THE HEART'S LANGUAGE is a story about a small boy who could communicate with trees, the ocean, and even the animals, but couldn't communicate with other people, not even his parents. Neighbors talked about him, calling him crazy, and even his parents discussed their son's behavior with concern. One frustrating day, the young boy falls asleep under a tree feeling dejected and with little hope. He is awakened by a big blue bird, who explains that he has come because the boy called him using the language of his heart. He goes on to explain that if the boy wants his greatest wish, to tell his parents he loves them, to come true, all he has to do is tell them using his heart. As the boy returns to the house, he remembers what the bird told him and once again tries to convey to his parents all the words trapped inside of him with hopes of finally being heard.

This touching story is written in a style reminiscent of a proverb or fairy tale. The warm, calming illustrations drew me into the story and were the perfect complement to Yamanaka's writing style. The content of the book was inspired by the author and her husband's experiences as parents of a child with autism, yet its message is universal. While the story focused a lot on the boy's inability to communicate in the beginning of the book, it is just as much about using the heart's language to communicate as it is having a heart that is open enough to hear what is being said. THE HEART'S LANGUAGE is a wonderful story about unconditional love and listening with more than your ears.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Having heard Lois-Ann Yamanaka speak on several occasions, this new book touched me greatly. I have heard Lois-Ann speak about her son, who is autistic. One of my daughters has been working with autistic children for several years now and is presently working on a graduate degree in "Profound and Severe Disabilities; so guess what she received for Christmas! She, too, was greatly moved by the story and called from the East Coast to thank me profusely for it. She wants to get several copies to give to parents of some of the children with whom she works. The story is beautiful and the lovely artwork enhances it even more.

A VERY BEAUTIFUL BOOK, both illustrations and the story! While it does not mention Autism, and can actually cover a number of disabilities, the book touches your heart. It would be a wonderful book to read to small children,or have for older children to read to themselves. (As well as adults)

The illustrations are LUSH and LOVELY, as is the message in the book.