Look inside to understand yourself a little better.
🧡 Key to Connection
Ages 5-8
In the real world, Aidan keeps his heart carefully guarded. But when he is whisked away into a magical world of unexpected wonders, he begins to learn that strength isn’t about hiding your emotions — it’s about finding the courage to share them.
Told in gentle rhyme, Beware the Guarded Heart helps readers explore what it means to trust, feel deeply, and open up — even when it’s hard. This story invites reflection, compassion, and the reminder that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a bridge to understanding.
Free Resources to Extend the Story
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Lesson Plan
Free DownloadDownload this free lesson plan to spark discussion, build comprehension skills, and help young readers make meaningful connections as they explore the story.
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Building Bridges
Free DownloadThese empathy cards are a great tool for guiding children through reflection, discussion, and gentle social emotional learning as they respond to story-based prompts.
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How Do You Feel
Free DownloadThese How Do You Feel Cards give kids a gentle way to express emotions, explore what they need, and practice sharing their feelings with confidence.
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You Tube
Watch NowMeet Ruby, a sweet, spirited young reader from England who reads picture books on her YouTube channel. Her goal? To help make story time magical and accessible for children everywhere.
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Narrated Flip Book
Read NowEnjoy the story in a whole new way with this free narrated flip book, perfect for independent reading time or cozy story moments together.
Author’s Quote
“Opening up takes trust. It takes time. And for some, it takes magic. My hope is that this story helps a reader feel just a little more seen — and a little more ready to let someone in.”
- Jaybie D.
Featured Partners in Bookish Fun
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Ruby’s Bedtime Stories
Watch on You TubeKid-led storytime with heart! Watch Ruby bring all sorts of other tales to life with her joyful narrations.
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The Book Yeti
Visit The Book Yeti WebsiteDiscover bookish joy with a fun blue yeti, featuring a curated collection of authors, and fun literacy celebration for readers of all ages.
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Writers Collaboration Tribe
Explore the Tribe (Facebook)A vibrant group of indie authors supporting each other and amplifying diverse voices through creativity and collaboration.
