Take Heart, Take Action by Beci Orpin is a children’s picture book sprung from political beginnings. Orpin is a self-professed political advocate and has stated she was particularly saddened by the 2019 Federal Election results. Her disappointment propelled her into writing a book of hope for little readers. The result is a beautiful book that shows children how they can be productive members of society, who care about the environment and others.
Take Heart, Take Action is about inspiring children (and adults) into making a positive impact on the world; each page with its own unique message. Twenty messages in total, Orpin likes to call “conversation starters”, such as: Ride a bike, save water, be mindful, vote. The instructions range from how to directly care for the environment, to behaving in a socially conscious way.
The picture book is laid out with short snappy messages on each page, until the final page elaborates the messages. For example, “Have Hope: You often hear bad news about the world we live in, but don’t lose hope! There are lots of things you can do to make positive changes – that’s what this book is all about!” There are great ideas on how to implement these changes such as passing on unwanted clothes to friends, or to walk somewhere instead of driving.
Orpin is a well-known designer and illustrator. She has written craft books and other positive children’s picture books, as well as collaborating with good causes such as creating a brand and design for Guide Dogs Australia support scent, which won the Gold Lion at Cannes. Orpin’s heart and moral compass clearly runs deeply throughout all of her work, which is beautiful to witness.
Orpin’s inspiring Instagram feed has a total of 76k followers and the Take Heart Take Action book cover received over 12,200 likes, which suggests the simplicity of her messages are hitting home with many. Orpin states she finds illustrations can communicate a message in a way that can’t be entirely achieved by words.
Take Heart Take Action is a gorgeously illustrated picture book with bold, honest images which will get your little reader thinking about how they fit in the world and how they can make it better.
Purchase a copy of Take Heart Take Action by Beci Orpin
Beci Orpin is a creative practitioner based in Melbourne, Australia. Her work occupies a space between illustration, design and craft. Beci has run a freelance studio for over 20 years, catering to a wide range of clients, as well as exhibiting her work both locally and internationally. She has written four D.I.Y books and a number of books for children. Her work is described as colourful, graphic, bold, feminine and dream-like.
Beci has collaborated with many brands, both in Australia and overseas, from Gorman to Urban Outfitters and Go-To Skincare. She is often profiled in the media and has been described as ‘Australia’s high priestess of design’.
Leave a Reply