• Age: 4 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 3 to 7

Little Cheetah's shadow is missing. When Little Cheetah finds him and learns that Little Shadow is sad because he never gets to go first, Little Cheetah is happy to switch places. As they travel about their neighborhood, Little Cheetah is surprised to learn how hard it can be to follow. Eventually they decide that walking side-by-side is much better, and when they go through a scary tunnel on the way home, they discover they can face the dark together. Little Cheetah's Shadow is a sweet tale of friendship, empathy, and the importance of seeing things from a different perspective, rendered in Marianne Dubuc's warm and inviting illustrations.

Marianne Dubuc studied visual arts and graphic design before beginning her career as an award-winning author and illustrator. In Front of My House, originally published in French as Devant ma maison , is her first book to be published in English. Marianne lives in Montreal, Quebec.

Marianne Dubuc's profile page

"Little Cheetah and his Little Shadow each decide to spend a day walking in the other’s shoes by switching roles to allow Little Shadow to lead the day’s activities. Their friendship thrives in this new revelation. Set in a tidy house in a cute town, this title is the perfect picture book to introduce empathy to young children. The characters are adorable and the scenes idyllic. The situation that Little Cheetah and his shadow find themselves in is one that anyone can relate to: the feeling of being treated unfairly. Created with watercolor and colored pencils, the illustrations are soft and warm, wrapping readers in this touching story of friendship, compassion, empathy, and teamwork."
– School Library Journal

"Little Cheetah’s Shadow is a satisfying tale with lovable characters and a wholesome message, and beautiful colored pencil-and-watercolor illustrations. Recommended for: little ones ages 3-5, for bedtime story read alouds, and for teaching and modeling empathetic behavior between friends (and siblings!)."
– Celia Bedelia

A winning story about the importance of empathy and equality.
- Booklist

"The lessons to be learned are made more interesting by the characters’ distinctive relationship. Though they’re not siblings, they’re together all the time, so working things out is a necessity-one approached with clear generosity and affection." - Publishers Weekly

"Dubuc’s pastel-hued colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations contain clever details and near-constant forward movement to carry readers through this sweet story."
– The Horn Book

"A shadowy revelation makes for a gentle story about friendship and understanding. These empathetic characters make thoughtful efforts to gain perspective and understand each other in this earnest and sweet story. Dubuc's colored pencil-and-watercolor illustrations on spacious, uncluttered spreads depict a tiny, intimate village of anthropomorphized creatures; Little Cheetah's home is particularly cozy. What compassion looks like-without a shadow of a doubt."
- Kirkus Reviews