Written by Katherine and John Paterson, Illustrated by John Rocco
This book is about a magic flint rock in the shape of a heart that after causing destruction is lost and then found again by a kind farmer in the moor. The farmer then becomes mean and vicious to all his family. It is up to a little boy and his sister to continually track down the heart and destroy with the aid of the fairies in the book. I found this book rather enjoyable. It kind of reminded me of a short version of the Hobbit. but a much easier read. My 9 year old thought it was great and can’t wait to check it out of our library so she can finish it.
Review by Jalene Magee, Sandburg Elem. Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-5
I can honestly say this is the first book I have ever read where a hot water bottle is a main character in a story.
Very delightful easy fiction fantasy with some colorful illustrations on big thick shiny pages make this book a pleasure to look at and read.
The Flint Heart was made in the Stone Age, where the story begins. He who wears the Flint Heart comes under the influence of the Thunder Spirit, becoming evil and selfish. The book follows the history of the Flint Heart through the Shaman Cave Man who makes the talisman, through more modern times. Find out if the hot water bottle teams up with the jacky toads, the Zagbob, the Pixies or perhaps some human children to finally put an end to the Flint Heart.
This is an adaptation of an earlier fairy tale that I am not familiar with, so I cannot make comparisons. But this telling is very charming, with a little humor and some fun characters.
Review by Terrie Bishop, Academy Park Elem. Media Center
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 2-6
www.theflintheart.com
terabithia.com (Katherine Paterson)
www.roccoart.com (John Rocco)
The Flint Heart: a Fairy Story
Written by Katherine and John Paterson, Illustrated by John Rocco
Candlewick Press
288 pages
Release Date: September 27, 2011
ISBN: 9780763647124 (hardcover)
