The Torn Heart

Inspired by a classroom activity that has taught countless children about kindness, this picture book is a moving and interactive story from the bestselling author of My Mouth is a Volcano.

Every heart carries feelings that bend, wrinkle, and sometimes break. Bestselling author Julia Cook’s empowering story follows one heart through hurt and healing, revealing how even small moments of unkindness can leave scars—and how compassion, reflection, responsibility, and a sincere “I’m sorry” help mend what was torn.

Inspired by a well-loved classroom activity using a cut-out paper heart and illustrated by a #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator, The Torn Heart shows readers that empathy isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we do. Together.

• A back-to-school essential
• Offers a clear lesson in an interactive format
• Perfect for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers
• Ends on a proactive, empowering note

• “If you have a heart, this book is for you. The Torn Heart just might be the best book Julia Cook has ever written! It’s is an instant classic of hope and healing, accessible and relevant for all ages. The multi-sensory lesson that is woven into the story provides explicit visuals for building in our children a reservoir of self-awareness, generosity and forgiveness. ”
  Tiffany Arrington, PhD, School Psychologist, Horizon Academy, KS
• “Julia Cook has done it again, and it’s why she remains one of my most loved children’s authors! She has a gift for taking big, complicated feelings and making them simple enough for a child to hold in their hands. I saw Julia demonstrate the paper heart activity and have used it with every class I’ve taught, all the way up to middle school. It always leaves a lasting impression. This book is a great addition for families, classrooms, and counselors!” 
  April Jones, Education Executive, Mid-South District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, TN
• “In a world where kindness is so needed, Julia Cook speaks brilliantly to the child in all of us about the importance of our actions regarding others. This one will be another classic!”
  Sue Schutte, 5th grade teacher and life-long educator, Sibley-Ochedon, IA
• “The Torn Heart is more than a book—it’s an experience! When you combine the read-aloud with the torn-heart demonstration, kids can see and understand how our words can either encourage someone or hurt them. Most importantly, they learn that while hurt can’t always be completely undone, kindness, apologies, and caring actions can help begin to repair a wounded heart.”
  Joy Harvey, Coordinator of Library Services, Lincoln Public Schools, NE
• “‘And when I choose to forgive you, I can start to heal and grow.’ This page in Julia Cook’s TheTorn Heart resonatesso deeply. The companion activity takes something as abstract as emotional pain and makes it concrete and tangible. What a powerful lesson to teach children: forgiveness doesn’t erase the hurt, but it can open the door to healing and growth."
  Sarah Maderia, M.Ed., Supervisor of Special Education, Greater Johnstown School District, PA
• “The book and the visual aid gave clear, concise messages about what feelings look on the inside. The illustrations that depict reflections of the torn heart are a beautiful reminder of how feelings can change how we are on the inside, but how that may not actually reflect on the outside." 
  Janet Lancaster, Enrollment Coordinator, Hastings Catholic Schools, NE