At Heart Reads, we believe in the quiet power of stories—especially for little hearts feeling big things.
Why Children’s Books Matter During Emotional Moments
From sudden tears at bedtime to outbursts after a long day, children often feel deeply—but can’t always express why. As parents and caregivers, we want to help—but sometimes words aren’t enough.
That’s where stories step in.
Children’s books can offer comfort, spark understanding, and gently guide tamariki through their emotions. Whether it’s sadness, anger, worry, or loneliness, the right story can help a child feel seen—and safe.
📚 What Makes a Book Emotionally Supportive?
At Heart Reads, we carefully curate books that do more than entertain. We look for stories that:
- Use gentle language and soothing rhythms
• Reflect real emotions children experience
• Offer safe, relatable characters
• End with a sense of hope, love, or empowerment
These stories aren’t just nice to read—they can become emotional anchors in a child’s routine.
🌈 Our Favourite Picks for Emotional Wellbeing
Here are a few titles from our collection that help navigate big feelings:
- The Sun and The Mayfly – An uplifting story about positivity and making the most of everyday.
- The Sad Banana – A story that teaches gratitude, self-acceptance with focus on building resilience and positive self-esteem.
- Farewell Anahera – An uplifting story for anyone who has lost someone they love.
📦 All available in our online shop—delivered anywhere in New Zealand.
💤 How Stories Soothe at Bedtime
Reading calming books at the end of the day can ease the transition to sleep and reduce bedtime resistance. Stories with soft illustrations, slow pacing, and loving messages can lower stress levels—for both the child and the grown-up reading.
Try choosing books from our Bedtime Stories & Sleepytime Reads for your night-time routine.
💤 Our Favourite Picks:
- It’s Time to Sleep, My love – A soothing bedtime story by Eric Metaxas, gently guides children to sleep with lyrical verse and calming illustrations by Nancy Tillman.
- The Velveteen Rabbit picture book – Tenderly explores love, belonging, and what it means to become “real” through the heartfelt journey of a stuffed rabbit and the child who loves him. Also available in board book edition.
- Kissed by the Moon – A gentle, lyrical celebration of a baby’s first experiences with the natural world, offering a soothing bedtime read filled with love, wonder, and peaceful dreams.
🧡 The Heart Behind Heart Reads
We started Heart Reads because we believe every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and emotionally supported. Books are one way we can offer that support—one page at a time.
If you’re navigating big feelings in your home, we’re here to help.
✨ Let’s Grow Together
👉 Explore our full collection of books for emotional well-being
👉 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for gentle encouragement every week
💕May your bedtime moments be bathed in gentle moonlight🌙 wrapped in warmth, and filled with quiet comforts that become cherished memories — nurturing deeper bonds, one story at a time.
Corazon 🌺