"Since earliest human history, we have used language to try to influence the world around us ... We may no longer believe that words can make crops grow, prevent illness, or keep rivers from flooding. But we still believe in the power of words themselves." Joyce Sidman's introduction is the perfect entry into her collection of poems divided into "Chants & Charms," "Spells & Invocations," "Laments & Remembrances," and "Praise Songs & Blessings." The poems in each section are full of dreams but also the spirit and substance of our everyday lives. From a "Chant to Repair a Friendship" to an "Invitation to Lost Things" (Come out, come out / from your hidden places, / hair clips, homework, phones"), from an "Invisibility Spell" to slip away from the shame of being taunted to a "Blessing on the Smell of Dog" and "Blessing on the Curl of a Cat," Sidman celebrates the music of language, the significance of words, and the meaning of moments and memories that may be small but are never insignificant. The beautifully designed, elegant volume features full-page and decorative spot illustrations by Pamela Zagarenski. (Age 9 and older)

What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charms, and Blessings is a collection of poems to provide comfort, courage, and humor at difficult or daunting moments in life. It conjures forth laments, spells, invocations, chants, blessings, promises, songs, and charms. Here are pleas on how to repair a friendship, wishes to transform one's life or to slow down time, charms to face the shame of a disapproving crowd, invocations to ask for forgiveness, to understand the mysteries of happiness, and to bravely face a dark and different world. These words help us remember or grieve; they bolster courage and guard against evil; they help us celebrate and give thanks. This elegant gift book also includes a red ribbon for readers to mark their favorite poems.

Poet extraordinaire Joyce Sidman won the Newbery Honor Medal for Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night and continues to write poetry for children that has been called "fresh," "inspiring," and "accessible" to her young audience. She is intrigued by the idea of "words of power"--chants and charms that were once believed to have real influence in everyday life. Caldecott Honor-winning Pamela Zagarenski's beautiful art captures a world of emotion and the essence of Sidman's words.