Together We Drum, Our Hearts Beat as One

by Willie Poll, Chief Lady Bird (Illustrator)

In this beautifully illustrated book, a determined young Anishnaabe girl in search of adventure goes on a transformative journey into a forest on her traditional territory. She is joined by a chorus of women and girls in red dresses, ancestors who tell her they remember what it was like to be carefree and wild, too. Soon, though, the girl is challenged by a monster named Hate, who envelops her in a cloud of darkness. She climbs a mountain to evade him, and, with the help of her matriarchs and the power of Thunderbird, the monster is held at bay. The women and girls together beat their drums in song and support, giving the girl the confidence she needs to become a changemaker in the future, capable of fending off any monster in her way. Together We Drum, Our Hearts Beat as One is a moving and powerful book about Indigenous resistance and female empowerment.  Ages 3 to 8.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Indigenous

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 11, 2022

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully illustrated and empowering picture book for young Indigenous readers struggling in the face of increasing hate and racism. Written in rhyme with gorgeous pictures, this is a must read to help empower young readers and help build confidence. I absolutely loved it and can't recommend it enough!

[Heather Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful indigenous picture about kindness, hatred and most importantly to remind people to stay "carefree and wild"

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful ❤️

[Shelley Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A little girl, carefree and wild/
a wandering soul at the/
heart of the child.
She went out one day/
with a goal in mind./
"Adventure!" she shouted./
"That's what I'll find!"

A little Native girl plays in the woods. She finds three older women, who smile at her, but give her a warning to beware a monster named Hate.

Sure enough, the monster begins to chase her. But she knows with the help of her ancestors who begin to surround her, singing and beating drums, she can beat the monster.

"At the end of their song, the women smiled and waved./
A new path for the little girl appeared that they paved."

Full of confidence and knowing she'll never be alone again, the little girl "sings so mightily the world hears every word!"

A rhyming book with an important message by Willie Poll and beautifully illustrated by Chief Lady Bird.

[Maureen Couturier]

This book truly is an amazing read from front to back. It came out at the perfect time...truth and reconciliation day. It should be in every school. The author sure knows how to tell the story..and chief lady bird..what can I say..your illustrations are so beautiful
Sure hope these two team up again

[Allison Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that will have you wanting to read it over and over. I'm a public school librarian and I added this book to my collection as soon as it was available, I will likely need more than one copy as I cannot keep it on the shelf. Congratulations on an amazing book!

[Katherine G. MacRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written story of a young indigenous girl discovering her inherent inner strength. Beautifully illustrated with gorgeous, colourful artwork cover to cover. I highly recommend this book for every child to read.

[Samantha Melcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a GREAT BOOK! Just beautiful! From every word to the beautiful illustrations, my kids love this book and have been reading it since they got it, they want to bring to to school to show their teacher! Love love LOVE THIS BOOK!!! ❤️💕🔥 cannot wait for more!

[Aaron Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after my young ones lost a family member. The message of our ancestors being with us even after they are gone really resonated with us. They are still here and can still provide teachings to us.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and message

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

They really could have worked harder on getting the meter right if they were going to right in verse, but the overall message of those who have gone before helping us is a good one.

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A customer had special ordered multiple copies of this book so I was curious about it. An uplifting tale celebrating Indigenous ancestors to face whatever obstacles may arise.

[Elysha Devoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful children’s book on strength in women and girls and the community they have behind them

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous!! I love this beautiful book!!