My Heart Fills With Happiness / Nijiikendam (English and Ojibwa Edition)

Review\n“Charming in its simplicity, this is a great reminder of what can be found every day in our lives.” ― School Library Journal\n★ "A quiet loveliness, sense of gratitude, and―yes―happiness emanate from this tender celebration of simple pleasures." ― Publishers Weekly, starred review
The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.
International speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills with Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families, and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy.
Orca Book Publishers is proud to offer this picture book as a dual-language (English and Anishinaabemowin) edition.\nFrom School Library Journal\nPreS-K—The concept of happiness is explored in both English and Anishinaabemowin. The phrase "My heart fills with happiness" begins the book and is repeated a few times throughout. Most of the text is a single sentence about an activity that brings joy. Bold, richly colored illustrations in a folk style fill one page, while one or two small drawings of an item from the picture are on the text page. "I drum" shows a child sitting on a man's lap as they both tap drumsticks on the top of a drum, with a small drumstick drawn beneath the text. A variety of Indigenous children and families are shown enjoying their daily lives and activities. The book ends with a child viewing a reflection in a mirror and the question, "What brings you happiness?" providing an opportunity for further discussion. VERDICT Charming in its simplicity, this is a great reminder of what can be found every day in our lives.—Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Lib., WA\nBook Description\nWhat fills your heart with happiness?