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Extra Special Heart
Beautiful, inclusive story about a little boy with a Congenital Heart Defect. It highlights all of the beauty and strengths the child has, even though he may have a heart with physical imperfections. Teaches children about inclusion, and harvests pride amongst children with CHD, that may feel frustrated or sad about having an "imperfect heart." Perfect for Valentine’s Day but also a great year-round book to read!
24 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2022
9 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Carli Valentine
14 books50 followersCarli Valentine- Children's Book Author, Illustrator has always been passionate about writing and storytelling. From a young age, she learned of the magic that existed in books and has been entranced by it ever since. As a child, she consistently begged her parents for visits to the library so she could hand-pick from their vast collection of magical works. Her parents frequently caught her hiding under her bedcovers sneaking a book she couldn't put down, long into the night. It must have been the warm, soft glow of the reading light that gave her away!
Her goal as mother and an author, is to spread the magic of books to children so they can join in her obsession of reading. She loves to create fun stories by gathering inspiration from her kids. She resides with her husband and 2 boys (Finnegan and Lochlan) in Ogden, Utah. When she's not working on her children’s books she likes to hang out with her family and volunteer at her son’s elementary school and with various children’s heart defect charities. She has authored books including Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch, Turkey Trot, and Christmas is a Feeling and BIG Plans for Tomorrow with many more in the works.
Her goal as mother and an author, is to spread the magic of books to children so they can join in her obsession of reading. She loves to create fun stories by gathering inspiration from her kids. She resides with her husband and 2 boys (Finnegan and Lochlan) in Ogden, Utah. When she's not working on her children’s books she likes to hang out with her family and volunteer at her son’s elementary school and with various children’s heart defect charities. She has authored books including Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch, Turkey Trot, and Christmas is a Feeling and BIG Plans for Tomorrow with many more in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 7, 2022
love it
I can’t wait to show my daughter this very special book, and show her that’s she’s a super hero with her special heart and scars :)
I can’t wait to show my daughter this very special book, and show her that’s she’s a super hero with her special heart and scars :)
February 7, 2022
my son has ventricular septal defect
this book is so touching my son also has CHD (uk based) so was lovely to read a book dedicated to children like him. He loves it also x
this book is so touching my son also has CHD (uk based) so was lovely to read a book dedicated to children like him. He loves it also x
June 10, 2022
Special Book for a Special Heart
Great book. Showing the love in hearts that may not have been made “perfect.” Good book to let others know they are not alone with CHD.
Great book. Showing the love in hearts that may not have been made “perfect.” Good book to let others know they are not alone with CHD.
August 6, 2022
What a beautiful and inspiring book! If I were a mom who had just found out my child was born with CHD, I would hope someone would gift me this book. It provides strength and encouragement to the reader and touches the heart. Perfect for families dealing with this. Thank you for creating a book like this and putting it out in the world.
January 21, 2022
beautiful!
This is a beautiful and empowering book that sends a message of triumph amidst adversity. Hugs to little Finn and all the kids out there who are extra special!
This is a beautiful and empowering book that sends a message of triumph amidst adversity. Hugs to little Finn and all the kids out there who are extra special!
February 14, 2022
very sweet
This is a very sweet book to read to a child who is has the same issues as the main character which is congenital heart defect. It will make them feel special.
This is a very sweet book to read to a child who is has the same issues as the main character which is congenital heart defect. It will make them feel special.
February 14, 2022
Heartwarming!
Heartwarming little tale about a special little boy born with a heart defect though he overpowers it becoming a strong boy who can do anything.
I love the way this story has been told & the illustrations are wonderful.
Heartwarming little tale about a special little boy born with a heart defect though he overpowers it becoming a strong boy who can do anything.
I love the way this story has been told & the illustrations are wonderful.
February 8, 2022
A Validation for Kids with CHD
Carli Valentine wrote this book for her son, to help him appreciate and value his special heart. In doing so, she gifted all kids with heart defects a way to learn about and value THEIR special hearts. By focusing on what his heart can do, the child feels even stronger and more capable. This book is a refreshing dose of encouragement. It will be well-received by medical offices and hospitals as well as parents and caregivers. But the kids will love it best of all.
Carli Valentine wrote this book for her son, to help him appreciate and value his special heart. In doing so, she gifted all kids with heart defects a way to learn about and value THEIR special hearts. By focusing on what his heart can do, the child feels even stronger and more capable. This book is a refreshing dose of encouragement. It will be well-received by medical offices and hospitals as well as parents and caregivers. But the kids will love it best of all.
February 9, 2022
Super Sweet Book!
Love this book as it points out an extra special heart, that of a child born with a congenital heart defect. This book is unique as it can help those children with CHD and bring some joy or hope!
Love this book as it points out an extra special heart, that of a child born with a congenital heart defect. This book is unique as it can help those children with CHD and bring some joy or hope!
February 7, 2022
such a beautiful book to read our warrior
Our son was born with a heart defect and underwent open heart surgery at 2 1/2 months old. I’m excited to read this to him especially since he is going in for his second surgery later this month.
Our son was born with a heart defect and underwent open heart surgery at 2 1/2 months old. I’m excited to read this to him especially since he is going in for his second surgery later this month.
February 7, 2022
Tugs at a Heart Warrior Mama’s heart strings :)
My heart warrior will love this. He is strong, brave and incredible and this book with remind him of that!
My heart warrior will love this. He is strong, brave and incredible and this book with remind him of that!
July 26, 2022
very creative and encouraging picture book! I enjoyed reading this book. Well written. So worthy of
5 stars!
5 stars!
February 7, 2022
love!
My 2 year old son has Tetralogy of Fallot and this will be amazing to read to him over and over! Thanks for making this book available today, you're awesome!
My 2 year old son has Tetralogy of Fallot and this will be amazing to read to him over and over! Thanks for making this book available today, you're awesome!
February 7, 2022
Heart Warrior Angel
As a mom of a heart warrior Angel this made me cry. What a special book you created. Thank you!
As a mom of a heart warrior Angel this made me cry. What a special book you created. Thank you!
January 30, 2022
As a mother, the text and images touched my heart.
There were sad moments (child lying in the hospital with his teddy bear) and happy moments (superhero and knight scene).
I ended the story smiling because the little boy was out of the hospital and sporting the biggest smile.
There were sad moments (child lying in the hospital with his teddy bear) and happy moments (superhero and knight scene).
I ended the story smiling because the little boy was out of the hospital and sporting the biggest smile.
April 25, 2022
Cute book
It was a subtle way of showing that a child born with a heart problem can still have a strong heart in other ways. Assuming this is a personal story, I would never ask for someone to change it. But as someone who doesn’t live with a child with this condition, I didn’t actually understand the purpose of the story without the heading that included: Congenital Heart Defect.
The illustrations showed hospital stays and surgery scars so I assumed it was a heart replacement or something like that. I was please to share with my kids because their grandfather had a heart valve replacement and a pacemaker, and it may have helped to explain it.
Overall it’s a nice book and I’m sure it can make man kids born with CHD happy.
It was a subtle way of showing that a child born with a heart problem can still have a strong heart in other ways. Assuming this is a personal story, I would never ask for someone to change it. But as someone who doesn’t live with a child with this condition, I didn’t actually understand the purpose of the story without the heading that included: Congenital Heart Defect.
The illustrations showed hospital stays and surgery scars so I assumed it was a heart replacement or something like that. I was please to share with my kids because their grandfather had a heart valve replacement and a pacemaker, and it may have helped to explain it.
Overall it’s a nice book and I’m sure it can make man kids born with CHD happy.
April 20, 2022
This sweet book is full of love and admiration. Finn is a boy with a rare congenital heart defect called a vascular ring. He literally has extra heart, and the author eloquently turns what could be seen as a tragedy into extra love to give. My son was born with the same rare defect, and like Finn, he is a hero. Finn is very courageous and brave, and has a loving mended heart. The illustrations are wonderful.
July 26, 2022
beautiful story!
Loved everything about this story! Extra special heart is wonderful book about overcoming challenges and difficulties and turning them into your strength! Such a wonderful way to spread the awareness about CHD and share with others how brave your child is! I really enjoyed reading this book with my little one and discussing with him how everyone has different story to tell about their life, and how those stories must be told and respected!
Loved everything about this story! Extra special heart is wonderful book about overcoming challenges and difficulties and turning them into your strength! Such a wonderful way to spread the awareness about CHD and share with others how brave your child is! I really enjoyed reading this book with my little one and discussing with him how everyone has different story to tell about their life, and how those stories must be told and respected!
June 15, 2022
Every page had its own punch with a positive message. I especially loved all the exclamation points around the large, bold words... made it more powerful and emphatic. This book is great for little warriors to understand how special they are, how resilient their heart is, and how courageous they can be facing everyday hiccups.
July 27, 2022
A beautiful book about a brave boy
This book is just lovely. What a brave, strong boy and it makes it extra special that it has been made in honour of a little heart warrior, the author’s son. This will bring comfort to many families.
This book is just lovely. What a brave, strong boy and it makes it extra special that it has been made in honour of a little heart warrior, the author’s son. This will bring comfort to many families.
February 20, 2022
Such a sweet story for young Childern. Lovely illustrations
July 25, 2022
beautiful book!
Very important book to help spread awareness of CHD. It’s done in such a sweet understanding way and the illustrations are fab!
Very important book to help spread awareness of CHD. It’s done in such a sweet understanding way and the illustrations are fab!
August 1, 2022
LOVE THIS BOOK!
So sweet for any young Heart Warrior and their family! Love the hand drawn pictures, positivity, and vulnerability. Carli Valentine does great work!
So sweet for any young Heart Warrior and their family! Love the hand drawn pictures, positivity, and vulnerability. Carli Valentine does great work!
July 26, 2022
Beautiful message!
I loved the story message and the way it highlights capacity to love and care even though it had some physical complications. A great story for all kids!
I loved the story message and the way it highlights capacity to love and care even though it had some physical complications. A great story for all kids!
August 13, 2022
A lovely story. Would be great for any child who has a heart defect. Inspiring.
February 8, 2023
Heart warming!
I was approached by the author to read this book for an honest review. I have enjoyed some of Carli Valentine’s books already- and this didn’t disappoint either! This story is based on real life experience and the sensitive subject of having a heart defect- it’s also a beautiful way of encouraging and supporting her son and celebrating his success too. This is perfectly explained at the start of the book- which also accounts for the use of some words and phrases indicating a belief in God. However, this is acceptable given the author’s circumstances and intention to teach children about inclusion, pride amongst children with CHD, that may feel frustrated or sad.
The story has a beautifully positive feel to it , providing positive affirmations throughout. The illustrations are bold, address the operational side but with a child friendly point of view - eg - a Teddy with stitches after an operation.
Overall this I a a book that encourages others to be kind, inclusive , accepting and think positively . A great book. Highly recommended.
I was approached by the author to read this book for an honest review. I have enjoyed some of Carli Valentine’s books already- and this didn’t disappoint either! This story is based on real life experience and the sensitive subject of having a heart defect- it’s also a beautiful way of encouraging and supporting her son and celebrating his success too. This is perfectly explained at the start of the book- which also accounts for the use of some words and phrases indicating a belief in God. However, this is acceptable given the author’s circumstances and intention to teach children about inclusion, pride amongst children with CHD, that may feel frustrated or sad.
The story has a beautifully positive feel to it , providing positive affirmations throughout. The illustrations are bold, address the operational side but with a child friendly point of view - eg - a Teddy with stitches after an operation.
Overall this I a a book that encourages others to be kind, inclusive , accepting and think positively . A great book. Highly recommended.
February 16, 2023
Extra Special Heart is an inspiring, beautiful, strong, sweet, and perfect story! This book is about a little boy with a congenital heart defect. Things are hard sometimes and surgies a never easy, but despite his heart having physical imperfections he knows it is extra special. The boy shares how he is strong, fierce, full of love, and appreciation. His heart helps him overcome challenging obstacles and stay positive in tough times. This book truly showcases the astounding resilience, love, and compassion children CHD patients have. The main character is always sporting a bright smile and showing lots of love to those around him. I teared up a little when I saw the pages, "it was stronger than any superhero and braver than any knight". This is so true and I hope all the children who read this book realize that and view themselves in this way. This is such an important read.
January 22, 2022
I cannot wait to sit down and read this book with my children for Valentine's Day! Our family doing a whole year of reading more disability inclusive books, and I liked this one for several reasons. First, I loved how simple this book was to understand. Second, I adored the "extra" theme of the book- extra love, extra heart, etc. and lastly, how awesome is it for this author's last name for Valentine's Day?! Such a great way to open up communication about heart defects with children, and how having a heart disorder does not prevent someone from loving life and those around them.
February 14, 2023
This story made my heart smile!
The little boy in this story, about a boy with a congenital heart defect, is very brave! It shows how resilient kids can be in the face of adversity, and how the support of loving friends and family can make all the difference. I hope this boy’s heart stays strong and healthy for many, many, many years!! What a loving way to honor a child.
The little boy in this story, about a boy with a congenital heart defect, is very brave! It shows how resilient kids can be in the face of adversity, and how the support of loving friends and family can make all the difference. I hope this boy’s heart stays strong and healthy for many, many, many years!! What a loving way to honor a child.
June 14, 2023
My daughter had OHS in 2018, and we purchased this book to share with other heart families. She’s nine now, and I wasn’t sure that the book would still feel relevant, but she read it with the biggest smile on her face, and when she finished, looked at me and said, “mommy, I have such a special heart.” Highly recommend for kids and adults of all ages who are dealing with CHD in any capacity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews