Think about what photos and images are stored on your cellphone or other digital device. Do you find yourself snapping images of random objects, your daily coffee or breakfast, your family? In 2009, author Eric Telchin found his first heart in a puddle of melted ice cream. He started seeing hearts everywhere and began posting pictures online and then on a daily blog. The book is a compilation of his photographs, some characterized by color, some by object, others by the way the heart was formed. It encourages the reader to slow down, look around, see a heart and share it with others.
Why I picked up the book: I’m always on the lookout for fun non-fiction to share with teens for many reasons. *Reluctant readers, especially boys, can find something that draws them. *To prove that non-fiction isn’t purely for research or “boring” text. *For ideas for programming.
When I stumbled upon this book, I knew I needed to see it. It is short and has very little text. You can actually skip the text altogether if you want. I can see myself sharing this book with my three-year-old son, my husband, or a group of teenagers.
Why I finished it: I liked the idea of finding hearts in everyday life. On our 2012 family vacation in California, I found two heart shaped rocks on the beach in Oceanside and someone had made a heart using rocks on the sidewalk outside our condo. (It stayed there undisturbed the entire week of our vacation!) (Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100405046455646&l=2ef8368d4b) While the book might seem like it is too easy or a silly concept, I think it can lend itself to fun lessons for any age group (color, photography, poetry, found objects, nature) and who doesn’t need a reminder of the beauty and magnificence in God’s creations.
I’d give it to: Absolutely anyone at any age. I can see this book being used as a picture book; for exploring concepts (shapes, colors for younger ones and looking at nature and photography angles for older ages); in writer’s group as prompts (what left the stain, who chewed the hole in the leaf, etc), as a summer reading program in photography, art, etc; booktalking non-fiction and pair with fun animal books like “Monkey Portraits” or the cat/dog picture/poetry kind.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars (Liked It)
Want to read it? Click here to place the book on hold!
Review by Jenn, YA Librarian (View all my Goodreads reviews)