Harriet's Reflections

by Marion Kadi

Overview

Kirkus Reviews Most Empowering Picture Books List (2024)

"This self-reflective story truly shines." — Booklist (STARRED REVIEW)

"[A] fun romp." — BookPage (STARRED REVIEW)

"A highly original tale." — Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)

An imaginative tale about a rambunctious lion reflection and the fierce little girl he decides to mirror.

One day the reflection of a lion decides to reflect someone different. He picks a little girl named Harriet, who eagerly accepts the new face staring back at her. Harriet loves how ferocious she is now at school: she’s not afraid to speak up in class, and she can romp around the playground like a wild beast. But soon Harriet starts to miss the reflection she had before, the one who looked like her. Can Harriet find a way to balance her old reflection and her new one? 

This whimsical story explores themes of confidence and identity with colorful illustrations and a sly sense of humor. Delightful and unconventional, Harriet’s Reflections is the perfect read-aloud for anyone who’s ever wondered about the face on the other side of the mirror—and what they might do next.

Albertine The Prix Albertine Jeunesse 3-5 Years Shortlist (2025)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802856210
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	02/13/2024
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	9.38(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	AD490L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Marion Kadi is an author, illustrator, and visual artist whose clients include Gucci, the New York Times, and Poetry Magazine. The original version of Harriet's Reflection was awarded the BolognaRagazzi Opera Prima in 2021. Harriet's Reflections is Marion's first picture book and her English-language debut. Originally from France, she now lives in Annapolis, Maryland. Visit Marion's website at marionkadi.com and follow her on Instagram @marionkadi.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal
“Delightfully funny pictures.”

The Wall Street Journal
"Ms. Kadi’s naif illustrations are exciting and dynamic, with wonderful wavy lines and jolts of intense color in this story for 4- to 8-year-olds of learning to manage one’s inner ferocity."

BookPage (starred review)
“Marion Kadi’s boldly colorful, swirling art is the star of this fun romp, lending energy to each scene and adding oodles of personality to the lonely lion as well as to Harriet.”

Booklist (starred review)
"Debut author illustrator Kadi’s quirky narrative is by twists and turns funny and philosophical. Lushly detailed scenes swirl with warm, bright colors and fluid, shape-shifting movement. This self-reflective story truly shines."

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A highly original tale of trying on—and ultimately integrating—multiple identities.

From the Publisher

★ 2023-11-04
When an old lion dies, his bored reflection lives on…and finds a perfect match in a discontented girl.

The lion’s reflection winds up outside Harriet’s house. Soon he decides he wants to be her reflection. As Harriet unhappily walks to school, nose in a book, the gigantic animal leaps into a puddle in which Harriet’s wavering image raises her hands in shock. When the child gazes down to see the lion reflected there, she comments, “How fierce I look this morning.” At first, she has “a terribly good time” on the playground. A newly confident Harriet thrives in the classroom, too, until later in the week, when her beastly behavior lands her in trouble. Kadi’s paintings channel the vivid colors of Paul Gauguin’s Tahitian art and Maira Kalman’s whimsical faces. Dynamic energy flows in the curving lines of characters and landscapes. Ultimately, Harriet misses her former self. While hiding under the bed, she finds a small mirror and a face she remembers. Confronting the lion, she comes up with a solution that satisfies everyone. Translated from French, Kadi’s dynamic narrative deftly exploits the universal fascination with the mystery of mirrors. Brief, matter-of-fact sentences and situations lead to wildly humorous visuals. The girl’s skin is as orange as the lion’s; she is distinguished by wavy, black hair. Her class is diverse.

A highly original tale of trying on—and ultimately integrating—multiple identities. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews