Renowned Cree painter Allen Sapp's inspired and stunning artwork beautifully complements this sweet story of a young First Nations boy preparing for his first pow-wow. The young boy's Nokum—his beloved grandmother—guides him through the exciting day and watches over him as events unfold. David Bouchard's rhythmic and informative text is based on remembrances from Allen Sapp's childhood.
Winner of the Governor General's Literacy Award, The Song Within My Heart is a beautifully crafted picture book that reflects the wonders of life on a reserve, the importance of the pow-wow, and ultimately, the love between grandmother and grandson.
Included also is a CD with spoken word in English and Cree, with the wonderful music of Northern Cree.
Allen Sapp
is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Canadian Academy of Arts. A Cree elder, he was raised by his grandmother on the Red Pheasant reserve in Saskatchewan and now calls North Battleford home. The memory of this tender relationship has spawned in Sapp some of his finest and most sensitive works, bringing to his canvas a sense of affection and love.
"A heartfelt intergenerational story about knowing and preserving heritage and love between elders and young ones. . . Bouchard's rhythmic text successfully conveys an emotive and sensory approach to the relationship between the two, enriching the story and echoing the hand-lettered onomatopoeic syllables that represent chanting and drumbeats. Sapp's profound paintings bring sincere and reassuring images that support and enhance the tale. A stunning picture book that celebrates life, family relations, and determination to preserve traditions and heritage."
— Kirkus Starred Review
"The paintings are both simple and profound, serene and dynamic."
— The Globe and Mail
"This is a good choice for units on Native Americans; it will be especially valuable for children trying to understand the feelings connected with this ceremony."
— Booklist
"Based on Cree painter Allen Sapp's childhood memories of life on a reserve in Saskatchewan, The Song Within My Heart tells of a young boy who is getting ready to go to a pow wow. Woven throughout the story is the boy's close relationship with his Nokum (grandmother). Bouchard's lyrical text, with its thoughtfully chosen words, evokes a quiet, introspective mood. Richly textured and infused with an almost radiant light quality, the illustrations reinforce strongly the simplicity of life on a reserve, the significance of the pow wow and, of course, the love between grandmother and grandson. Beautifully crafted.
Highly Recommended."
— CM Magazine
On Kirkus' Best Middle-Grade Books of 2015 list
On the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) annual best-of-the-year list
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