About This Book
Reach for this book when your child seems to be pulling away or 'hardening' their heart after a disappointment, a lost friendship, or a period of sadness. It is an essential choice for children who are choosing safety over connection and need a gentle nudge toward the vulnerability required for true friendship. The story follows Jack, a man who has decided that his heart is too fragile for the world, so he keeps it tucked away in a bucket of water. Through a chance encounter with a girl and a series of riddles, Jack learns that while a heart in a bucket is safe from breaking, it is also safe from feeling joy, warmth, and love. Beautifully written with a classic folktale feel, it helps children ages 4 to 8 understand that being 'brave' isn't just about facing monsters, but about being willing to feel again.
