Book Review of Charlotte’s Shadow
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The Children’s Book Review
Charlotte’s Shadow
Written by Anne-Marie DePape and Christine Quaglia
Illustrated by Kenzie Edge
Ages 4-8 | 27 Pages
Publisher: Little Books Press | ISBN-13: 9781778164309
What to Expect: Diversity, friendship, service animals, and disability.
Written by a developmental psychologist and a social worker, Charlotte’s Shadow offers an accessible and fun way into conversations about disability, service animals, difference, and inclusion.
Charlotte is Shadow’s best friend in the whole world. Charlotte loves to tell Shadow that he’s a superhero—but as far as Shadow is concerned, it’s Charlotte who’s the superhero. She can do anything when she puts on her favorite outfit and special goggles! As he follows Charlotte around town on a superhero adventure, Shadow helps Charlotte with many tasks, from crossing the street safely to posting letters and opening doors. It’s only when a little boy asks Charlotte about him, however, that Shadow comes to understand his superpower.
The story is told from the perspective of Shadow, the service dog, inviting readers to see differences and disabilities through non-judgmental eyes. At the same time, Shadow is a funny, relatable character whose doggy enthusiasm for everything is sure to make readers smile. Brightly colored digital artwork helps readers see Charlotte moving through her world like any other child, leaving the mystery of Shadow’s role as a surprise to be discovered at the end of the story.
Charlotte’s Shadow is a lovely story with an important message for readers about inclusivity and friendship.
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About the Co-Author
Anne-Marie DePape is a Developmental Psychologist specializing in disability studies across the lifespan. Anne-Marie received her Ph.D. from McMaster University and trained at world-renowned institutions including Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital, and Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.
Anne-Marie has worked in healthcare and education settings over the years, with her most recent
position at Mohawk College where she is a full-time faculty member in the Department of
Community Studies. Anne-Marie is passionate about creating early learning opportunities for
children, whether it be through STEM activities or teaching children about the brain or emotion
regulation.
About the Co-Author
Christine Quaglia is a full-time Social Worker and a part-time Writer. She loves to write about what affects all of our lives. Thoughts we have, questions we raise, and the ways in which we can grow and, hopefully, come to know and become better, so we can then do better.
She obtained her undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology and her Master’s degree in
Social Work. She worked for a Children’s Mental Health program before transitioning back to
the University of Windsor where she has been working since 2007 to accommodate students
with a broad range of disabilities.
She has done a TEDx talk on language and the perception of disability as well as written about her own personal experience of being born with a congenital neuromuscular disorder that requires her to use a wheelchair and receive various forms of assistance. Her disability has given her first-hand experience with the challenges and opportunities that come with having a visible disability. She lives with Charlie the dog and both like being outside and taking walks and Christine loves reading. A lot.
About the Illustrator
Kenzie Edge is a Graphic Designer from London, Ontario. She graduated from the Graphic Design
program at Fanshawe College in April of 2022. Kenzie has had a passion for art from a young
age which led her to her career in graphic design. She specializes in illustrative design and is
very versatile with her drawing styles. She is passionate about bringing ideas to life
through design and illustration and enjoys time spent with her dog, Tags.
To learn more, follow https://www.instagram.com/tails_of_charlotte_and_shadow/.
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