Harriet's Heartbroken Heart Paperback

Harriet and Harrison are not just twins, but are also best friends. When Harrison gets sick and dies, Harriet feels lost, angry, and alone because no one tells her what is really happening. But thanks to some sympathetic characters (like a rain cloud and a ladybug) and a visit to a special place Harriet and Harrison loved, Harriet finally understands that her feelings are okay and that she can turn her sorrow into a new beginning. I think this well-written story will be a great comfort to children who have lost someone dear because the authors do a wonderful job of showing the confusing combination of emotions that confront kids (and adults) who are grieving. Without preaching, the story also gives kids some great tips on coming to terms with their grief. And, hopefully, adults who read the story to or with their children will gain some insight into how parents who become self-absorbed with grief can inadvertently leave their children feeling abandoned and confused. As founders of the Patching Hearts program and other programs that help children deal with grief and loss, the authors are certainly well-qualified to write this story and to give sound advice on this subject. Foster’s fun, charming illustrations do much to bring the characters to life and keep the book from being depressing as well.

Death is a difficult topic or anyone, but beyond comprehension for young children. Harriet's Heartbroken Heart is a compassionate story of a girl who is suffering the loss of her twin brother. The message is helpful, comforting, and soothing...that love for loved ones live on in our hearts and memories... "Saying goodbye makes room for saying hello." A must read for anyone suffering with grief. I want to thank the authors for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review.

What a perfect story for little ones dealing with death! Despite the sad topic, Jack Foster's fun illustrations help to make Lainie and Nika Belcastro's picture book, Harriet's Heartbroken Heart a lovely tribute to a loved one. The humor is delightful and so realistic... The twins shared everything except their toothbrushes... The language is fun and inviting... fuzzy caterpillars that weave themselves into cocoons and wrap themselves to sleep... Hector the cat is a true "scaredy cat", and the little ladybug provides Harriet with a reminder of her twin bother's wish... Truly a book that will be cherished by not only children but also by caregivers.

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book about a little girl who has a difficult time with her feelings after her twin brother dies. It isn't a theological view of death and the afterlife, but rather a sweet view that imparts warm magic much like that of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. Sometimes young children might need a little magical thinking to get through the difficult grieving process. I gave this book 5 stars for the beautiful writing and wonderful pictures.

A sweet story (with lovely illustrations) that deals with a subject sorely lacking in the picture book genre - grief. We all want to protect our children from it, but it's as real to them as it is to adults, and they all too often don't have the words to express their pain. This is a wonderful story that will help children accept their loss and find freedom in letting go of their loved one.

Harriet’s Heartbroken Heart is a charming story of love and loss. The story deals with the loss of a sibling in a beautiful way. This book would be ideal to help children work through sadness and grief in a positive way. The story sweet and the illustrations are wonderful.

Heart warming. Colorful illustrations. Harriet must learn to cope with her feelings after her brother's passing. A good book to help children deal with the many feelings of grief.

This precious book affirms the feelings of children and adults alike, while giving hope to the possibility of healing a broken heart. It fills a huge gap in the world of grief. I just loved it!