What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charms, and Blessings

In the introduction to this profound collection of poems, Sidman states, "we still believe in the power of the words themselves." Unpacking a range of experiences, Sidman holds each one up to the light, illuminating the strands of hope and courage that bind us together. Whether conjuring the fleeting pleasure of a sandcastle "packed into piles and carved into caverns" or recalling the pain of rejection or illness, these poems will call you into multiple readings. Mixed media illustrations by Pamela Zagerenski provide the perfect visual accompaniment, offering more incentive to linger over each page. This book is lovely to behold, lovely to hear, and lovely as a call to new attitudes as we "Join hands. Right here. Our moment: starting now."

One lovely thing about Joyce Sidman's poetry is that kids of any age can enjoy it.

Emphasize the rhythm, rhyme, and alliteration for very little ones. Getting-a-little-bigger kids can appreciate the humor and subject matter of some of the more concrete selections (including an actual concrete poem shaped like a cat), as well as a couple of the poems about experiences. Upper elementary and middle schoolers will find themselves in these pages, as well, perhaps in the lament for a well-loved teddy bear that's finally been packed away, the spell for invisibility, or the song about moving house. Sidman sings to teenagers with chants and invocations about unrequited love and inspiring teachers. For high schoolers, I especially liked "Starting show more Now." And grown-up kids will find an empathetic voice for the experiences of a changing body, illness, death, happiness, and peace.

Of course, these thoughts aren't meant as reading prescriptions: anybody can enjoy any of the poems at any time. The prescription is simply to buy the book so you can grow with it.

For what it's worth, my favorite is the opener, "Chant to Repair a Friendship."

Pamela Zagarenski's illustrations are beautiful, though abstract enough to be a bit inaccessible for some readers. I'd love to see what [a:Erin E. Stead|4581894|Erin E. Stead|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1381164347p2/4581894.jpg] would do with these poems. show less

Sorry. I despise Zagarenski's art and find it extremely distracting. Come to think, though, I bet ppl who love her work would find it distracting, too.

Trying to focus on the poems, I find that I do love *Come Happiness* -
"Happiness
you're not what everyone says:
...
You are more like a raindrop,
governed by mysterious principles.
You fall from the sky
and hit--plop!--with
a cool kiss of surprise.
...
So come,
come to us, Happiness.
Bathe us with your cool spray
Fill us with your splendid breath.
Help us do your work."

Also clearly excellent are *Song of Bravery* and *Starting Now* which should be on every school's main hallway.

I will continue to read more by Sidman as usually her work is outstanding.

Gorgeous! Some poems could work for kids as young as 8 or 9; the collection as a whole is mature and sophisticated enough for middle or high school. Sidman really seals her stellar reputation with this book (as if it hadn't already been sealed).

What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charms and Blessings by Joyce Sidman, and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, is a compilation of 29 poems for children and young adults, which even grown-ups will find refreshingly inspiring.

The book is divided into four sections:
1. Chants & charms - to bolster courage and guard against evil
2. Spells & invocations - to cause something to happen
3. Laments & remembrances - to remember, regret, or grieve
4. Praise songs & blessings - to celebrate, thank, or express love

Young people moving into adulthood will find the book a valuable companion.

I discovered the incredible illustrations of Pamela Zagarenski in 2021. This book is stellar. It contains beautifully written words that accompany the art work. Joyce Sidman is a two- time Newbery award winner.

Coupled with the incredibly illustrated works of two-time Caldecott award winning Zagarenski.

Reading this book which contains chants, blessings and beautiful poetry.

Highly recommended.

Four Stars

A truly lovely small collection of poetry geared toward children, but really, enjoyable by anyone.