Description
Nijiikendam / My Heart Fills With Happiness, is a dual language picture book in English and Anishinaabemowin. It is written by award-winning author Monique Gray-Smith, of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish origin; illustrated by Julie Flett (Métis); and translated by Angela Mesic, Anishinaabemowin /Ojibwe, and Margaret Noodin of Anishinaabe descent.
This early childhood title brings joy and happiness to all families who read and celebrate this book for toddlers and young children. This brightly illustrated book's simple art from award-winning illustrator Julie Flett, Métis, asks the question, what brings happiness to your heart, and provides basic answers such as seeing the face of a loved one, holding hands, walking on grass in bare feet, smelling bannock baking in the oven, powwow dancing and being outdoors on a sunny day. Whether we are alone or together with family, indoors or out in nature we all can enjoy and appreciate everyday moments.
Julie Flett's gouache and digital collage illustrations support the book's distinctive message of love and family creating a picture book that appeals to all parents and caregivers and learning Anishinaabemowin. Highly recommended.