Shadow is a children’s picture story about the death/loss of a pet dog named Shadow, and how it affects both children and adults. Emphasis is how it affects a child or children as this is often the first time they learn about death, the death of a dear pet is palpable, and how to help a child or children cope. Grief is real and it is hard for children to cope as they have nothing in which to compare this new loss, thus the focus is on how it affects children and how to help them cope using strategies such as talking about the loss, drawing pictures of their pet, lots of hugs and love, and possibly plant a new tree or flower in memory of the lost pet. This story helps children know that grief is normal and they are not alone in the dealing with and healing process of this type of grief. In the back section of the story are parental tips on knowing how to help your child and yourself. Learning about grief and/or pet loss is essential for social development in all children. Children are better able to understand the grief process when the time comes for a relative to pass away. This concept and principles can be taught at an early age in situations where a child’s best friend has a pet pass away or a family member.  

Shadow

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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite

Shadow by Mary and Michael Schmidt is a poignant children’s picture book that addresses the complex themes of pet loss and grief, particularly from a child’s perspective. This narrative explores the emotional journey of coping with the death of a beloved pet, which is often a child’s first encounter with mortality. The story recounts the loss and offers constructive ways to cope with the pain, guiding children and adults through grieving. The authors emphasize the importance of communication and expressing feelings. They suggest activities like talking about the pet, drawing, and engaging in family hugs as therapeutic actions that help children process their emotions. This narrative approach educates and provides a tool for parents and guardians to help children navigate their feelings of grief.

Shadow by Mary and Michael Schmidt is also praiseworthy for including a section with notes and valuable tips for parents, highlighting the authors’ educational intent. These tips are practical and considerate, designed to create an environment where a child can safely and constructively express sadness and confusion. They reinforce the normalcy of grief and the personal nature of the healing process. The central theme of dealing with grief is explored gently and appropriately for the intended young audience. Choosing a supportive and understanding tone is crucial in making a book a helpful resource for coping with loss, and the authors did so skillfully and sympathetically. Shadow is an essential read for families dealing with the loss of a pet, providing comfort and practical advice through beautifully narrated experiences and supportive measures. It is a compassionate resource in children’s literature on a sensitive subject.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

Shadow by Mary L Schmidt and Michael Schmidt is a touching story that helps kids understand and cope with the loss of a pet. When Shadow, a beloved family dog, passes away, a young child struggles with all the emotions that come with saying goodbye. The book gently walks through the grieving process, showing ways to remember and honor a pet—like drawing pictures, sharing memories, and creating a special garden. It also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers, making it a great resource for families going through a tough time.

Mary L Schmidt and Michael Schmidt handle this sensitive topic with much warmth and care, making it easier for kids to talk about something as tough as losing a pet. The story creates a safe and comforting space for children to explore their feelings, and the illustrations beautifully capture both the sadness of loss and the love that remains. I especially love how the book doesn’t just tell a story: it also gives kids practical ideas to remember and honor their pets in a way that feels natural to them, and it normalizes grief to show them it’s okay to have these feelings and healthily work through them. What stands out to me most is how much emotion lies behind the level of language used, acknowledging the pain of loss while also offering hope and reassurance. Overall, I highly recommend Shadow to parents, teachers, and caregivers looking for a gentle, thoughtful way to help kids through grief.

*****

Hi Mary,

Great news!
We are pleased to advise that your book, Shadow, is a winner!
Book Award Winner – Congratulations!

https://beyondboundariesreads.wordpress.com/2025/03/20/shadow-by-mary-michaelschmidt/

Review:

Grief is a curious thing. It sneaks up in the form of a missing paw print, an empty corner where a bed used to be, or the silence where a bark once echoed. Shadow by Mary and Michael Schmidt is not just a children’s book—it is a gentle, necessary guide through the uncharted territory of loss.

Children often experience death for the first time through the loss of a beloved pet. But how do they process it? What words can comfort them when their furry companion is no longer there? Schmidt’s book does something many avoid: it acknowledges grief, normalizes it, and offers a way forward.

The First Goodbye

History shows us that humans have mourned pets for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians mummified their cats; Romans etched epitaphs for their dogs. The pain of losing a pet is not new, yet we often struggle to help children navigate it. Shadow provides a roadmap, teaching kids that grief is real, valid, and—most importantly—manageable.

Take six-year-old Emily, for instance. She loses her golden retriever, Max, and doesn’t understand why he isn’t coming back. Her parents fumble for words. “He’s in a better place” feels hollow. But then they read Shadow together. They draw pictures of Max, plant a tree in his memory, and talk about their favorite moments. Grief doesn’t vanish, but it transforms into something gentler.

A Story That Heals

The book’s approach is both practical and profound. It suggests creative ways to process loss—drawing, storytelling, and planting flowers—while offering much-needed validation: “It’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to cry.” Unlike many children’s books that gloss over hard topics, Shadow embraces them.

This is no accident. Studies show that children who learn about grief early are better equipped to handle future losses. A 2018 study by the Journal of Child Psychology found that children who openly discuss emotions form stronger coping mechanisms later in life. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it builds resilience.

Why Every Family Needs Shadow

Renowned psychologist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross once wrote, “The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss… You will learn to live with it.” Shadow distills this truth in a way that young minds can grasp.

More than just a book, Shadow is an emotional toolkit. It reassures children that they are not alone. It reminds parents that silence isn’t always golden. And it teaches us all that love never really leaves—it just changes form.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child had a guide like this for life’s first heartbreak?

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From Book Excellence Awards

You know that hush that falls when someone tells you something sacred? That’s what reading Shadow feels like.

It’s not loud or flashy. It doesn’t shout for your attention. Instead, it kneels down beside you—yes, you—and gently says, “This matters. Let’s talk about it.”

On the surface, it’s a story about a pet dog named Shadow who has passed away. But if that’s all you see, read it again. Shadow isn’t just about death—it’s about the moment children meet grief for the very first time, face-to-face, with no script and no armour.

What struck me most was the honesty. Schmidt doesn’t tiptoe around sadness. She doesn’t try to cover it in glitter or distractions. She simply invites children to feel what they feel—fully, freely, and without shame.

And then—oh, then—she offers comfort. The kind of comfort that isn’t a quick fix but a gentle holding of hands. Talking, drawing, planting flowers… small acts with big meanings. They don’t erase the hurt, but they honour it. And that’s where healing begins.

Illustrated with tenderness and accompanied by thoughtful parental guidance at the back, Shadow is as much a resource as it is a story. But more than anything, it’s a companion. A quiet friend for the quietest moments.

This is the kind of book you don’t just shelve. You keep it within reach—because you’ll want to share it when words fail and hearts ache.

Shadow is soft-spoken, but it will stay with you long after the last page—like pawprints in your memory and petals from a flower planted in love.

About the Book Excellence Award

This book is a winner of the Book Excellence Award, a tribute to literary brilliance and a celebration of books that stand out for their artistry, depth, and storytelling prowess. It reflects the mission of Book Excellence: to showcase outstanding literature that transcends time and genre.

Book Awards

Beyond Boundaries – Winner 2025

Book Excellence Awards – Winner 2025

Pinnacle Winter Book Awards – Winner 2025

Reader’s Favorite Book Awards – Solo Gold Medalist in Children’s Books – Animals 2025

IAN Book of the Year 2025 – Animals/Pets/Nature