Additional information
by Marina Swan (Author), Marina Swan (Illustrator)
Words From the Heart by Marina Swan is a gentle, emotionally rich children's picture book in The Adventures of Ellie and Ollie series, designed to support social and emotional learning, emotional literacy, and positive communication skills in young children.
Ellie the ginger kitten and Ollie the middle-aged golden retriever are best friends. They spend their days playing in the garden, sharing quiet moments, and enjoying the comfort of each other's company. But one morning, something feels different.
Ellie begins using unkind words toward Ollie - telling him he runs too fast, that he makes funny noises, and that he always goes off without her. Although her words sound harsh, Ollie senses there is something more beneath them. Instead of reacting with anger, he responds with patience and kindness, gently helping Ellie uncover what she is truly feeling.
As the story unfolds, children discover that Ellie's unkind words are not meant to hurt - they are the result of feelings she doesn't yet know how to express. She missed Ollie while he was gone and didn't have the words to say it. With Ollie's guidance, Ellie learns how to express her emotions honestly and kindly, discovering that when her words match what's in her heart, everything feels better.
At its core, Words From the Heart explores an important message for young children: unkind behaviour is often a sign of unmet emotional needs, not bad character. By showing this through relatable animal characters, the story creates a safe and non-judgemental space for children to recognise their own feelings and behaviours.
This book supports key areas of early childhood development, including:
- Social and emotional learning (SEL)
- Emotional literacy and vocabulary development
- Empathy and understanding others' feelings
- Positive communication and gentle conflict resolution
- Reassurance around separation and connection
A key message woven throughout the story is:
"Kindness can be your superpower when you use words that match what's in your heart."
In addition to the story, Words From the Heart includes colouring-in pages and discussion questions, making it a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, and educators. These features help extend learning beyond the story, supporting comprehension, oral language development, and meaningful conversations with young children.
Told through warm, relatable moments and brought to life with real pet photography, this book is ideal for reading aloud at home, in early learning environments, or as part of classroom discussions about feelings and friendship.
Written by Marina Swan, an author passionate about creating emotionally supportive children's books, Words From the Heart is a comforting and timeless addition to The Adventures of Ellie and Ollie series.
Perfect for children aged 3-8, this story reassures young readers that even when we are not side by side, we can always be together in each other's hearts.
