My Heart Fills With Happiness

Breaking from Flett’s traditional muted tones, My Heart Fills with Happiness bursts with color and life. Mothers, fathers, children, and grandparents share happy moments and simple pleasures. Each text page features a design element that corresponds with its partner illustrations, creating a stronger connection between the words and pictures. The shading and patterns used in the nature scenes make the scenery come to life. While most of the characters are depicted wearing contemporary clothing, a few show people in traditional Aboriginal dress.

The illustrations reinforce the text, and provide additional insight into common Aboriginal experience, yet remain completely relatable to all children from any background. The illustration for “I smell bannock baking in the oven” is an excellent example of this. Many children may not know what bannock is, but all children have experienced the anticipation of waiting for a tasty treat to finish cooking in the oven.

Smith, M. G., & Flett, J. (2016). My heart fills with happiness. Victoria, BC: Orca Book Publishers.