A Different Kind of Hero

Audiobook Ages 4-9 6 min Music-free available

On Hero Day, a child dressed as Superman learns that a real hero can be found at home, in an audiobook about a mum's gift of a kidney, for ages 4 to 9.

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What is A Different Kind of Hero about?

A Different Kind of Hero is an Islamic audiobook for children aged 4 to 9 about a child who dresses up as Superman for Hero Day at school and discovers that the real hero is Mum.

The day before Hero Day, Mum and Auntie take the child to the fancy dress shop. Auntie is Mum's younger sister, and the two of them do everything together. Asked whether Superman is her favourite hero too, Auntie says no: her hero is Mum, who saved her life when she was ill last year. The child squints and tilts their head. Mum does not look like a hero.

At school, the teacher asks what makes a hero. The children talk about superpowers, flying and big muscles, but the teacher explains that real heroes are brave and kind, that they help other people, and that they can be found all around us, even in our own families. The child puts up their hand: my mum is a real hero. The next day, Mum and Auntie visit the class. They explain that Auntie's kidneys stopped working, that most people have two healthy kidneys, and that tests showed Mum's kidney would work in Auntie's body. Mum admits she was a little scared, but her love for her sister made her brave.

The story helps children see courage and kindness in ordinary people, and it opens a gentle conversation about illness and organ donation. It ends with the words of the Qur'an: whoever saves one life, it is as if they have saved all of humankind. It is written by Mona Zac and is music-free.

What your child will learn

Real heroes are brave and kind, and they help other people.
Heroes can be found in our own families.
Being scared does not stop us from doing something brave.
Saving one life is like saving the whole of humankind.

Where this audiobook comes from

Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:32: Whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved the whole of humankind.

Talk about it afterwards

What makes someone a real hero?
Why did Auntie say that Mum was her hero?
How did Mum feel before the operation, and what helped her feel braver?
Who is a hero in your family, and why?

Frequently asked questions

What age is A Different Kind of Hero suitable for?

Children aged 4 to 9. It explains a kidney transplant in simple words, through a school day that young children will recognise.

Is A Different Kind of Hero based on the Qur'an?

It is a modern story, but it ends with a verse from Surah Al-Ma'idah, that whoever saves one life, it is as if they have saved all of humankind.

How long is A Different Kind of Hero?

About 6 minutes.