Families who loved The Man Who Kept His Heart in a Bucket by Sonia Levitin often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
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.
