The Song Within My Heart

by David Bouchard, Allen Sapp (Illustrations)

Listen to the beating drum
It tells a hundred stories
Of our people, of our homeland
Some of birds and beasts and sweet grass.
Close your eyes and listen
You might come to hear a story
That no one hears but you alone
A story of your very own. 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 Canada's Governor General's Literary 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. "Sapp's illustrations, rendered in thickly textured oil paint, emphasize the bond and love that the boy feels for his grandmother... A strong offering about powwows, familial love, and finding understanding from within.
-- School Library Journal "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)

Genres: Picture Books, Native American, Childrens, Canada, Indigenous, Music, Art

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2003

About the author

Canadian Métis author and literacy advocate David Bouchard has produced more than fifty books for readers of all ages, including two guides on reading for parents and educators.

An erstwhile teacher and school principal, he is particularly concerned with Aboriginal-related issues and is a sought-after speaker for conference keynotes and school presentations and on topics of reading, literacy and aboriginal well-being.

David Bouchard's books have won numerous awards, including a Special Mention for Non-Fiction in the 2010 Bologna Ragazzi Awards for The Drum Calls Softly, a Gold Medal in the 2008 Moonbeam Award for I am Raven, the 2004 Governor General's Award for The Song Within My Heart, the 1999 Red Cedar Award for The Great Race and the 1997 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award for Voices from the Wild. An Aboriginal Carol was included in the 2008 White Ravens Catalogue.

In April 2009, Bouchard was named as a Member of the Order of Canada "for his contributions as an author of children’s books and an advocate who has championed the cause of reading and writing, and who has shared his pride as a member of the Métis community through his stories."

David lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife Vicki and their daughter Victoria.

-taken from the author's website

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful transporting story about the power of the drum as told through the eyes of a young Native American boy. The sounds of the drum beats are sounded out on each page along with the poetic words that shape the story.
A work of art.

[Karl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Allen Sapp’s paintings but until the recent (Oct 2018) controversy over Bouchard’s Metis heritage is cleared up I consider this book cultural appropriation.

[Maureen Milton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely well-meaning prose with beautiful images only vaguely related to text.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heart of the powwow & passing on traditions/stories.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Sapp's remembrances, and Sapp's gorgeous paintings. And at least some editions also have a CD by the group Northern Cree. I guess it's Bouchard's name that got this enough publicity to be bought by at least some libraries?

As I've said before, I'm not confident of Bouchard's credibility. But I don't think Sapp 'sold out' either. And Bouchard did put this verse in his text:

"And never use another's tale
Unless he knows and he approves.
And only then and then alone
Might you tell it to others."

I did not have a chance to listen to the music. I found the text awkward. But oh the paintings!

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book which was an introduction to the Cree culture for me. The artwork was beautiful and conveyed so much. The story being in English and Cree both made it so much more interesting, especially after I used the QR code on the back of the book so I could hear the story read to me in Cree with the music behind it. Wonderful!

I would love more books like this, which share culture in interesting and unique ways. I want to explore art, poetry, music, and all forms of expression in this way. My daughter loved this too for those same reasons. :)

[Johannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Social Studies - Prairies unit - Loved the bilingual English/Cree text. Would be neat to have the kids hear the story in Cree and try to figure out the story (would need some background work with Powwows and Cree people) but could be neat.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cree and English with end pages explaining the artist’s own experience with his own Nokum (grandmother).

[Kayli Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books talks about the importance of listening and learning your songs and stories from elders.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to make of the controversy over whether or not the author is Metis, so I am going to simply rate the book on its merits as if he were. It is a lovely, rhythmic, poetic book that captures the feel of a song and a dance, calling to mind a drumbeat. The artwork is amazing. I especially like the element of this being bilingual English and Cree.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

beautifully painted pictures of a much loved Grandmother a thoughtful story line added makes this a sweet book for children of all ages Allen Sapp's first book I've read but I am looking forward to seeing more of his paintings. I enjoyed it very much, and I hope you will as well

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful poem that tells of the oral tradition passed between the elder generation and the younger. Artfully written David Bouchard has once again succeeded in creating a moving and touching piece of work which demonstrates his deep love of the subtlety and richness of his culture. The pow-wow style approach taken in this poem is unique, but the text flows so well and the way the author has used upper case letters to show the reader where to put emphasis makes what could have been awkward brilliant instead.
The paintings pair perfectly with the text creating a seamless and personal telling. It feels like it could be the readers own grandmother teaching them as a child, creating a deep personal connection.
The lovely concept that our own personal story, history and our songs are our true treasures, rather than material possessions is beautifully presented.
The beautiful Note from The Painter at the back of the book is touching and well worth a look.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of poems that share a young boy's excitement of going to a pow-wow. It lovingly describes his relationship with his grandmother and also describes the sensory experience of the event.

Allen Sapp's paintings really bring the pow-wow activities to life, with a reality of the day-to-day tasks that still must be accomplished, even during a celebration. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

interesting quote:

"There aren't a lot but there are things
That you should learn to call your own.
Your stories, songs and beating heart
Are truly yours and yours alone." (p. 16)

[Lana Clifton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is illustrated by a Cree painter who grew up on a reservation. The text gently spills off the page, asking the reader to take only what they need and leave the rest. The author gives voice to these timeless works of art. This is a good addition to social studies units exploring indigenous tribes, native to America (2nd-5th grade).

[Melle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely bilingual Cree-English book which will probably be appreciated more by older kids than young ones. Would be a great introduction to powwow music and talking about cultural values and similarities of revering grandparents and elders. Bonus -- music by Northern Cree. Made me homesick for elders I met during my time at Leech Lake and for powwows and drum songs and good friends.

[Dylan Bixler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful collection of poems that weave together a nice tale of a boy and his grandmother, but each poem stands on its own and are very thought provoking. I enjoyed the message that emphasizes our attachment to material things. What can we truly call our own?

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listed in CCBC Choices 2016 under The Arts. I appreciated that the illustrations are the actual paintings by Allen Sapp. Readers can learn and feel the music of the Native Americans at a Pow Wow. Sweet Spot: Grades 1-4, Social Studies Units about Native Americans.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A CD comes with the book. I was not able to listen to it.