A Heart in My Hand: A Beloved Back-to-School Tradition

By Melanie Salas

A tiny heart. A big first day. A love that goes wherever you do.

The night before school, one little girl has a million worried thoughts.

What if she feels nervous?
What if she misses her mom?
What if she feels lonely?

Mom gently opens her hand, kisses her palm, and traces a tiny heart-a special reminder that her love will stay close all day long.

From morning carpet time and the playground to lunch and story time, the little heart helps her feel safe, brave, and ready for every new moment. And when the school day ends, she discovers that even though the heart may eventually fade, Mom's love never will.

A Heart in My Hand is a warm, reassuring story for children preparing for preschool, pre-K, kindergarten, or a new school year. With gentle rhyme, colorful illustrations, and a simple family tradition children can carry with them, this comforting picture book is perfect for:

- First-day-of-school worries
- School separation anxiety
- Children nervous about leaving a parent
- Back-to-School tradition
- Night-before-school bedtime reading
- Preschool and kindergarten read-alouds
- Parents, teachers, counselors, and caregivers

Inspired by a real tradition the author shared with her own daughters, this sweet story gives families a meaningful way to turn a worried goodbye into a moment of courage and connection.

Trace a heart. Share a kiss. Begin a beloved back-to-school tradition.

Note from the Author:
As a former first-grade teacher and the mom of two young women, I know how exciting-and emotional-the first day of school can feel.
Each year, my daughters carried a tiny heart with them as they headed off to school-a special family tradition that reminded them that my love went wherever they did.
A Heart in My Hand was inspired by those treasured memories and by every child who needs a little extra courage when it is time to say goodbye. May this story remind children that even when the people they love are not beside them, their love is never far away.
Much love, Melanie Salas

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1965569242
• ISBN13: 9781965569245
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Polka Dot Zebra Publishing
• Length: 30 Pages
• Weight: 0.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"