Kansas State Library
TOPEKA –A committee comprised of librarians and library staff from across the state, and the State Librarian of Kansas, Ray C. Walling, are pleased to announce the selected title for this year’s Kansas Reads to Preschoolers program. This year's selection is "My Heart Fills With Happiness," a heartwarming picture book written by Monique Gray Smith and beautifully illustrated by Julie Flett.
"My Heart Fills With Happiness" is a bilingual English/Spanish selection, making it an inclusive and engaging read for children of diverse backgrounds. eBook versions are also available in Plains Cree and Anishinaabemowin.
Monique Gray Smith: Monique Gray Smith is an acclaimed author, consultant, and proud mother of teenage twins. She is known for her award-winning books, which include "My Heart Fills with Happiness" and "You Hold Me Up." Monique's work spans various age groups, sharing wisdom, knowledge, hope, and the important message that love is medicine. To learn more about Monique Gray Smith and her work, visit her website at www.moniquegraysmith.com.
Julie Flett: Julie Flett is a renowned Cree–Métis author, illustrator, and artist who has received numerous awards for her books, including two Governor General's Awards. Her books have been celebrated by media outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. To explore Julie Flett's impressive body of work, visit her website at www.julieflett.com.
Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is an annual initiative that promotes the joy of reading to Kansans under five. The program encourages caregivers, librarians, and public figures across the state to read the selected title during the month of November, fostering a love for reading in young minds.
For more information, questions, or to share your event with the committee, contact Nikki Hansen, Resource Sharing Librarian for the State Library, at [email protected].