A True Home

Reach for this book when your child is feeling small in a big world, struggling with a sense of belonging, or nervous about finding their place in a new group. It is an ideal choice for children who find comfort in cozy, structured environments but need a gentle nudge toward bravery and self-reliance. The story follows Mona, a lonely mouse who discovers the Heartwood Hotel, a sanctuary for forest animals where she finds not just a job, but a chosen family. While the setting is whimsical and filled with delightful details like acorn souffles and moss beds, the emotional core focuses on overcoming loneliness and the importance of community. It is a perfect first chapter book for ages 7 to 10, offering a safe space to explore themes of fear and friendship. Parents will appreciate how it models kindness and hard work as pathways to finding one's home, making it a soothing bedtime read or a confidence-boosting independent choice.