Monique Gray Smith – författare

★ "A quiet loveliness, sense of gratitude, and—yes—happiness emanate from this tender celebration of simple pleasures."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Will leave the youngest readers gladly imagining what fills their own hearts with joy.”—The New York Times

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.

Available in French as J'ai le cœur rempli de bonheur and in Spanish as Mi corazón se llena de alegría.

Key Selling Points

★"Smith's book is an effort that returns, offering diverse voices that invite the world into the reconciliation experience. Absolutely necessary.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Canada's relationship with its Indigenous people has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the historical and current impact of those schools. Healing and repairing that relationship requires education, awareness and increased understanding of the legacy and the impacts still being felt by Survivors and their families. Guided by acclaimed Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, readers will learn about the lives of Survivors and listen to allies who are putting the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into action.

Praise for Speaking Our Truth:

★"Smith thoroughly and compassionately examines the history and traumatic aftereffects of Canada's residential schools…Smith informs without overwhelming or sugarcoating, and she emphasizes the power readers themselves possess.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★"Despite the somber topic, Smith consistently empowers readers to be agents of change and provides specific suggestions to take action."—School Library Journal, starred review

★"Offers a perfect framework for readers actively exploring Indigenous history and current issues. Welcoming, honest, and down to earth, Speaking Our Truth is the tool many Canadians have been waiting for."—Quill & Quire, starred review

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

"Notably centering Indigenous families and characters of color in personal and communal activities—and encouraging readers to evaluate their actions toward others.”—Publishers Weekly

When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.

Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer When We Are Kind in two accessible editions. The audiobook features alternate text descriptions of images, including the cover. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Available in French as Nous sommes gentils.

Encourage children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.

Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Anishinaabemowin.

★ "A quiet loveliness, sense of gratitude, and—yes—happiness emanate from this tender celebration of simple pleasures." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Will leave the youngest readers gladly imagining what fills their own hearts with joy.”—The New York Times

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.

Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer this bilingual book (full text in both English and Plains Cree) in two accessible editions. The audiobook features alternate text descriptions of images, including the cover. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

"Notably centering Indigenous families and characters of color in personal and communal activities—and encouraging readers to evaluate their actions toward others.” —Publishers Weekly

When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation, and she communicates an important message here for readers of all ages through her carefully chosen words. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.

Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer When We Are Kind in two accessible editions. The audiobook features alternate text descriptions of images, including the cover. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Available in French as Nous sommes gentils.

Let Dragonfly lead you on a journey of inspiration!

Following your winged guide, visit the places and things that can help you find strength in the present and imagine your amazing future. Dream alongside everything from a construction site and a sewing machine to the river and a blanket of moss. After your travels, Dragonfly asks: What do you like to dream about? With its mixed setting in rural and urban environments and exploration of both the natural and modern world, Dreaming Alongside gives readers permission to daydream and think of what magic their lives have the potential to hold.

Bilingual edition (English and Plains Cree) available as Dreaming Alongside / ê-pawâtamahk.

Praise for Monique Gray Smith:

★“Joyful and tender...celebrates the activities that bring gladness through family and cultural connections.”—School Library Journal, starred review for My Heart Fills With Happiness

★“Smith tackles difficult and complex conversations with straightforwardness and compassion.”—School Library Journal, starred review for Speaking Our Truth

“Gentle…Notably centering Indigenous families and characters of color in personal and communal activities—and encouraging readers to evaluate their actions toward others.”—Publisher's Weekly for When We Are Kind

“Smith's text is heartwarming!”—Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature for You Hold Me Up

★ "A quiet loveliness, sense of gratitude, and—yes—happiness emanate from this tender celebration of simple pleasures." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

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 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.

This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Spanish.

When Charlie’s Kohkom asks him what the best part of his school day was, he knows right away: Indigenous drum circle!

Kohkom tells him that not very long ago she was gifted her very first drum at a ceremony for children who never returned home from residential schools. But Charlie doesn’t understand. How could she only have gotten her first drum so recently?

Kohkom explains that she was taken from her family when she was very little because of something called the Sixties Scoop. She was raised by an adoptive white family and only later learned what being Cree meant. It’s taken her a long time to feel like she belongs. Kohkom's story gives Charlie the idea to teach her a song so they can play their drums together.

Praise for Monique Gray Smith:

★“Joyful and tender...celebrates the activities that bring gladness through family and cultural connections.”—School Library Journal, starred review for My Heart Fills With Happiness

★“Smith tackles difficult and complex conversations with straightforwardness and compassion.”—School Library Journal, starred review for Speaking Our Truth

“Gentle…Notably centering Indigenous families and characters of color in personal and communal activities—and encouraging readers to evaluate their actions toward others.”—Publishers Weekly for When We Are Kind

“Smith’s text is heartwarming!”—Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children’s Literature for You Hold Me Up

Award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith offers poignant words about all the hopes adults have for the young people in their lives.

The hopes we have for the children in our lives are endless. We want our young people to thrive and experience all that life has to offer, but we also feel protective of them. Using simple but powerful statements, Monique Gray Smith delivers a touching message about loving, nurturing and wishing the best for our children. Paired with Gabrielle Grimard's warm and enchanting illustrations, the message in I Hope will resonate with all parents, grandparents and caregivers.

Praise for Monique Gray Smith:

★“Joyful and tender...celebrates the activities that bring gladness through family and cultural connections.”—School Library Journal, starred review for My Heart Fills With Happiness

★“Smith tackles difficult and complex conversations with straightforwardness and compassion.”—School Library Journal, starred review for Speaking Our Truth

“Smith's text is heartwarming!”—Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature for You Hold Me Up

“Gentle…Notably centering Indigenous families and characters of color in personal and communal activities—and encouraging readers to evaluate their actions toward others.”—Publisher's Weekly for When We Are Kind

Lorsque la Kohkom de Charlie veut savoir comment s’est passée sa journée à l’école, le garçon parle avec enthousiasme du cercle de tambours Autochtone. Kohkom lui raconte qu’il n’y a pas longtemps, elle a reçu son tout premier tambour lors d’une cérémonie organisée à la mémoire des enfants qui ne sont jamais revenus des pensionnats pour Autochtones. Mais Charlie ne comprend pas. Comment se fait-il que Kohkom n’ait pas déjà reçu son premier tambour?

Kohkom explique qu’elle a été enlevée à sa famille quand elle était toute petite, lors de ce qu’on appelle la « Rafle des Années 1960 ». Elle a été adoptée par une famille blanche et c’est plus tard seulement qu’elle a découvert la culture Crie. Il lui a fallu beaucoup de temps pour commencer à se sentir à sa place. C’est une histoire triste, mais elle donne une idée à Charlie : il va enseigner une chanson à Kohkom et ils vont la jouer ensemble sur leurs tambours.

Éloges sur Monique Gray Smith:

« L’histoire est tendre et pleine de joie. […] Elle célèbre les activités qui apportent de la joie grâce aux rapports familiaux et culturels. »—Critique étoilée pour J’ai le cœur rempli de bonheur parue dans le School Library Journal

« Smith traite des conversations complexes et difficiles avec franchise et compassion. » —Critique étoilée pour Speaking Our Truth parue dans le School Library Journal

When Charlie’s Kohkom asks him what the best part of his school day was, he knows right away: Indigenous drum circle!

Kohkom tells him that not very long ago she was gifted her very first drum at a ceremony for children who never returned home from residential schools. But Charlie doesn’t understand. How could she only have gotten her first drum so recently?

Kohkom explains that she was taken from her family when she was very little because of something called the Sixties Scoop. She was raised by an adoptive white family and only later learned what being Cree meant. It’s taken her a long time to feel like she belongs. Kohkom's story gives Charlie the idea to teach her a song so they can play their drums together.

This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Plains Cree.

Cet album aux illustrations vibrantes de la célèbre artiste Danielle Daniel encourage les enfants à manifester leur affection, à se soutenir mutuellement et à tenir compte du bien-être des autres dans leur quotidien.

Monique Gray Smith, qui est une experte-conseil, conférencière d’envergure internationale et autrice primée, a écrit Tu es là pour moi afin de favoriser le dialogue entre les enfants et les autres jeunes, les professionnels de la santé qu’ils côtoient et leurs enseignants au sujet de la Réconciliation et de l’importance des liens qu’ils nouent avec leurs amis, leurs compagnons de classe et les membres de leur famille. Il s’agit d’un ouvrage de base qui souligne l’importance des relations harmonieuses, de l’empathie et du respect mutuel dès le plus jeune âge.

Également disponible sous le titre You Hold Me Up en anglais.