THE HEART AND THE BOTTLE Hardcover

Oliver Jeffers' poignant picture book, "The Heart and the Bottle," tells the tender story of a curious and imaginative young girl who cherishes the wonders of the world, often sharing discoveries with a wise, older companion. When this beloved person is no longer there, the girl, in an effort to protect her heart from the profound pain of grief, decides to keep it safe in a bottle and hang it around her neck. While this safeguards her from sadness, it also slowly dulls her curiosity and joy, causing her to lose her sparkle. The story beautifully illustrates the isolating effect of emotional protection and the profound importance of opening oneself up to both the beauty and the sorrow of life, as she eventually finds a way to let her heart back out and rediscover the world's wonders.