Book review of Heart and Soul

Heart And Soul by Carol Ann Martin & Tull Suwannakit
Scholastic AU RRP $24.99 AUD (Hardback)

I was so excited to see a new title from Carol Ann Martin on my review pile this month. Her hilarious Underneath A Cow has had more than its fair share of reads by Team Charming over the years. What’s more, she generously donated a story to Library For All (my day job!) which has now been shared with thousands of kids in education programs around Papua New Guinea, Laos and Timor-Leste. Let’s just say I’m a fan!

But all of that aside, there is something quite special about Heart And Soul.  My Mr 8 is a good reader and is usually drawn more to Middle Grade action than picture books these days, but this one made him well up! Evocative illustrations with a sentimental, Christmas-y feel bring to life a gentle story about loyalty, friendship and music.   

Elderly Charlie Wintergreen rescues scrappy pup Louis from the dogs’ home. They build a cosy life together, particularly enjoying Charlie’s trumpet skills. As Charlie plays, Louis sings – always with heart and soul. But one day an ambulance comes to take Charlie away, and he doesn’t return. Louis is back to being a no-name, no-home pup…until he hears someone else playing the trumpet.

Young readers may find this an emotional journey, but it does have a happy ending with positive messages about resilience, tenacity and the notion that ‘home’ and ‘family’ can come in all different shapes and sizes. And, most importantly, a reminder to put your heart and soul into everything you do.

Underneath a Cow

Underneath a Cow by Carol Ann Martin, illustrated by Ben Wood (Omnibus Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-088-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

The animals on the farm are out and about far from their homes when a storm approaches. As big fat raindrops begin to fall, Lally the rabbit is the first to be invited by Madge the cow to shelter underneath her broad body. There is plenty of room at first, but as extra animals join, it gets more and more squishy. Will visitors keep arriving, or will the rain stop before it gets too crowded? And is Spike the hedgehog one animal too many?

Underneath a Cow is a delight to read. The names are wonderful and the banter between the animals is gorgeous. When mother hen’s chicks get excited they bounce about like crazy little dodgem cars. This annoys the dog.

‘Madam!’ Robinson snapped. ‘Do something about your children, please!’

‘They’re only playing,’ said Cackalina. ‘Don’t you ever play?’

‘Not in somebody’s ear. No,’ Robinson replied.

There is a lovely rhythm to the story, with an animal added to the crowd under the cow each page until the storm hits it heights. Here, the calm and brave Madge encourages them all to sing, to keep their fear away.

The personalities in the story are enhanced by the fabulous illustrations, the unflappable cow, the fearful rabbit and the silly chicks – including one little black one who looks like he’d be a handful. Inside the cover – both front and back – is an aerial picture of the farm showing what they were all doing before, and then after, the storm.

This is a really enjoyable and engaging picture book. Both the words and pictures are highly entertaining and it is a story which could be read many times over with pleasure.