Review: The Hawk Shadow

Book cover art for the Hawk Shadow

Review: The Hawk Shadow

Book cover art for the Hawk ShadowThe Hawk Shadow

Written by: Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Illustrated by: Karlene Harvey
Kids Can Press, 2024

ISBN: 9781525310843 (hardcover)
9781525311390 (ebook)

$23.99 CAD (hardcover)
$13.99 (ebook)
32 pages

Ages: 4 to 7 years old

Review by: Erin Dunlop

The Hawk Shadow tells the story of Serenity and her brother Big Ed as they spend the day in the bush. On their way to fish at Hawk River, the siblings encounter plants and animals that have special meaning in their Anishinaabe culture, like the raven and the cedar tree. Ed explains that the river is named for the Gekek—the hawk—who is both the Keeper of the river and their Protector, and it is the hawk that helps Serenity save her brother when he gets stuck. The book captures the wonder of being in nature with Harvey’s vibrant and colourful illustrations. Informative and engaging, Bourdeau Waboose showcases her Indigenous cultural practices and connection to the land through the love (and teasing) between siblings. A great introduction to Indigenous storytelling, this picture book is an excellent story time choice for children aged 4–7 years.