In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
The die-cut heart changes apparent size as pages turn, while each emotion is described through a different physical image such as lightness, heaviness or motion. The format links naming feelings to noticing how they register in the body.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek is estimated to take about 6 minutes to read aloud (416 words, 2 sentences a spread). Best for ages 2-5.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 6 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Words
- 416Approximate
- Sentences per spread
- 2Text density
- Re-read tolerance
- 4/5repeat friendly
- Vocabulary level
- 2/5everyday words
- Best for
- Ages 2-5Age range
Our review
The shrinking heart cutout is not merely decoration: it changes the object a child touches while the text moves among large, small, loud, quiet, fast and slow states. Those metaphors invite a reader to compare the book's sensations with their own rather than memorize a definition.
The Color Monster separates named feelings into color-coded jars and is easier to use as a sorting prompt. In My Heart keeps one heart present through every state, better reflecting change within the same person. Its abstraction rewards conversation, though some children will need concrete examples before the imagery becomes useful.
Before you buy it
The poetic comparisons may be less direct for a child who wants literal examples of what caused a feeling. The Color Monster offers clearer categories and colors; this book leaves more room for sensations to overlap.
Themes
- emotions
- the body
- naming feelings
- die-cuts
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