The Trickster Shadow, written and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2025. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"But she was wise and had heard of 
these things before. 

She pulled an old drum out of a chest. 
She dusted it off and began to sing. 
Her voice danced, filling the room like 
a warm light. The beating drum held 
their hearts steadfast."

Zoon has a problem that is unique to him; he is followed by a shadow at all times. This shadow is grey, has the shape of a very long dog, and causes untold diffiicullties for Zoon. While cleaning at home, the shadow creates chaos, leaving Zoon's mother to wonder how he can be so messy. At school, it disturbs the other children while Zoon is blamed. Playing soccer with his friends, the shadow trips him and his friends laugh. 

Zoon visits Nookomis with his worries. His grandmother cannot see the shadow, but she listens and does her best to help. She offers the drum that once belonged to his Mishoomis. They call it a 'dewe'igan, the sound of the heart'. Zoon's attention to the drum is matched by his shadow's interest in it. Zoon shows anger for the shadow's intrusion. Using the beat of the drum, he stops quickly, faces the equally angry shadow that grows bigger and angrier until Zoom can no longer see it. 

"All he could hear was his heart beating loudly inside 
his chest. 
He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. 
With the drum in hand, he began to play. 

BAH-DUM 

           BAH-DUM 

                            BAH-DUM

His heart slowed, beating in rhythm to the drum."

Once his song ends, he feels the power of a new spirit and knows he holds the love of his ancestors within himself. No longer does he need fear his shadow; rather, it becomes a happy playmate. 

The digitally created graphic artwork is stunning and sure to capture attention as the book is shared. Many Anishinaabe designs are important to the story's adventurous development. In backmatter, the author, who is Anishinaabe, relates the role that tricksters play in a culture, and shares his own experience with darkness that he could not overcome at the time. He explains the importance of listening to one's own heart to help with healing, whatever that may be. Mr. Pawis-Steckley's note is followed by a glossary of terms used in his story.