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Opening Hearts: A Forgiveness Story
Opening Hearts: A Forgiveness Story is a heartwarming rhyming picture book that gently teaches children the power of empathy, emotional awareness, and forgiveness.
Set in a joyful garden where laughter blooms and kindness grows, this touching story follows young Ian and Ava as they navigate moments of misunderstanding, anger, and hurt. When emotions run high—tears fall, words sting, and tempers flare—they learn an essential life lesson: everyone makes mistakes, but opening your heart can lead to healing, connection, and peace.
With the help of playful metaphors like ANTs—Automatic Negative Thoughts—children will recognize the unhelpful thoughts that sneak in and stir up trouble. Through vivid, poetic storytelling and comforting resolution, this book shows young readers that it's okay to feel upset—and that true strength lies in handling your anger with understanding and compassion.
Perfect for children ages 4–9, this book helps:
Build emotional intelligence and compassion
Encourage empathy and perspective-taking
Normalize mistakes and model healthy apologies
Introduce kids to simple cognitive reframing tools
Whether read at bedtime, in the classroom, or during circle time, Opening Hearts invites meaningful conversations between kids and adults about how to manage big feelings with care. A thoughtful addition to any child’s bookshelf, this story empowers young readers to slow down, listen, and lead with love—even when it’s hard.
Part of a larger series inspired by the VIA (Virtues in Action) Character Strengths model developed by Dr. Martin Seligman and Dr. Christopher Peterson, the Character Chums books are designed to help children explore and develop all of the 24 treasured character strengths. Character Chums introduce parent and kids to positive psychology concepts and interventions to develop these traits shown in research to support resilience, academic success, and emotional wellbeing. More than just a story, each Character Chums' book includes reflection questions to encourage discussion and how to apply character strengths in everyday life. Make it a Forgiveness Month - with movie and book suggestions at the end of each book to help deepen your experience, the whole family will be on their way to becoming forgiveness machines!
Opening Hearts: A Forgiveness Story is a heartwarming rhyming picture book that gently teaches children the power of empathy, emotional awareness, and forgiveness.
Set in a joyful garden where laughter blooms and kindness grows, this touching story follows young Ian and Ava as they navigate moments of misunderstanding, anger, and hurt. When emotions run high—tears fall, words sting, and tempers flare—they learn an essential life lesson: everyone makes mistakes, but opening your heart can lead to healing, connection, and peace.
With the help of playful metaphors like ANTs—Automatic Negative Thoughts—children will recognize the unhelpful thoughts that sneak in and stir up trouble. Through vivid, poetic storytelling and comforting resolution, this book shows young readers that it's okay to feel upset—and that true strength lies in handling your anger with understanding and compassion.
Perfect for children ages 4–9, this book helps:
Build emotional intelligence and compassion
Encourage empathy and perspective-taking
Normalize mistakes and model healthy apologies
Introduce kids to simple cognitive reframing tools
Whether read at bedtime, in the classroom, or during circle time, Opening Hearts invites meaningful conversations between kids and adults about how to manage big feelings with care. A thoughtful addition to any child’s bookshelf, this story empowers young readers to slow down, listen, and lead with love—even when it’s hard.
Part of a larger series inspired by the VIA (Virtues in Action) Character Strengths model developed by Dr. Martin Seligman and Dr. Christopher Peterson, the Character Chums books are designed to help children explore and develop all of the 24 treasured character strengths. Character Chums introduce parent and kids to positive psychology concepts and interventions to develop these traits shown in research to support resilience, academic success, and emotional wellbeing. More than just a story, each Character Chums' book includes reflection questions to encourage discussion and how to apply character strengths in everyday life. Make it a Forgiveness Month - with movie and book suggestions at the end of each book to help deepen your experience, the whole family will be on their way to becoming forgiveness machines!