The Heart And The Bottle Oliver Jeffers

A curious girl once saw wonder everywhere, until losing someone she loved made the world feel painfully different. She places her heart in a bottle to keep it safe, but protecting herself also shuts out the delight she used to know. Oliver Jeffers tells a tender, visually imaginative story about grief, emotional distance and the possibility of opening up again, offering a gentle starting point for shared conversation.

Age suitability and learning: Preschool (3-5), Primary (6-8). The illustrated story suits shared reading with younger children and more independent exploration as reading grows. Following events encourages prediction, sequencing and vocabulary; discussing the characters gives children practice recognising feelings and considering other perspectives.

Available at QT Toys in Battersea.