Deidre Havrelock (Indigenous Ingenuity), a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, tells the story of Cree activist and musician Carol Powder in The Heartbeat Drum, a visually striking biographical picture book. Havrelock uses accessible language while illustrator and emoji designer Aphelandra's arresting illustrations express strength and jubilation.
Carol learned to love music sitting beside her great-grandfather (moshum). He taught her how to sing and drum and made the girl her own hand drum with moose hide. "Women first made the drum," Moshum said. "It is the sound of a mother's heartbeat." Moshum knew Carol would become a gifted singer but warned, "When I am gone and you grow older, our ways will change--women will not be accepted." Carol, he said, would bring women back to the drum: "because that is where they belong, beside us." Cree ways did change, and although women found themselves unwelcome, Carol "knew women gave life to the drum." Carol passed on Moshum's teachings to her children and her grandchildren, started a female drumming group (Chubby Cree), and became an activist by consistently spreading the healing joy of Cree music.
Aphelandra's ink, brush pen, and digital artwork is radiant. The strong lines and intense colors produce a sense of movement that pulls readers into the heartbeat celebration of the drum. The flowing nature of the lines evokes sound waves, and the text includes lyrics to a song Carol's grandmother sang, highlighting Cree traditions and beliefs. Much like Carol and her music, this picture book is an inspiring experience from start to finish. --Jen Forbus, freelancer