All The Beating Hearts

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀” is a picture book filled with the quiet wisdom of mindfulness. It channels the reader into observing the mundane nature of everyday life; it draws our attention to the mystic elements of nature and of renewal. It reminds us of the support we receive and the struggles we often face. The lyrical text then slows down further as we are made more mindful of our hearts beating in unison, because “𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴… 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦” with each beat reminding us that we are here, we are the same, yet different.

The message is poignant and profound, one that needs tons of discussion with older students as we read this in the class. Catia Chien’s pastel and colour pencil illustration adds a whimsical touch. Great for Grades 3 and above.