Danger Eagle

by Jesse Wente, Shaikara David (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Jesse Wente is an Ojibwe broadcaster, curator, producer, activist, and public speaker.

He is Head of TIFF Cinematheque, where he oversees the historical film programme year–round at TIFF Bell Lightbox. An outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit art, he has spoken at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the Canadian Arts Summit, CMPA’s Prime Time, and numerous universities and colleges.

He appears weekly on CBC Radio One’s Metro Morning and recently curated a series of five short films for CBC Arts titled Keep Calm and Decolonize. Wente currently serves on the Board of Directors for both the Toronto Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Reviews

[Rod Brown]

I loved reading the hyperbolic text out loud in this fun tale of a stunt performer who happens to be a penguin stuffed toy named Danger Eagle.

Fans of Toy Story will enjoy the Buzz Lightyear vibes.


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

[Pam]

I received an electronic ARC from Tundra Book Group through NetGalley.
Readers meet a stuffed penguin who is brave and daring. No stunt is too dangerous for Danger Eagle. When a visiting cousin brings his friend too, readers see Danger Eagle challenged to do something that may not be possible. The other stuffies cheer him on and he surprises himself by meeting the challenge. The illustrations flesh out the story and provide more details for younger readers. A fun read aloud or read on their own. Hope there are more adventures as the final pages hint.

[Ryan]

This is about a stunt man in the form of an eagle stuffy. There are certain things I really like about this book, like the content warning in the beginning that say hey don’t try the stuff at home. That warning is tongue and cheek when you read the book it all makes perfect sense. The story itself seems to be lacking. It doesn’t flow right. It jumps from idea to idea to idea without things linking them together. I liked this book, but before the sequel, the author needs to learn better transitions.

[Michaela]

The art and text for this book were so fun to read. The comic style text boxes hype up the story while the illustrations are bright and colourful and so full of expression. I loved how determined Danger Eagle was, believing in themselves when the odds are against them. Not to mention the suspense and potential for future books introduced by the visiting villain. Can't wait to see Danger Eagle become everyone's new favourite toy!

*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Adele]

It was cute and I get that kids have imagination and that's the point, but why is the toy called "Danger Eagle"? What's wrong with penguins?

[Sarah]

We're planning a stuffie sleepover soon and this book will be perfect for a display or read-aloud (depending on the age of participants, it might be too long for PK)

[Jess]

Absolutely adorable.

[Susan]

My toddler granddaughter liked it but I thought it was too silly.