Harriet's Reflections

Kirkus Reviews Most Empowering Picture Books List (2024)

"This self-reflective story truly shines." — Booklist (STARRED REVIEW)

"[A] fun romp." — BookPage (STARRED REVIEW)

"A highly original tale." — Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)

An imaginative tale about a rambunctious lion reflection and the fierce little girl he decides to mirror.

One day the reflection of a lion decides to reflect someone different. He picks a little girl named Harriet, who eagerly accepts the new face staring back at her. Harriet loves how ferocious she is now at school: she’s not afraid to speak up in class, and she can romp around the playground like a wild beast. But soon Harriet starts to miss the reflection she had before, the one who looked like her. Can Harriet find a way to balance her old reflection and her new one?

This whimsical story explores themes of confidence and identity with colorful illustrations and a sly sense of humor. Delightful and unconventional, Harriet’s Reflections is the perfect read-aloud for anyone who’s ever wondered about the face on the other side of the mirror—and what they might do next.

Albertine The Prix Albertine Jeunesse 3-5 Years Shortlist (2025)

Marion Kadi is an author, illustrator, and visual artist whose clients include Gucci, the New York Times, and Poetry Magazine. The original version of Harriet's Reflection was awarded the BolognaRagazzi Opera Prima in 2021. Harriet's Reflections is Marion's first picture book and her English-language debut. Originally from France, she now lives in Annapolis, Maryland. Visit Marion's website at marionkadi.com and follow her on Instagram @marionkadi.