The Pocket Heart - a story by Wendy Fox

This story was inspired by 1000 Hearts and written by Wendy Fox, a Guidance Officer, educator and storyteller who is passionate about helping children understand their hearts, their brains and their feelings. She happily agreed to share her lovely book through the 1000 Hearts website as a free resource. Wendy first encountered 1000 Hearts when a heart was gifted to her during a time of personal struggle. She said, "I am living proof that your pocket hearts sprinkle kindness into people’s lives in the most powerful and timely ways." Through her work in schools, Wendy sees every day how small moments of kindness can help children feel safe, calm and ready to learn. Wendy shared The Pocket Heart Story with the following words to me: "Through my role as a Guidance Officer working with children and families, I have had the privilege of sharing these hearts with students, particularly in moments when they need comfort, reassurance, and connection. I have seen firsthand the calm and safety they can bring. This story grew from those moments. It is my attempt to gently translate that experience into a form children can understand, helping them recognise that even when feelings are big, they are cared for, they are safe, and they are not alone. I wanted to reach out to you personally to say thank you. Your simple act of stitching and sharing small hearts has travelled far beyond what any of us could measure. It has reached into classrooms, into families, and into moments that truly matter. I am attempting, in my own small way, to honour your legacy by continuing to share this kindness where I can."