Description

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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.

About the Author

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Irma Gold is an award-winning author and editor of books for adults and children. She is the author of five picture books and is Ambassador for the ACT Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge. She is also the author of a novel, The Breaking, and a short fiction collection, Two Steps Forward. As a freelance editor she works for publishers big and small, and for a decade she was Convener of Editing at the University of Canberra. Irma is Co-host of the Secrets from the Green Room podcast.

Susannah Crispe is a Canberra-based children’s book illustrator, inspired by a background in zoology and art history, and a love of beautifully crafted books. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of Sydney (2008) and studied Zoology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of New England. Susannah is a largely self-taught artist, and works primarily in watercolour and digital collage. She has been illustrating professionally for four years for a range of clients, producing a large selection of greeting cards, logo designs and wildlife artworks. Susannah is also a stay-at-home-mum, where reading books with the kids forms a huge part of her everyday routine. Cookie is her second book; her first is titled Where the Heart Is (also with EK Books).

Praise For…

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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

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

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

A delightful story that is a heartfelt celebration of the power of friendship and the beauty of nature, and what it really means to find your home
Children and adults will enjoy this heartfelt rescue story. It is even more poignant considering it is based on a true life story.—KidsBooksNZ