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 board 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.
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.
★ "A quiet loveliness, sense of gratitude, and—yes—happiness emanate from this tender celebration of simple pleasures, which features a cast of First Nations children and adults...Short, first-person phrases...revel in both solitary and familial activities...Flett’s (Little You) crisp-edged paintings blend universal and culturally specific experiences."
– Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A board book that leaves you feeling cheerful and appreciative of those small moments in life that bring one joy. Recommended."
– CM Magazine
★ "Joyful and tender, this board book celebrates the activities that bring gladness through family and cultural connections...Flett’s quietly powerful gouache and digital collage illustrations emphasize the relationships between people...The sweet family story has universal appeal. A first purchase for all libraries."
– School Library Journal, starred review
"A celebration of aboriginal culture...but also universal in its message: sometimes it's the simplest things that lift our spirits highest...[The book] is beautiful in both its appearance and its intention."
– Quill & Quire
“A comforting board book offers young children the opportunity for reflection, and for affirmation, too. Moments of happiness tucked into each and every day celebrated here include time with family, self-expression, and the natural world."
– Cooperative Children’s Book Center
"[A] light, warm and utterly charming book...Highly recommended for families, parents of young children to share with them and to begin conversation and sharing about emotions."
– Resource Links
"An excellent board book for every baby Canadian."
– The Toronto Star
"Specific visuals ground this sweet celebration of simple pleasures."
– Kirkus Reviews
"It is a fantastic toddler book that celebrates family and heritage and would be valuable in any collection, especially those of First Nations heritage."
– Raising Mom blog
BC and Yukon Book Prizes - Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize | 2017 | Winner
Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year | 2017 | Commended
Girls of Summer Reading List - Picture Books | 2017 | Commended
Periodical Marketers of Canada (PMC) Indigenous Literature Award - Children's Category | 2018 | Short-listed
State Library of Kansas - Kansas Reads to Preschoolers | 2023 | Commended
