Heartman
Heartman is the story of a little boy and his father, and how easily we can take those closest to us for granted. Heartman’s superpower is that he never runs out of love. To his young son that does not seem as exciting as the unbelievable superpowers his friends’ superhero parents have. He wishes Heartman was more like Bigger Thanyorz, The Giggler and Wi-Fly.
Stephen Hogtun has written and illustrated a beautiful picture book that children and parents will enjoy. Parents will be able to relate to Heartman’s daily battles with supervillains such as The Bills and the Great Big Mortgage. They may also be familiar with the feeling that their children think other parents are cooler, bigger, funnier, and better than them! Young readers will connect with the little boy’s longing for some excitement.
Hogtun’s illustrations and text work together to create a story that is perfect for sharing. The relationship between Heartman and his son is beautifully told, through text and illustrations. The Dad at the centre of this story is doing such a good job of making his young son feel safe that the boy takes this for granted at the start of the story. When something goes wrong the little boy discovers that being bigger, funnier or better at technology aren’t the only superpowers that matter. It turns out that Heartman’s superpower is the only one that can save the day.
