From Our First Catalog to Song of the Seasons: Celebrating Michaela Goade

In the early days of Trickster Company, when we were just getting started with a big mission, Michaela Goade reached out to lend a hand.

We said yes without hesitation.

Michaela designed our very first catalog—work that quickly earned an honorable mention in a design competition. It was one of those early moments that helped shape who we are, and it’s a story we still love to share. From the beginning, her work carried a sense of care, beauty, and connection that aligned deeply with our mission.

Since then, we’ve had the honor of watching her soar.

An Artist Whose Work Moves the World

Today, Michaela Goade is celebrated as one of the most impactful illustrators in children’s literature. In 2021, she became the first Native American to receive the prestigious Caldecott Medal for her illustrations in We Are Water Protectors.

A Tlingit and Norwegian artist based in Sitka, Alaska, Michaela brings stories to life through rich, dreamlike watercolor illustrations. Her work reflects the lands, waters, and seasons of Alaska—inviting readers into a world that feels both grounded and magical.

Now on View: Song of the Seasons

This spring, her work is featured in Michaela Goade: Song of the Seasons, opening May 1, 2026 at the Anchorage Museum.

The exhibition celebrates the beauty and richness of Alaska’s seasons through her signature watercolor style—lush, layered, and full of movement. It’s the same artistry that fills the pages of the books we proudly carry at Trickster Company.

Experience the Stories Through These Books

You can explore Michaela’s work through these beloved titles available at Trickster Company:

• How Devil’s Club Came to Be
• Raven and the Tide Lady
• Shanyaak'utlaax: Salmon Boy
• Let’s Go! A Harvest Story

Each book carries the same sense of place, culture, and storytelling that defines her work—offering readers of all ages a deeper connection to Alaska Native stories.

👉 Shop All Michaela Goade Books at Trickster Company here

A Full Circle Moment

From helping design our very first catalog to becoming a globally recognized, award-winning illustrator, Michaela Goade’s journey is one we feel grateful to have witnessed from the beginning.

Her work continues to inspire, connect, and uplift—and we’re proud to share it with our community.

👉 Learn more about the exhibit: here