On a beach in Brazil a tiny penguin was washed ashore. He was covered in oil and so sick that he couldn’t open his eyes.
Joao took the little penguin in and named him Dindim. He cleaned him and took care of him, and when he tried to take Dindim back to sea, Dindim wouldn’t leave.
Dimdin stayed for a year, but did finally make his way back home to the Patagonia Coast. Until...
...months later, he heads back to Brazil to find his friend Joao.
The story of Dindim and Joao is incredible and truly inspiring. Before this book begins, the details of their entwined lives is revealed to audiences, so going in you understand the power and wonder of this loving tale.
Then the story begins and author Irma Gold pulls you right into the emotion of this true story with a retelling that tugs on heart strings and inspires bravery and caring for others.
The best of times were when Dindim lay in Joao’s lap and sang to him, a lullaby of belonging.
With stunning illustrations by debut illustrator Susannah Crispe, Joao and Dindim come alive. Blues of the ocean, greens of the Brazilian jungle and the soft grey and bold black of Dindim’s coat as he grows are beyond beautiful. Crispe builds emotion in so many layers — in Joao and Dindim’s expressions, in their body language and in the detailed landscapes.
A beautiful story to share at home, and equally as perfect to explore as a class, Where the Heart Is is a powerful and joyful tale that proves friendship and love know no distance.
Title: Where the Heart Is
Author: Irma Gold
Illustrator: Susannah Crispe
Publisher: EK Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 16 June 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925820874
For ages: 4 - 6
Type: Picture Books
