Why I Recommend It

The Heart and the Bottle is a beautifully illustrated story exploring the impact of losing someone important. Through the metaphor of a little girl placing her heart inside a bottle, Oliver Jeffers explores how we might try to protect ourselves from emotional pain, and what can happen when we become disconnected from the things that once brought us curiosity and joy.

When might it be helpful?

Bereavement and loss

The story is particularly relevant when supporting a child following the death of a parent or another significant person. It offers an opportunity to explore how grief can affect our relationship with the world around us, including changes in our feelings, interests and sense of connection.

Emotional withdrawal and protection

Some children respond to painful experiences by becoming quieter, withdrawing or finding it difficult to engage with things they previously enjoyed. The metaphor of the heart in the bottle can provide a starting point for exploring these responses without expecting a child to talk directly about their own experiences.

Using this book together

I would use this story sensitively, allowing the child to make their own connections with the character. It can lead into creative activities exploring what helps us feel connected, what we might want to keep close to our hearts and the people or experiences that bring us comfort.

The story is metaphorical, so I would accompany it with clear, age-appropriate language about death when using it in a bereavement context.