One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different

by Linsey Davis, Lucy Fleming (Illustrator)

What do you get when you combine ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis’ lyrical rhymes with Lucy Fleming’s whimsical art? A culture-rich picture book that proudly showcases the beauty of diversity while celebrating all the wonderful things we have in common.

From skin, hair, and eyes in a multitude of colors to different personalities and interests, God gave us all special traits and characteristics that make us uniquely ourselves. And we all have things in common too: like sharing fun and laughter on the playground, a sense of curiosity, big feelings, and so many other things that show how we are all more alike than we are different.

Ready to celebrate all our likes and differences? So are we! And this diverse picture book—drenched in color and full of laughter and fun—will show you how.

One Big Heart is:


Written by Emmy-winning ABC News correspondent and The World Is Awake author Linsey Davis
A multiethnic, multicultural, multiracial children’s picture book that recognizes our unique differences while celebrating how alike we are as well
An inspiring story of inclusion and connection
The perfect read-aloud for kids ages 4–8  

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Christian, Religion

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 6, 2019

About the author

Linsey Davis is an Emmy Award winning ABC News Correspondent, filing reports for World News, Good Morning America, 20/20 and Nightline. She has covered major news stories around the globe, and is also a bestselling author of her first children’s book, THE WORLD IS AWAKE. She is now excited to share her latest book, ONE BIG HEART, with the world.

ONE BIG HEART is about celebrating how we are more alike than different. We can embrace our differences and still find our common ground. God gave us all one big heart, and that’s the most important part because it’s where love starts.

For Davis, her son serves as her inspiration for the books she writes. "Almost daily he takes my hand and he leads me into the world around him with fresh eyes, and it serves as a subtle reminder of all the reasons to rejoice and anticipate each new day.”

In addition to her role at ABC, she is a Christian, wife, mother and author. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this one from the library without reading the synopsis. I was a little disappointed to find that it's a rather religious picture book, and as such is not really suited to atheists and non-believers (or anyone who isn't a fan of capital-G God in picture books).

However, this book does have some strong points. The rhyming text is lovely, and deftly does what it sets out to accomplish: show that we have more similarities than differences. The illustrations are, for the most part, wonderful. A diverse selection of children is shown, and there's even one little girl who's missing an arm (I think this is the first time I've seen a child amputee depicted in a picture book).

On the flip side, there are a few issues parents should be aware of. First is the aforementioned religious flavour of the book; that's just not going to fly for some readers. Second, I thought there could've been a little more diversity shown; the children are all very Western, and there was an opportunity missed in the lunchtime illustration to show the kids eating a variety of foods (everything on that table is standard Western-culture lunch fare: e.g., sandwiches, pizza, fruit, and juice boxes.) Finally, there's the issue of the food descriptions for skin colour (which even appear on the back cover, further reinforcing the problem). I'm surprised this made it in, given that the author is a POC herself. Her children might be able to get away with describing people's skin with words like "melon" and "chocolate"... but if a white person's kids did the same thing, they'd be liable to get the side-eye (or worse). If we really want to teach kids that it's not okay to use food adjectives to describe appearances, those descriptions really shouldn't be appearing a children's book.

Some of those issues rather narrow down the audience this book would be appropriate for. It would be great for religious children of colour who are allowed to compare their skin colour to chocolate. But I'd be hesitant to recommend it to those outside of that group, no matter how cute the illustrations are.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

ABC news correspondent Linsey Davis, who made her picture-book debut with The World Is Awake: A Celebration of Everyday Blessings , published last year (2018), returns to the form in this sweet rhyming celebration of human diversity, and the spark of God in each of us. The text here describes the interests, personal traits and activities of a wide range of children, but asserts that they are more alike in the essentials - in their feelings, and in their God-given hearts - than they are unalike. The accompanying artwork depicts those children at play and at work...

Like its predecessor, One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different pairs an engaging and upbeat narrative with colorful and cute illustrations. The text reads well, and the artwork is appealing. There isn't anything here of doctrine or dogma, just the idea that all children are God's children, and that they are united by one big heart, making this a picture-book that could work for a variety of Christian (or even non-Christian) denominations. My only criticism of the book would be the absence of any (visibly) disabled children amongst the otherwise diverse range of characters depicted. Leaving that aside, this is one I would recommend to those looking for a celebration of human diversity from a religious perspective.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars
A celebration of diversity and how God makes us all unique and wonderful.

Positives: the teacher is a boy, and he is a POC. The children are all different colors and wear real-type clothes (cute ones too) and not anything too precious for real life. One of the kids has glasses. The children are shown doing diverse activities (boy planting/gardening; girls playing ball; girl doing undersea exploration; etc.). A boy is shown crying with no negative effects or ramifications. Children are shown throughout the day treating each other as friends.

Negatives: This is supposed to be a celebration of diversity and God's creation yet it left me wanting MORE diversity. It showed a kids in glasses, but no one in a wheelchair or in leg braces. Update: because I missed this the first time. There is a little girl who only has one arm. How did I miss that?
It showed different shades of skin, and talked about shades of skin ... um, problem! What is melon skin? (Weird.) And referencing people's skin, especially poc by food?! That's a no-no in today's culture. You don't hear poc talk about white people having skin of "curdled cream" or "underdone toast" or "bologna that had never seen happy rays from the sun" ... why? Because it isn't COOL, people. Stop. Just stop. *sigh* It's problematic. I knocked the the review a whole star because of these issues.

Another update: It talked about eating different things but it showed mostly sandwiches and a salad? Why not different types of food, different varieties, for different cultures? Not just mostly sandwiches? How about naan or something? How about noodles of some sort? How about something with tofu? How about sushi? How about something kimchi? More suggestions would be great!

I liked that it showed a little girl doing "girly" things without any judgment; too many books are condemning boys or girls who want to do "boy" things or "girl" things. Just let people be. Seriously. If a girl wants to dress up as a princess, let her. If a boy wants to drive cars around, let him. Glad to see the issue wasn't forced here.

All in all, not bad.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully illustrated book about kids, their differences and similarities, their feelings, their likes and their beautiful love for each other. This stories highlights a classroom and the children within it. It shows them doing various activities, that young children can relate to. It praises their strengths and accomplishments showing acceptance for being different. The class is very multi-cultural with children from all ethnicities. I read this with my granddaughter and she loved it. She constantly interrupted my reading to share stories about her friends that did certain things and liked various activities. We read this one several times before I was able to actually read it uninterrupted so that I could get into the flow. Being a Christian family, the mention of God was okay with us, but unfortunately, her teacher would not be able to read this book to her class because of separation of religion and school. I definitely recommend this story for young children and their families. It is full of love and acceptance that is needed at all times, but especially now. Let the children lead the way.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

ONE BIG HEART is a children's book that celebrates diversity and will show children why everyone is different from hair texture to eye color to skin, to likes and dislikes. It also shares that you can still be friends and show love to someone different than you.

This book would be good for a child starting preschool for the first time to show that while we may all be different but we are alike in many big ways. It also stresses the need to be kind.

Recommended for preschool children attending an actual preschool.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

[Ellie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely beautiful book. This book highlights the importance of individual differences and the importance of kindness. It helps children to understand that each individual person has something different to them and that it is ok an wonderful to be different from everyone elso. It allows children to see that there is no shame in their differences, wether that be their hair, their personality or even the colour of their skin. With beautiful illustrations and wonderful rhymes, this book is perfect to share with your child, I know my daughter loved it.! I would highly recommend this book to any parent who may be struggling to find ways in which to discuss diversity and equality with their little ones, it truly encompasses the importance of kindness and uniqueness.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for introducing young children to the concept of diversity. It does a good job of showing the many ways someone can be different, as well as the ways we are all alike. The illustrations are colorful and lively. Recommended!

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Michelle Romano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Diversity

This is a beautiful story about diversity in school. The rhymes and pictures captivated me. It references God putting kindness and love into our hearts.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rhyming is nice and the illustrations are adorable! The message being shared is perfect. However, the mention of God prevents me from adding it to my classroom library or using it in a public school setting. I also feel that there is little diversity in the names of the students.

[Conny Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

“But the thing that matters most is something we can’t see. The touch of God that’s inside you and also inside me,” Lindsey Davis with Beverly Davis writes in her children’s book, One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different.

~ What ~
This thirty-two-page, oversized hardbound targets children ages four to eight years old who like to read stories about how God makes us unique yet the same. With no scary scenes, the book should be read out loud to beginner readers based on several three or more syllable words. Full-page detailed illustrations with expressive-looking young ones cover all pages.

After an ownership page, this story is told in rhyme about children at school who learn each are different yet similar. As the boys and girls notice their different skin tones, hair styles, and skills both in the classroom and on the playground, they also learn they are more alike than different in that they smile, move, run, jump, dance, and play together. As they discuss feelings and friendships, they learn the most important thing they have in common is that God is inside of us.

~Why ~
I like how this book is colorful and visually stimulating as each page has engaging illustrations that are fun and interesting while the rhyming words flow across the pages. Encouraging young readers to be aware of God is important.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe in God may avoid this book. Some children may have trouble accepting others, but this is a good way to overcome biases. Without explaining who God is, the Biblical aspect of accepting the eternal plan of salvation is missing.

~ Wish ~
With the book stating the concept that God is inside all of us, I wish it better explained the true God or Jesus and how we can “ask Him into our hearts.”

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a children’s book that focuses on children noticing what is the same and different among their peers, this one is acceptable. However, it may not convey how God’s “touch” gets inside of us.

Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author spends a great many words, illustrations, and pages preparing to proclaim her STRONGEST version of theology. Since that doesn't appear until the very end of the book, I can't quote it. But I'm glad to summarize what goes before.

* For seven pages the authors celebrate how children LOOK different from each other. (Maybe not news, even to a five-year-old.)

* For another nine pages, children are told that they can DO THINGS, like how they move. (Maybe not news either, especially to a five-year-old.)

* Children learn they like to eat (two pages).

* And they like school (four pages).

* Also, they have emotions, need friends (two pages).

THEN COMES THE MILDER ROUND OF THEOLOGY

"But the way we're most alike...
the Most Important Part?
God gave us all a special gift--
We each have ONE BIG HEART."

To make sure each child gets the message, three children smile for the camera. (Or the reader?) And each child holds up a great big, red, Valentine-type heart.

IN CONCLUSION

I wonder who is the intended audience here. Is it really the kids? Or is this mostly a feelgood book for the parents? Perhaps...

By reading this book, it's like parents are leading Sunday School. They're explaining important things to their children, religious things, so that their blank-slate children will be able to follow the correct teachings.

Rating this book in terms of the intended audience, sure, FIVE STARS. Especially because the pictures are very cute, and also because social justice demands that children acknowledge every human being's mutual humanity.

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review from: https://ashlynmadani.wixsite.com/them...

One Big Heart is a children's book about how everyone is different but similar at the same time. Everyone has different hair, eye, and skin color, and everyone can do and like different things like sing or jump. However, everyone is more alike than they are different because they like to play outside, move, run, jump, wiggle, dance, and eat. Each child is curious and has feelings, but the most important thing that each child has is a big heart.

One Big Heart is a great book about diversity. It shows how each kid is different but the same. This book is a great way for young children to learn how God made everyone unique and special but also gave everyone a big heart. I loved how easy the text flowed. The illustrations were bright and colorful, making this a perfect book for children to be engaged in. I think every child should learn the lesson from this book because it is important for them to understand diversity and know that even though people look different and have different interests, everyone is still similar in some ways. I would recommend One Big Heart for ages 3 to 8.

I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Literature Lattes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One Big Heart" by Linsey Davis is the quintessential story about the beauty of diversity seen through the eyes of a child. The book is set inside a typical classroom with blending of children from different backgrounds who look and act different. However even with so many things that make them unique, is there something they all have in common?

This book is a fabulous book that introduces young kids to the topic of diversity. The book uses concrete examples of differences that children will be able to understand and then shows readers how beautiful those differences are. At the end of the book, the author brings the story full circle and notes that even though so many things are different, everyone has their heart in common. I wish that the book would have included kids of differing abilities, but I think that the book is a great first step for any family to teach respect and acceptance to the next generation. We loved it!

[Jillian Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire the front cover of the book so much. It is inviting and offers diversity not just in race but in gender as well. This story becomes realistic and relevant to young readers because of what Linsey Davis points out in her text. She also offers a rhyme scheme that engages the reader. It’s not complex and super deep. The illustrations go so well with the text. The classroom is filled with so much fun personalities, activities, and character feature differences. The illustrator used vibrant colors and a chalky texture to it to make it seem like a kid friendly drawing. The details on the face were so defined. Using context and picture clues, the students would be able to define the author's purpose. Essentially, we are all different; however, God did create in us with one thing in common: One Big Heart. It provides the young reader with a different perspective or purpose in life. I believe this book can also teach students self-concept and self-esteem.

[Danielle Bailleu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute, fun, rhyming book about how we are more alike than different. The illustrations were detailed, colorful, and absolutely amazing. I really liked the story but the one thing that threw me off was the talk about God. Not everyone believes in God so how can the book talk about differences but saying we were all created the same under God? Very contradictory and I think because of that there will be a lot of people who will not read this book.

This book was given to me an an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whimsical illustrations along with the beautiful rhyme create an easy to read aloud story that celebrates all children. Linsey Davis uses her words to teach children that they may be different, but God created them to be alike with a big heart to love each other. I love the colorful illustrations and the well-chosen words that encourage children to see the best in each other. This is a perfect read for preschool and Kindergarten. Or share this sweet story at home. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

But the way we're most alike... the MOST IMPORTANT PART? God gave us all a special gift. We each have ONE BIG HEART.

This little picture book helps parents and child learn the differences of each person. That differences are what makes each of us unique and special. It is important that we are different and just as important is how we are the same. An important lesson for each of us to learn and relearn.

A Special Thank you to Zonderkidz and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Joyce Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brightly colored illustrations include children of all shades and hues of skin color. They jump off the page and truly "illustrate" the theme that we're all more alike than different. I love the child's-eye-view as they kids observe one another in their commonalities. Good interaction of characters in both text and art. Good takeaway: "The thing that matters most is something we can't see. The touch of God that's inside you and also inside me. That's the place where kindness grows and where love gets its start."

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Big Heart is all about differences and similarities — the variety found in people and the important things they share. With bold and colorful illustrations and a rhyming verse, the authors show the importance of being unique while celebrating the things that bind us together. Great lessons for both kids and adults!

Recommended.

Audience: kids ages 4-8.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

this totally deserves more than 5 stars ... coming right up. the world needs more love, respect, kindness and humor. being silly and fun together. i mean why not? let's make folks smile and be kind. always be KIND!! I do recognize this author, i think she is on the news??! i gotta check. what a beautiful read. i enjoy the illustrations. Lucy is a genius with those. i appreciate this read. i think this would be a great gift for any one ... so happy and so so true. GREAT ADVICE!!

[Cara BookShelfMomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The words had a wonderful rhythm as I read them. My daughters loved reading this too. The illustrations were wonderful I also loved that this book focused on all the ways that children are different from each other, skin color, one child was missing an arm, different types of hair, body sizes. It was great! Can't wait to purchase an actual copy for our bookshelf!

[Danyel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Zonderkidz-Books for gifting me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a great way to show kids that even though everyone may look different on the outside, we still have so much in common with each other. It also has a couple of pages to help them understand that it’s ok to be upset sometimes. The story flows and the rhymes are smooth. Plus the illustrations are beautiful, and the diversity in the children is great!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rhyming picture book celebrating how each of us can look very different and we all have unique abilities, we're also similar in many ways too.

Linsey Davis encourages kids to embrace the way God made each of us and made us to be better together. A great read for kids in Christian families, churches, or Christian schools. The illustrations are cute, and Davis conveys the message in a fun but very understandable way.

[Grace Coy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different is a multiethnic, multicultural, multiracial children’s picture book that recognizes our unique differences while celebrating our similarities. It mentions the differences in physical appearances, personalities, interests, etc., among everyone in the world. I love this story, although I am unsure whether I could read it in my classroom because it is written from a Christian worldview, so it mentions God.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and lyrical. Rhymes and pictures depict children of various races who find how similar they are despite their differences. Some have dimples, some are missing teeth, they all love to run and jump and play at recess. Some can do cartwheels, some make a mess, they are all curious. Each one was made unique in God's image.

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good children book which was all about respecting others with or without difference. Physical difference isn’t important we all are humans and we should respect, not even necessarily like, but respect each others. Always important and it just fit perfectly in the actual movement that is going on. Worth reading and discussing it afterward with children!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so glad to see netgalley offer me a copy of Linsey Davis' book. I'm a huge follower of ABC news- so I was already a fan of Linsey's journalistic work. I'm very excited to get to read her children's book. 'One Big Heart' is fantastic. It beautifully highlights that everyone looks different, but we are all the same inside. It's a message that everyone needs to hear.

[Matthew Manchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect for this to be a Christian kids book about diversity and love. It was, it is, and it is wonderful. I read 6 kids books, back to back, about diversity and this book shines above them all. The words are catchy, the art is gorgeous. It really is a flawless kids book.

Find it at the library and prove me wrong.

Five stars.

[Alyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contemporary Realistic
Grades K-2
This adorable story celebrates diversity and how we are more alike than different because we were all made by God with one big heart. It features a wide variety of kids who look different and do different things. While this is a cute story, I don't see myself using this book in a public classroom as it is about God creating us.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet celebration of not only our differences but also, how we are alike. Told in rhyming text, the author celebrates how we are created by God. Cheerful and colorful illustrations depict a rainbow of children and their beautiful physical traits. One Big Heart is perfect for sharing in a Sunday school or Christian school setting. Recommended.