Sarah’s Heavy Heart (New Frontier) is the story of girl who carries a heavy heart wherever she goes. She knows it is hers to carry but she just wishes it wasn’t so heavy. Then one day at the bus stop, something floats by…
This story came about when I drew a little picture of a girl carrying a heavy heart on her back. I liked the way the curve of the heart fitted with the curve of the girl’s back. From that image, I then put together a story depicting the burden of a heavy heart, then introduced the girl to somebody who had quite a different problem with his heart. The ending then came together – balance.
Sarah’s story is basically about sharing one’s problems. Children relate to the need to talk about things that make them sad and adults may identify with the search for love and friendship. I often feel like this is a grown-up book disguised as a children’s book.
My favourite moment of making this book was the night I decided to pair Sarah up with her tortoise friend. I had tried other animals – dogs, birds, snails – before it struck me: the burden of the tortoise’s shell parallels the weight of Sarah’s heart.
The illustrations were done with watercolour and ink.
This page has the following sub pages.
hi i am one of the children from Jubilee primary. You came to our school today(7th September 2011) your are officially my idol. I’m in year four. I have brown hair and eyes. I was one of the lucky kids to sit right in front of you. You really inspired me today. As soon as i got home i actually started thinking of some stories i could write. I absoulutley forgot all about my homework!
You are the best person ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[...] My favourite moment of making this book was the night I decided to pair Sarah up with her tortoise friend. I had tried other animals – dogs, birds, snails – before it struck me: the burden of the tortoise’s shell parallels the weight of Sarah’s heart.” – Peter Carnavas [...]
I love Sarah’s Heavy Heart!I love it so much that I’m going to dress-up as her for bookweek.looking foward to meeting you.
LOVE
FROM
AMBER!
Dear peter
thank u for writing such a wonderful story.The story was beautifu
I just wrote a short review for my nespaper. A beautiful book for all generations.
Congratulations from Slovenija, where your book came out few months ago. Respect, Maja
From one hemisphere to another, thankyou!