With Our Orange Hearts by Phyllis Webstad
Listening is a first step towards reconciliation. It's never too early to start.
"Every child matters, including you and me. With our orange hearts, we walk in harmony."
Written by Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day, this hardcover children's book introduces young readers to the importance of listening, sharing feelings, and understanding Indigenous experiences. Through her personal story, Webstad demonstrates how opening up about emotions can help children process their own big feelings in a safe, supportive way.
About This Book
This picture book encourages young children aged baby through preschool to develop empathy and emotional awareness. As Phyllis Webstad shares how telling her story helped her process complex emotions, young readers learn that their feelings matter and that listening to others creates connection and understanding.
The narrative gently introduces concepts of reconciliation and Indigenous history in age-appropriate language, making it an essential resource for parents, educators, and caregivers who want to start meaningful conversations with the youngest learners.
Key Features
- Hardcover format built for repeated readings
- Written by Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad
- Age-appropriate content for baby through preschool audiences
- Focuses on emotions, feelings, and empathy development
- Published by Medicine Wheel Publishing
- Supports Indigenous voices and perspectives
Educational Value
This book serves as a conversation starter about feelings, respect, and Canadian Indigenous history. It helps young children understand that everyone's story deserves to be heard and that sharing emotions is a healthy part of growing up. The connection to Orange Shirt Day provides an entry point for families and classrooms to discuss reconciliation in meaningful, child-friendly ways.
Medicine Wheel Publishing is committed to sharing diverse voices and perspectives, creating a platform for stories that celebrate Indigenous cultures and inspire understanding and respect among readers of all ages.
Perfect For
- Orange Shirt Day classroom readings
- Teaching emotional literacy to young children
- Introducing reconciliation concepts
- Home libraries focused on diverse voices
- Educational institutions and daycare centers
