Marcus and the Shadow: a Picture Book About Seeing Clearly, Thinking Before Reacting, and Being Brave. Journey Of

A thoughtful story about the space between feeling and reacting.Marcus and the Shadow is a beautifully illustrated, values-based picture book aimed at ages 3–7.Set in ancient Rome and inspired by Stoic ideas of pausing before reacting to emotions, it follows a young boy named Marcus on the first of many adventures — where a quiet night turns into a mysterious moment, a flicker of fear, and a lesson in clarity.As shadows stretch and doubts grow, Marcus must decide what’s real and what’s in his mind — and learns that clear thinking can reveal the truth behind first impressions.With lyrical rhymes, warm illustrations, and a story full of heart, this gentle tale helps children explore emotional awareness, calm decision-making, and how to notice feelings without letting them take over.A great pick for bedtime reading, it’s perfect for parents who want to spark gentle conversations about fear, perception, and courage.