The Heart Break: A "Sunday Spotlight" Children's Book Review

It’s time for “Sunday Spotlight”, where I highlight a children’s book that I genuinely love, sharing my perspective as both a mom and a counselor. You’ll find an honest review, along with simple and meaningful ways to weave social-emotional learning (SEL) into story time, whether you’re reading at home, in a counseling office, or in a classroom.

At the end of each post, I include a link to purchase the book if you’re interested. These are affiliate links, but there is never any pressure to purchase. Clicking and buying through them does not add any extra cost to you or affect the author; it’s simply one optional way to support this blog.

This Week’s Third Book: The Heart Break, written by Poe Avondet and illustrated by Sandra Attema-Welte

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it felt like the perfect time to share a story that approaches love with humor, heart, and an important reminder for kids (and adults alike). This story offers a refreshing and playful take on love that also gently addresses rejection, disappointment, and self-worth.

This silly, lighthearted story follows Cupid as he sets out to find his own Valentine. Unfortunately, Cupid’s arrows don’t quite go as planned. Instead of creating sweet love connections, his misfires lead to awkward situations, and suddenly Cupid finds himself running away from all the very Valentines he created.

Despite his good intentions, Cupid becomes frustrated and discouraged. He starts to believe that love is more trouble than it’s worth and decides he’s done with it altogether. That is, until his crush simply smiles at him, and Cupid realizes that love doesn’t need tricks, pressure, or perfection. Sometimes, being yourself is enough.

Kids will laugh at Cupid’s mishaps while also absorbing a powerful message beneath the humor.

A Note on the Illustrations

The illustrations are a delightful companion to the story’s playful rhythm. They enhance the humor, exaggerate Cupid’s emotions in kid-friendly ways, and help bring the chaos of his misfired arrows to life. The expressive visuals make it easy for young readers to follow Cupid’s emotional journey, from excitement to frustration to relief and joy.

From a Counselor’s Chair: Social-Emotional Learning Connections

One of the most valuable social-emotional lessons in The Heart Break is how it opens the door to conversations about what love actually looks like for children. While Cupid is searching for a Valentine, kids often experience love in very different, but equally meaningful, ways. For them, love often shows up as friendship, kindness, inclusion, shared play, and a sense of feeling accepted.

This story offers a gentle way to discuss the idea that connection should never be forced. Cupid’s misfired arrows create uncomfortable situations, which can mirror how children sometimes feel when they’re pressured to make friends, keep friendships that don’t feel good, or believe they have to change themselves to be liked. Through Cupid’s journey, children can learn that real connection happens naturally and that it’s okay if not everyone becomes a friend.

From an SEL perspective, this supports healthy boundaries, self-respect, emotional awareness, and social confidence. It reinforces that friendships should feel safe, mutual, and kind, and that being yourself is more important than trying to win someone over. These are powerful lessons that help children build respectful relationships and develop a strong sense of self-worth.

Ways to Expand Social-Emotional Learning with The Heart Break

Here are several simple, effective ways to extend learning and support social-emotional development using this book:

1. Big Feelings Check-In

   Pause during moments when Cupid feels frustrated or discouraged. Ask children to name their feelings and connect them to times they’ve felt the same way.

2. Healthy Expectations Discussion

   Talk about what Cupid learns at the end of the story. Ask: "Do we need to trick people into liking us? Why or why not?"

3. Rejection & Resilience Talk

   Use Cupid’s misfires to discuss how it feels when things don’t work out, and what helps us try again or move forward.

4. Being Yourself Activity

   Invite children to share or draw something that makes them uniquely them, reinforcing self-worth and authenticity.

5. Kindness Connections

   Pair the book with an activity where children practice giving kind words or smiles, simple ways to connect without pressure.

If you need more ideas, reach out to me!

Final Thoughts

The Heart Break is a charming and humorous story with a meaningful message tucked beneath the laughs. As a counselor, I appreciate how it gently normalizes disappointment while reinforcing healthy ideas about love and self-worth. As a reader, I love how accessible and fun it feels for kids.

This is a wonderful seasonal read for Valentine’s Day, but its lessons extend far beyond one holiday. It’s a great reminder that love doesn’t need perfection, tricks, or arrows; sometimes, it just needs authenticity.

Want to See a Book Featured?

For “Sunday Spotlight”, my goal is to review 1–3 children’s books each week. If you have a book you’d love to see featured, are a children’s book author yourself, or know an author who might enjoy having their story reviewed, I’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out anytime at guidedbygiggles@gmail.com 💛

Let’s keep celebrating stories that help kids grow, one giggle (and page) at a time.

Click the picture to grab your copy of The Heart Break.