Teju’s Shadow

Summary

This story follows Teju, a young child who initially finds their shadow mysterious and unsettling as it relentlessly follows them during the day. Teju attempts to hide and escape from the shadow, perceiving it as a constant presence that cannot be shaken off. Seeking relief, Teju's mother intervenes, showing them how shadows disappear in the dark, although this introduces a new fear of the dark for Teju. Through her support and creativity, she teaches Teju to embrace and have fun with shadows by making shadow puppets, transforming a source of fear into something playful and comforting. By the end, Teju grows more comfortable with shadows, even wishing his shadow goodnight, symbolizing his newfound acceptance and understanding. The story beautifully illustrates themes of fear, curiosity, and the comforting bond between parent and child.

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“What’s that?”

Teju hides.

“It won’t find me here!”

He runs.

“Why are you following me?”

Leave me ALONE!

Go away. Go away. GO AWAY!

“Teju! What are you doing?”

“It won’t go away!”

“Your shadow?”

“It follows me everywhere!
It’s like a super secret spy!”

“Well, there’s one way to make a shadow disappear…”

Later that night in Teju’s bedroom, the light goes off…

…and then on.

And off…

…and on.
Teju can’t sleep.

“What’s wrong Teju?”

“It only goes away in the dark, but I’m scared of the dark!”

Mum gives Teju a big hug.

“Do you want to see something amazing?”

Mum and Teju make shadow puppets until he falls asleep.

After school, Teju waits for Mum.
“I’m bored.”

Teju stands up, he jumps, he dances.
His shadow does the same.

Cool!

When he goes to bed that night, Teju leaves his night light on.

“Goodnight Shadow!”


Credits

Originally published by Book Dash under a Creative Commons Licensed BY 4.0. This book can be read for free on https://bookdash.org/books/tejus-shadow and was created by: Sope Martins (Writer), Alison Ziki (Editor), Aisha O’Reilly (Designer), Ndumiso Nyoni (Illustrator)

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