Where the Heart Is

A simple, thoughtful picture book about home and belonging * Kids’ Reading Guide *
The best stories for little ones are those where the words and pictures are so intertwined that one doesn’t work without the other, and thus take the reader well beyond the physical, printed page. This is one of those. – Barbara Braxton * Storylinks *
Once again, the talents of Shirley Marr and Michael Speechley have been teamed to give our young readers a gentle, calming story that has the power to take them well beyond the lyrical text and soothing illustrations. Regular readers of these reviews will know that I often say that the best stories for little ones are those where the words and pictures are so intertwined that one doesn’t work without the other, and thus take the reader well beyond the physical, printed page. This is one of those. * The Bottom Shelf *
In Where the Heart is, Shirley Marr crafts a wistful picture book for readers aged 3 to 6 that plays with the familiar idea that home is where the heart is. Here “home” is something to be discovered rather than assumed, a theme revealed through the journey of Mouse. Marr’s sensory text is punctuated with imagery of birds, the sun and the moon, while Speechley’s autumnal palette and falling leaves evoke the plaintive atmosphere of the changing season. His use of curved lines and negative space subtly reflecting Mouse’s emotional state. Where the Heart is captures the feeling of being left behind while gently affirming the comfort and sanctuary of home. – Joy Lawn * Books + Publishing *
This book, from the cover, feels like a warm hug. It’s got this embossed cover, the little mouse on the cover is in relief, it’s just stunning. The glorious illustrations, with their autumnal colour palette, are so clever and show the world and journey of this little mouse with such fondness. You just can’t help but be drawn into it – Allison * yourkidsnextread via instagram *

Shirley Marr is the author of the award winning A Glasshouse of Stars, which won the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers 2022. The book was also the winner of the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award Writing for Children, shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards and Readings Children’s Fiction Prize, and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Shirley’s middle grade novel Countdown to Yesterday was published in 2024 (Penguin Random House Australia, Simon & Schuster US and Usborne UK). She is the author of One Day, illustrated by Michael Speechley.

Michael Speechley has been a graphic designer and high school art teacher in WA. His first picture book, *The All New Must Have Orange 430 *was shortlisted and awarded as an Honour Book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Children’s Book of the Year Award in 2019, and was the winner of The Wilderness Society’s 2019 Environment Award for Children’s Literature, Picture Books. His second book, The Gift, was published in September 2019. It was a Notable Book in the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year Awards, and was shortlisted for the 2019 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards. Michael is the illustrator of One Day, written by Shirley Marr.

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