The Shadow Side

Per Gustavsson

Raymond makes a shadow figure in the shape of a bird. A cat shadow appears and Raymond makes the bird fly away to avoid being eaten. He follows the bird into a shadow forest. It turns into a spooky journey with the pencil as Raymond’s only protection.

A poetic and thrilling story about a child who takes control of the fantasy world and overcomes his fears through his imagination.

Winner of the Elsa Beskow Plaque 2014

Press voices

“Dreamlike and scary with sharp perspectives. /…/ The result is inventive and just the right amount of scary.” Jonna Fries, Smålandsposten

“The symbolic enhances the throughout theme: To take the power over your fear, to be able to speak, be free, define and create a space on your own. Ragnar does this through drawing. He draws eyes and mouth on the shadows, a sign that he dares to see and communicate with the darkness, but also an emphasis on the power of the pen. He draws his way though his fear. He draws his way home.” Åsa Warnqvist, SvD

”The storytelling works like being in the company of a friend who feels dafe and who you can meet your fears with. Ragnar and his pen lead and shines the way forward like a living flashlight through the nightmares.” Pia Huss, Dagens Nyheter

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