Inspiring, gentle, and celebratory; a remarkable feat.
Atanassova’s young narrator tells his best friend “Your heart is bigger than the universe!/ I’ve seen and know it’s true,” and to prove his point he decides to conduct a quirky experiment. After all, “scientists do tests,/ to tell if something is true.” He goes on to narrate the best qualities of his friend, beginning with “I know the good deeds that you do,/ You’re always there,/ When someone needs you.” Compassion, helpfulness, perceptiveness and a caring nature get added to the list followed by eco-awareness, altruism, and the endearing quality of being considerate. The concept of recognizing and appreciating the exceptional qualities in one’s friends can be tricky to understand; young readers will appreciate that Atanassova offers a tangible way to grasp the subject. Here, the qualities that make a heart big are explored carefully, and youngsters learn what it means to be having a truly good heart. At the same time, the book celebrates friendship and unconditional love. Angelica Baldit’s insightful, colorful illustrations depict a cast diverse in skin tone, ethnicity, and ability: we see an old woman struggling to carry her groceries; a little girl who uses a wheelchair; an old man who is feeling low. A must-read that will teach kids the heart’s boundless capacity of love.
Your Heart Can Hold the Whole Universe
Rebecca Atanassova (Author), Angelica Baldit (Illustrator)
Popsicle Publishing
Pub date September 25, 2023
ISBN 978-1960746238
Price $2.99 (USD) Kindle edition
Excellent book and the illustrations look great on an iPad or even a phone.
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