Each night, while the other ghosts are out haunting, Shinbi chooses to instead make tiny flower bouquets and look at the constellations from a rock that makes for a perfect viewing spot. One night she sees a shooting star and decides to follow it. As she chases, she makes a wish: Shinbi wants a friend. When she returns to her rock, she discovers that someone has left a message: “Hi.” Shinbi leaves a note in return: “Are you a ghost too?”
When the light of day arrives, the rock’s shadow stretches on the ground and opens his eyes. Upon finding Shinbi’s response, he quickly writes on a leaf, “I’m Greem. I am a shadow cast from this rock.”
And so an unlikely friendship begins. Each night, Shinbi leaves a gift or note for Greem. Each day, Greem leaves a gift or note for Shinbi. As their friendship grows, these two friends wish for a way they could finally meet.
Written and illustrated by Cat Min, The Shadow and the Ghost (Levine Querido, $18.99, 9781646143689) is a heartwarming tale of an unlikely pair doing whatever it takes to make their friendship work. With colored pencil sketching and watercolors, bright and vivid illustrations bring these sweet characters to life. Though Shinbi and Greem have simple designs, Min is able to give both of them personality and expression on every page. Multiple wordless spreads highlight the shifting colors of the sky as time passes, culminating in the friends coming together during a night illuminated with rich and vibrant shooting stars.
Children will love watching this unlikely friendship bloom, and readers of all ages will enjoy pondering the creative ways friends find to connect. May Shinbi and Greem inspire us all to look up to the stars and wonder who else might be looking at the same sky. Just wish on a star and you might find out!
