Book Review- The Heart and the Bottle
Updated: Aug 23
By Oliver Jeffers
How do we deal with loss? How do we teach a child to deal with loss?
Ask them to brush it off and move on? Stay and shed a tear? Wallow in self pity? Lose yourself in grief?
Many of us have built coping systems, which maybe work for us. The protagonist is one inquisitive child with a mind rich with curiosity. Her constant companion in all her endeavours is her grandad/ father/ beloved elder (I'm not sure!)
One day she comes back to an empty chair which leaves her heartbroken. Not willing to leave her heart open to any more hurt, she puts it for safekeeping in a bottle and hangs it around her neck. Her heart is safe but things are not the same anymore. She isn't hurt anymore but the bottle is getting heavier and awkward. Life is just drifting by until one day someone younger reminds her that all hope is not yet lost.
We learn from our children. Everyday they open our minds to possibilities which we never thought of. The healing power of a little one, the loving care of an elder and leaving your heart open-knowing fully well that it will be subject to hurt but also bring the immense joys of life.
Illustrated in style completely unique to Oliver Jeffers and written in a way which leaves you open to wonder, ponder, hurt and find joy.
Essential read for everyone who has dealt with grief and for kids aged 4+yrs.
Buy this book here
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