From Publishers Weekly
"There was once a little old lady called Ophelia who lived in a little old town." With a voice too soft to be an actress, Ophelia devotes her life to art as a prompter in her town's theater, committing to memory the great dramas. When the theater is forced to close, the bereft old lady encounters Shady, one of the world's unwanted shadows, in the shuttered theater and gives him a home. Miss Ophelia takes in many abandoned shadows, and teaches them her beloved plays, but an increase in rent forces the kind soul from her lodgings. The shadows come to the rescue of their benefactress by performing the works she has taught them; the fame of Ophelia's Shadow Theatre grows. Now an entrepreneur, Ophelia is approached by one last shadow seeking a home--"They call me Death." Miss Ophelia meets her dear shadows again at the gates of Heaven and, in Ophelia's Theatre of Light, they perform for the angels "the beautiful language of the poets." Ende ( The Never end ing Story) has penned a superb story: a fable where good triumphs, and where artistry and humanity reign. Translator Bell has captured the essence of this fragile yet enduring lady in simple and moving language. Hechelmann's mystical paintings are a joy in themselves; they radiate with feeling and advance Ende's text magnificently. Although perhaps not for every taste, this is a work to be savored by sensitive and mature readers. Ages 6-9.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3 Up-- Although the theme and length of Ende's narrative place this story beyond the traditional picture-book set, the illustrations create an emotional impact that could not be supplied through words alone. Miss Ophelia, now an old lady, has spent her life prompting actors. When her small theatre closes, she takes in shadows who belong to no one. Nevermore, All Alone, Dark Dismay, and others join her company, to whom she teaches the world's great comedies and tragedies. Driven from the city, Ophelia travels from town to town with her theatre toupe, giving performances until she encounters the greatest shadow of all, Death. Now her shadows act out tales for the angels. Both text and illustrations possess a somewhat surreal quality. Whether capturing Ophelia's desolation after her rejection by the townspeople or the glory of her entrance into Heaven, Hechelmann's stunning illustrations will captivate viewers. Although the story may not have broad appeal, this special book deserves a place on library shelves. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
