Harriet's Reflections

Starred review from December 1, 2023
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)

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Starred review from February 1, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 *Starred Review* In this fable-like picture book, a shy child sees herself in a different light and discovers how to embrace all parts of her personality. When an old lion dies, its bored, lonely reflection goes rogue and leaves the jungle. Peeking through the window of a house, the lion's reflection spies Harriet and knows it has found its new muse to mirror. Trudging reluctantly to school, the little girl catches a glimpse of her new reflection in a rain puddle and is pleasantly surprised: "How fierce I look this morning." Full of confidence and ready to roar, Harriet speaks up in class, has splendid adventures on the playground, and devours her lunch with gusto. The child's prolonged wildcat behavior at school leads to a reprimand, and she misses who she used to be. Demonstrating strength, courage, and awareness, Harriet shores up her inner resources and finds she can contain multitudes. Originally published in France as Les reflets d'Hariett in 2021, 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.

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April 12, 2024

PreS-Gr 2-A lion's reflection, bored with its life, looks around for another subject to reflect and lands on Harriet. It jumps into a puddle, and Harriet, seeing the fierce lion's face staring back at her, feels stronger and more able to take on her day at school. This goes well for a while until the reflection is responsible for Harriet's bad moments, too. Delightfully funny pictures show that Harriet's howls, growls, and aggressive behavior with the art supplies do not go unnoticed and she is scolded. Harriet hides from the lion's reflection, finding herself in a small compact mirror, and then learns to go between the two reflections, to take from each the best of what it has to offer. The colors unspool and flow in Kadi's bright illustrations. Harriet could be Latina, with tan skin and black hair, though the lion and its reflection may set this in northwest India or Africa. Realism is not really the point; this is an attempt to offer SEL for small children without having to unwrap a lot of subtext. It's confusing, but fun, and most children will enjoy Harriet's adventure.VERDICT An awkward but gentle inquiry into self-esteem, imagination, and self-governance, done with humor and wonderful watercolor-like paintings.-Ginnie Abbott

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