Grandmother, what is that drumming sound? Why are the men singing? A young First Nations boy is preparing for his first pow-wow. The young boy's Nukum - his beloved grandmother - guides him through the events of the day and helps him to understand what the singing and dancing are about. With Nokum by his side, the boy learns that he must find his own song - the song within his heart.

Listen to the beating drum
That 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 stunning artwork beautifully complements this heartfelt story. David Bouchard's rhythmic and moving poem is based on remembrances from Allen's childhood.

REVIEWS:

***CBC Children's Book Panel - We've had many requests here at "Sounds Like Canada" to continue a tradition of the children's book panel. So we've convened our threesome. Michelle Landsberg, TrudyCarey and Ken Setterington to discuss their favorite picture books. Michele's Picks:

*Harper Collins Treasury of Picture Book Classics: A child's 1st Collection "Frederick and His Friends" - Leo Lionni (Knopf)
*"The Song Within my Heart" - David Bouchard & Allen Sapp (Raincoast)
*"Benny and the Binky" Barbra Lindger & Olaf Landstrom (R & S Book)
*"Close Your Eyes" - Kate Banks & George Hellensleben (Farrar, Strawn & Siroux)

***Hamilton Spectator Children's Book - February 08. 2003...Glowing review for The Song Within My Heart:

"The Song Within My Heart (painted by Allen Sapp, story by David Bouchard) is one of the most beautiful, poetic picture books we've seen."

"Saskatchewan native Bouchard provides compelling prose to accompany Sapp's colourful, dignified and masterful paintings."

"For a taste of a unique culture and a life's lesson, The Song Within My Heart will leave young readers soaring."

***On the list of the Twenty Five Canadian Children's Classics published by Southam News December 2002: The Song Within My Heart!

AWARDS:

2003 ***Governor General's Award for illustration

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: To say that I am blessed to do a book with the great Allen Sapp is an understatement. Then to tell you that we are working on two is almost embarassing. After spending a day in North Battleford with the Cree Elder, I got on the plane and wrote The Song Within My Heart.

Allen is a quiet and shy man proud to drum, dance and sing for me. He would have continued on for hours had we not had to go for dinner. This book represents the man with whom I had the pleasure of spending a beautiful fall day.