Where The Heart Is

Description

In 2011, Dindim the Magellanic penguin washed up on an island beach near Rio de Janeiro. He was rescued by a man called Joao, who nursed him back to health, and created a lifelong bond. Since then, Dindim has spent most of every year with Joao, leaving only to travel 8000 miles to the Patagonia coasts of Argentina and Chile. Where the Heart Is was inspired by this extraordinary true story. With beautiful prose and stunning illustrations, Dindim's story will capture the hearts of young readers and adults alike. His journey across the ocean highlights both the little penguin's intrepid nature and the variety of wildlife he meets along the way. From whales to albatross, children will discover the kaleidoscope of life that exists in the ocean. Where the Heart Is also offers a window into discussing big issues with young readers, such as the oil spill that almost killed Dindim, and the effects of climate change on animal habitats. Magellanic penguins are a near threatened species, and it is vitally important to increase our awareness of the dangers faced by these beautiful birds. Poignant, moving, funny and heartfelt, Dindim and Joao's story is a celebration of friendship and nature. It explores the deep bond that can form between humans and animals, and encourages children to think more about the incredible animals who share our world.

Irma Gold is an award-winning author and editor of books for adults and children. She is the author of five picture books and Ambassador for the ACT Chief Minister's Reading Challenge. Irma is also Co-Host of the Secrets from the Green Room podcast. Susannah Crispe is a Canberra-based illustrator inspired by a background in zoology and art history. She has been illustrating professionally for four years, producing a large selection of greeting cards, logo designs and wildlife artworks.

"a heartfelt celebration of the power of friendship, the beauty of nature, and what it really means to find your home" -- It's A Librarians Life "celebrates friendship and the power of the words, 'If you love something, set it free.'" -- The Bottom Shelf "This a sweet story of a bond between an animal and human that will tug on your heartstrings ... this is also a good book for discussing the effects of humans on animal habitat." -- Love Four Learning "Books like this show children that small actions make a difference and help to tell stories of friendship and the importance of the environment and conservation efforts." -- Ms S Burns "a powerful and joyful tale that proves friendship and love know no distance." -- Kids' Book Review "A rare bird of a book: light and deep in equal measure." * South Sydney Herald * "Your heart will melt when you meet Dindim, a little penguin lost in the waves who ends up on the coast of Brazil. Children will find much to love about this book, not only in the story" * NZ Booklovers * "With beautiful prose and stunning illustrations, Dindim's story will capture the hearts of young readers and adults alike." * Book Worm For Kids U.S * Your heart will melt when you meet Dindim, a little penguin lost in the waves who ends up on the coast of Brazil. Children will find much to love about this book. * NZ Booklovers * It is well written, with some vivid language and exciting action, and accompanied by delightful drawings you will find yourself looking at again and again. * The Space magazine (ECC) * "With beautiful prose and stunning illustrations, Dindim's story will capture the hearts of young readers and adults alike" * National Library of Australia Newsletter * "There is little need to varnish such an extraordinary tale, and this book does a lovely job of relating the story for a young audience. The gentle watercolours perfectly illustrate the environment and emotional landscape. The penguins are rendered with character and dynamism." * Buzz Words Magazine * Magazine "it's a lovely book to read with emerging readers as they learn about love and caring for others.." * School Days Magazine * It is well written, with some vivid language and exciting action, and accompanied by delightful drawings you will find yourself looking at again and again. * The Space magazine * This heartfelt tale is beautifully told through descriptive detailed prose and stunning illustrations that demonstrate the tender relationship between Joao and Dindim. The story reminds us all of the bonds that can be created between man and animal and the difference we make when we care. * Swings and round about Magazine * "This is a heart-warming story, beautifully and gently illustrated. Children will love it!" * English 4-11 * "It's just such a beautifully. After all who doesn't love a penguin." * One More Page Podcast. * "This is fast becoming a favourite new release in our Library. The discussion that follows has been rich and insightful. This book will resonate with your entire primary school audience. It is an absolute delight." -- The Surf Coast Bookshelf "This book is a perfect example of the capacity of the picture book to both enchant and inform us. Based on the true story of a remarkable relationship between a Magellanic penguin called Dindim and Joao, the man who rescued him after an oil spill, Where The Heart Is is ... a love story (and) provides the impetus for children and adults to discuss the bigger impact of destructive human activity on fragile natural places and the animal world." -- Living Arts Canberra Podcast "There is pathos, sentiment, adventure, danger and solace in this charming book about the strength of friendship and the power of kindness and caring.." * The Canberra Times *