In My Heart
on Goodreads (111)
What’s inside...
Being away from one's parent can create feelings of insecurity for any young child. But even when they are apart, parents and children can share a special connection. Told from the parent's point of view, In My Heart shows that, no matter where the parent is--or where the child is--the child is always in the parent's heart. A warm, simple, reassuring story, In My Heart is the perfect read-aloud for a parent before leaving for work in the morning or before tucking a child in at night.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the color changes in the book reflect the character’s feelings?
What is your favorite part of the story and why?
Can you describe a time when you felt similar to the character in the story?
How do you think the character’s feelings changed from the beginning to the end of the book?
If you could give the character a piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to fully understand your child’s responses and feelings about the story.
Encourage your child to express their emotions by relating their personal experiences to those of the character.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts to boost their confidence in expressing their feelings.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to deepen the discussion and understanding of the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: In 'In My Heart', Molly Bang explores various feelings that a child may experience. Through vivid illustrations and simple narratives, children learn to identify and articulate their emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing their own emotions and expressing them in a healthy way with family, friends, and teachers.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: By showcasing the protagonist dealing with different feelings, the book teaches children to understand and empathize with the emotions of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children in social interactions, teaching them to be considerate of their peers' feelings and responses.
Example Lesson: Emotional resilience
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates how the protagonist navigates through various emotional states, promoting the idea that it's normal to experience a range of feelings.
Real-World Application: This encourages resilience in children, helping them understand that emotions are transient and managing them is a part of growth.