One Heart, by Tara Drouin

Barbara’s Book Review

This lovely book is all about celebrating one another’s differences. Written in a sing-song manner, the narrative is actually a song that was also created by the author, Tara Drouin (you can view and listen to the song below!). The collaboration between author and illustrator (Nancy Noskewicz) is magnificent, in that the colorful illustrations seem to delight in the premise of the words. It is a reminder that, while we all look differently and have different ways of doing things, we each have one heart and by working together, we can get things done.

I recommend this book for children, ages 4-12.

Music video for One Heart…

Educator Notes

This book may be useful for…

text-to-illustration connection
building self-esteem
building respect for others
realizing that while we have many differences, we also have similarites
sing-along

About the Author

As the lead vocalist and bass player for Long Island based band, Iridesense (which has been together for over 20 years), the proud mother of a 9 year old bi-racial daughter, and a teacher, multi-talented author Tara Drouin is spreading her message of unity through diversity with her new book “One Heart” with help from first-time illustrator Nancy Noskewicz, an art teacher in the Bethpage School District.

The book, first inspired by a song of the same name, explores the reality of
our differences – whether they be differences in eye color, skin color or hair
color – inside, we all have one heart! Tara believes that this message needs
to be shared with children at a young age.

In her spare time, Tara enjoys yoga, going to the beach, making jewelry, and going to the movies with her husband and daughter. She says of her outlook and its expression in the book, “If you have friends, family and you’re healthy, you really have it all.”

Visit Tara’s website at www.taradrouinauthor.com.

Visit Tara’s band, Iridesence at www.Iridesense.com.

How to Purchase

You can purchase One Heart at Amazon: