An uplifting picture book biography of Cree activist and musician Carol Powder who founded the Indigenous hand drumming group CHUBBY CREE, led by women and children, that spreads joy, healing, and unity.
Orders: Amazon / Abrams Books for Young Readers
Super excited to bring this story to life! The story of Carol Powder and her drumming group, Chubby Cree. My thanks to Carol, who lives in my hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, for sharing her encouraging, heartfelt story with me.
REVIEWS
★THE HEARTBEAT DRUM
The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist
Author: Deidre Havrelock
Illustrator: Aphelandra
Review Issue Date: October 15, 2024
Online Publish Date: September 14, 2024
Publisher:Abrams
Pages: 40
Price ( Hardcover ): $19.99
Publication Date: September 3, 2024
ISBN ( Hardcover ): 9781419756689
Section: Children’s
In Carol Powder’s Cree family, drumming skills are passed down through the generations.
“Moshum’s drumbeat went, PUH-POM, PUH-POM, PUH-POM, PUH-POM. Uncles’ voices poured out, ‘Hi-ya, hi-ya, way-ah, hey-ah-oh.’ Kokum sang, ‘We are strong…We are singing…And we will continue.’” Variations on this potent refrain are artfully threaded through Havrelock (Saddle Lake Plains Cree) and Aphelandra’s (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin) biography of drummer Powder. Carol learns to drum from Moshum, her great-grandfather, who says, “Women first made the drum. It is the sound of a mother’s heartbeat” and emphasizes that all people, including women and children, should drum together, “because that’s the only time anyone’s going to heal.” He tells her that one day women will be excluded from drumming but that it’s up to her to change that. After he passes, Carol continues to practice, growing up to teach her own children to drum and forming Chubby Cree, a female Indigenous drumming group. When Carol is told at a powwow that women are no longer welcome to drum, she faces her fears of speaking up (brilliantly illustrated in hues of blue) and continues to do so to this day, performing with her band, which now includes her grandson. Cree words are strung throughout the radiant illustrations, which make use of bold lines and a sunset palette. Characters are depicted in traditional Indigenous clothing, and the book has multiple gorgeous wordless spreads.
Stunning and empowering. (author’s and illustrator’s notes, note from Carol Powder) (Picture-book biography. 4-8)
– Kirkus Reviews, (starred review)
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★ The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist
A beautiful and striking story about Carol Powder and the legacy of caring for the drum. Taught by her great-grandfather on the meaning of the drum and how to play, Powder developed a deep connection to the beat, her family, and beyond. The strong connection carries her, as she ages, to share the powerful origins of the drum to subsequent generations. The wondrous illustrations encapsulate the life and joy that is expressed in drumming, both to the heart and eye. The imagery is blended and pleasing, strengthening the story’s emotions. A wonderful volume that gives insight into the powerful source of joy and intention; Powder’s dedication to her teachings extends into the next generations with every turn of the page.–Kaitlin Srader
– School Library Journal Review (starred review)
Orders: Amazon / Abrams Books for Kids
