Summer 2026 - WINNER

My Heart To You: A Menominee Language Story Project

My Heart To You is a children's book written and illustrated to highlight connection, community, and cultural identity through storytelling in the Menominee language. The book uses repetition and rhyme to create an engaging reading experience that can support early language learning and retention. Designed for a younger school aged audience, structured to encourage participation while making the language accessible and fun. The story follows the week in the life of a child, each day presenting a new scenario in which members of their family and community show love and kindness through everyday actions. These scenarios emphasize that love can be communicated through not only words, but also presence and support. Throughout the book, children can also be seen wearing hats that represent clans of the tribe to further learn more of our language and culture in an interactive way. By combining patterned language, meaningful imagery, and themes of love and community, My Heart to You aims to create an engaging space for children to learn their indigenous language. This project aims to contribute to the Menominee Tribes efforts in language and cultural preservation through an interactive and engaging approach that is rooted in love and connection.