Very cute story about shadows. When I was younger, I had a bad fear of shadows until my grandmother explained why I should not be afraid and what she said was exactly as the book said.. I took a trip down memory lane and loved it. Such a fun book and the illustrations were so cute!! Children will love this book!!

I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review

This was a very imaginative story. I think it's interesting the way that the author interprets shadows.

At its heart, Lidia Brankovic's Circus of Shadows explores themes of self-acceptance, bravery, and introspection. The concept is compelling, and Brankovic's richly atmospheric illustrations bring the shadow world to life in striking detail. However, despite the book’s admirable intentions, I believe its execution leaves much to be desired, particularly for the younger audience it is intended for.

The story opens with a dark tone that doesn’t relent, and this made it difficult to determine who the ideal reader might be. While adults may appreciate the metaphorical depth and the message of reconciling with one’s inner shadow, the intensity - especially the imagery of shadows pulling Lika into a tent against her will - feels a little heavy for a children's book. The intended balance between whimsy and darkness instead veers toward unsettling.

While Brankovic's art remains a standout feature, as seen in her previous work The Grand Hotel of Feelings, the illustrations here might not compensate for the book's tonal imbalance. Yes, the shadow world is visually mesmerizing, but its unrelenting darkness risks overshadowing - pun intended - the story's core message.

For parents or educators considering this book, its more introspective and sombre nature is worth noting. While it does encourage bravery in facing one’s inner self, the delivery might be too intense for some children. This is a book best approached with discretion, particularly for sensitive young readers.

- Signed, an IndigoKids bookseller and teacher-in-training.

Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for providing me with an advanced electronic copy of Circus of Shadows by Lidia Brankovic in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by any third parties.

This would be a great book to introduce concepts of mental health and internal struggles to kids. I feel like younger readers might not fully grasp what the story is going for, but a school-age kid would likely appreciate this story. I do think this book is a little bit reductive; when someone is deep in the "shadows," it's not that simple to accept it and find the joy. This might still be an encouraging book for kids, though. If nothing else it can be a good exercise in empathy.

Super cute story with a great meaning. My son loved the illustrations, they are absolutely gorgeous and kept him very engaged in the story and wanting to hear more about Lika and her shadow.

Love the art style of this book! The message of accepting all parts of us and working through the unwanted parts are shared through a beautiful metaphor of shadows and a circus.

I liked the art in this story, but unfortunately I cannot remember much more than that. I read it a week ago and have already forgotten the plot, but I don't think I was much into it.

First of all, gorgeous illustrations! Every page was beautifully done. I really enjoyed the story and the prose in this book. The idea that everyone has a shadow, and though it may appear scary, if we open our eyes to them they may be so scary.

Beautiful art. A story of a girl and her shadow and a magic circus. A simple story but enjoyable, would recommend.

I received an electronic ARC from Publisher Spotlight through NetGalley.
Beautifully illustrated story of a young girl who struggles when her shadow changes and misbehaves. She tries to ignore it and then run away from it, but it stays with her. When it takes her to a secret land and then to a circus in that land, Lika realized how much the two of them could work together. Brankovic ends the story by reminding readers that we all have shadows inside. I appreciate the way she shares that where there is dark and shadows, there is also light and joy.

This was a cute little kids story! Great for damages 2-4 I’d say! My 2.5 year old really enjoyed it, it was a quick and easy read that didn’t lose her interest. The illustrations were incredibly vivid and the style was fun! I only knocked off a star because I found the title a bit misleading, most of the book was not at a circus. I’m also unsure on why the shadow was misbehaving, it’s a kids book so it doesn’t necessarily need to be explained, but it doesn’t make a ton of sense.

Loved the message of dealing with the shadows within oneself.
The illustrations are cute and soft. The storytelling through the colors is very good

This book had really beautiful illustrations. The concept of the book is geared toward mid-elementary children I believe. It focuses on “shadows” which is a deep concept for children to understand.

While I loved the sentiment of this book and the idea of the whimsical circus tied in with being brave and accepting yourself, I found it to be way too dark to read with my own kids-- starting with the very first page. I love the message of shadows needing light, but the imagery of the shadows in the tent, and even the language of the shadows pulling Lika in as she tried to escape.

This book was different. I understand the representation is supposed to be about pulling yourself out of the darkness. But I don't totally think kids will get it.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.