What do you think?
Rate this book
The BIG-Hearted Book
Babette and Bill are joined by a ribbon of hearts. They are always together through thick and thin. But when Babette falls ill, the two friends are parted and they are both broken hearted. Until they discover that even when they can't see the ribbon of hearts it is always there pulling them together.
Warm, poignant and funny, this book is a wonderful celebration of friendship. A sensitive and beautifully told story written in association with the International Children's Heart Foundation that will touch anyone affected by illness. The mission of the International Children's Heart Foundation is to bring the skills, technology and knowledge to diagnose and care for children with congenital heart disease to developing countries.
Warm, poignant and funny, this book is a wonderful celebration of friendship. A sensitive and beautifully told story written in association with the International Children's Heart Foundation that will touch anyone affected by illness. The mission of the International Children's Heart Foundation is to bring the skills, technology and knowledge to diagnose and care for children with congenital heart disease to developing countries.
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
About the author
Nicholas Allan
81 books8 followersNicholas Allan is the author/illustrator of over thirty children’s books.
When he was 12 he made a model of a galleon out of a walnut shell which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.
He wrote his first novel when he was 14, a story about a murder in a school. He sent it to Macmillan who, although they did not accept it, asked to see his next. Nicholas studied painting at the Slade School of Art. During this time he had his first radio play broadcasted by BBC Radio 4. He then completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.
Nicholas worked as a waiter, three weeks in a publisher’s office, and as a part-time teacher of a life class before he published his first book, The Hefty Fairy (1989). Since then he has been a full-time writer and illustrator. Many of his books are bestsellers, including The Queen's Knickers, Father Christmas Needs a Wee, Jesus’ Christmas Party, Cinderella’s Bum, Heaven, and Where Willy Went. His books have won awards and been translated into twenty languages. He is also the author of Hilltop Hospital, a book that has been adapted into a BAFTA-winning television series for CITV. The series has been shown in over forty countries.
Nicholas has been the Chairman of the Society of Authors' Children’s Group and has made many appearances on television and radio. He is also the author of The Complete Guide To Gatecrashing and one novel, The First Time.
When he was 12 he made a model of a galleon out of a walnut shell which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.
He wrote his first novel when he was 14, a story about a murder in a school. He sent it to Macmillan who, although they did not accept it, asked to see his next. Nicholas studied painting at the Slade School of Art. During this time he had his first radio play broadcasted by BBC Radio 4. He then completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.
Nicholas worked as a waiter, three weeks in a publisher’s office, and as a part-time teacher of a life class before he published his first book, The Hefty Fairy (1989). Since then he has been a full-time writer and illustrator. Many of his books are bestsellers, including The Queen's Knickers, Father Christmas Needs a Wee, Jesus’ Christmas Party, Cinderella’s Bum, Heaven, and Where Willy Went. His books have won awards and been translated into twenty languages. He is also the author of Hilltop Hospital, a book that has been adapted into a BAFTA-winning television series for CITV. The series has been shown in over forty countries.
Nicholas has been the Chairman of the Society of Authors' Children’s Group and has made many appearances on television and radio. He is also the author of The Complete Guide To Gatecrashing and one novel, The First Time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 4, 2017
The BIG-Hearted Book is an odd choice for children whom have never been affected by parental sickness and is probably more touching to an adult reader. However, the message conveyed is one of love and dedication, it's poignant stuff for a children's book.
For younger children the artwork is brightly coloured and makes good use of the white background to make the images clear and easy to follow. For children who can read, the narrative is easy to follow, almost entirely composed of simpler words, although emphasis is well presented so it's message is not missed.
It's rather niche in it's message, however it's for a good cause, which touches many families and is a heart-warming read.
For younger children the artwork is brightly coloured and makes good use of the white background to make the images clear and easy to follow. For children who can read, the narrative is easy to follow, almost entirely composed of simpler words, although emphasis is well presented so it's message is not missed.
It's rather niche in it's message, however it's for a good cause, which touches many families and is a heart-warming read.
May 24, 2014
I would have given this book four stars, but my children's reactions have tipped it over to a five - we've had it from the library this week and read it approaching 20 times already. The concept of the ribbon of hearts connecting two friends is wonderful, and the book provides a way in to talking about illness and hospital stays in a very gentle and approachable way. The personal experiences of heart issues of the author and publisher, as well as the contribution the book sales make to charity make it a particularly poignant read.
February 14, 2016
Working as a Children's bookseller means that I cannot get enough of picture books. Buying this book means donating to the International Children's Heart Foundation, so it's even more beautiful and warming
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews