In Heart, the author invites readers on a gentle, powerful journey into the emotions that shape our inner world. Through lyrical, soul-stirring language and breathtaking illustrations, this book explores a simple but profound truth: when fear causes our hearts to close, it can quietly shut out love, peace, joy, and connection as well.
Age Range: 8-12
Page Count: 29 pages
Heart
Paperback
$15.95
Description
What happens when a heart begins to close?
Inspired by her work with children in foster care, author Deedee Cummings weaves together affirmations, faith-filled messages, and moments of reflection that speak directly to readers who may be carrying hurt, uncertainty, or loss. With tenderness and hope, Heart reminds us that healing is possibleāand that keeping our hearts open, even when itās hard, is where that healing begins.
This is more than a picture book. Itās a source of comfort. A reminder of goodness. A quiet guide back to trust, faith, and the belief that love still exists in the world.
Perfect for children, families, educators, and counselors, Heart offers a safe space for meaningful conversations and emotional growthāespecially for those navigating trauma or difficult life experiences.
Uplifting, honest, and deeply moving, Heart helps readers of all ages rediscover the courage to believe, to hope, and to keep their hearts open to the good still waiting to be found.
Author Deedee Cummings
Deedee Cummings is a professional dreamer. She is also an author, therapist, attorney, and mom from Louisville, Kentucky. Cummings founded Make A Way Media in 2014 after struggling to find books with characters who looked like her own children and an extreme lack of stories that reflected their life experiences. Books published by Make A Way focus on hope, diversity, social justice, and therapeutic skills for children and adults. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Forbes, NPR, USA Today, Essence Magazine, Psych Central, well+Good, and The EveryGirl, among other media outlets. In 2021, she was appointed to the Kentucky Early Childhood Advisory Council by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and reappointed to a second term in 2025, acknowledging her decades-long service to the children and families of Kentucky. Cummings is also the founder of The Louisville Book Festival. She was inspired to work to highlight and celebrate a culture of reading in her community after working as an in-home therapist and visiting homes of children who had no books. Cummings believes literacy is a fundamental human right. Her work highlights inspiring messages that remind us all it is never too late to begin again.
Reviews:
Good book about the power of love
I LOVE THIS STORY! I bought this book at a book fair attended by the author. It was so nice to meet her and the warmth she shared comes through naturally in her books. I enjoyed the way this book talked about difficult subjects and about how important it is to be grateful!
-Ashley Price
Heart
Heart is a moving and emotional picture book that focuses on the importance of guarding your heart, from people who will hurt and take advantage of you. The story also focuses on the importance of trust and finding a balance between the two concepts. It is truly heartbreaking to me that so many young children are closed off because of the damage that has been done to them. This is a much-needed book for children of all ages. I love that the book’s overall message is to find faith and believe that there are good people in the world. This is a book that should definitely be in every school and children’s counselors office. A perfect book to add to any mindfulness unit!
-Jennifer Dieleman
A beautiful book for everyone
Heart āis a book that is much-needed in the world today. This beautifully illustrated poem is a tribute to the power of love and prayer to overcome fear and hate. A powerful reminder for all that you only have “one today,” to smile, trust, love, and pray. Instead of hardening your heart out of fear of being hurt, this book reminds readers of the importance of “guarding your heart, for it the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
-Kim Childres
