were read via online reader copies.
