Willy’s Broken Heart
A gentle children’s book about love, loss, grief, friendship, and the memories that stay with us.
For children, families, teachers, counselors, grandparents, and anyone helping a child understand loss.
When Willy loses his best friend Bailey, his heart and tummy hurt. With help from Cardinal Red, Willy begins to understand grief — and learns that sadness can soften while love and memories remain.
Who this book is for?
For children grieving a pet or loved one
For parents and grandparents looking for gentle words
For teachers and school counselors
For bedtime, classroom, and counseling conversations
Book preview
Why the story works
Gentle honesty — the book does not avoid death.
Child-friendly language — grief is explained through body feelings, heart feelings, and simple metaphors.
Hope without erasing love — the ending shows that new joy can exist alongside memory.
“I am always drawn to a picture book that is can take on a tough topic and bring it to the level of a child. Willy’s Broken Heart is able to carefully explain what happens when we lose someone we love to death and dying. I appreciate the gentle and honest words that are used to express what our bodies and minds may go through during a time of loss and thereafter. The sweet characters and lovely artwork bring this story to life. The helpful guide for grieving in the back of the book is a great addition. I always say that picture books are for everyone! Without a doubt, adults reading this book with their children can be a healthy way to process feelings of loss together.”
Willie’s Broken Heart is a tender and beautifully written story that gently explores the power of love, friendship, illness, and grief through the eyes of a child. The pictures are inviting and soothing. Diane has created a book that feels honest and emotionally real without ever losing its warmth and hopefulness.
What makes this story so special is its ability to meet readers exactly where they are. Children will feel seen and comforted in the simplicity and sincerity of the storytelling, while adults will recognize the deeper truths woven throughout the pages. The emotions are handled with great care, reminding us that even in heartbreak, connection and compassion can help carry us through.
This is more than a children’s book. It is a comforting companion for anyone who has experienced loss, worry, or the healing presence of friendship. A meaningful read for all ages.
Well done, Diane!
Thank you,
Kelly Grosklags, LICSW, BCD, FAAGC, FT
Fellowships in Grief Counseling and Thanatology
Conversations with Kelly
A gentle guide for adults reading with children
When someone is hurting, gentle care can make a big difference.
Help them find words for their
feelings, even if those feelings are big or quiet.
Remind them they are not alone- you are there beside them.
Let them know they are safe, cared for, and deeply loved.
Buy / preorder / availability
Available in July 2026
Formats: hardcover | paperback | ebook
Where to buy: Diane’s shop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, local bookstores, Ingram Sparks, events
Price: $10 Softcover - $17 Hardcover
Signed copies: yes, from DianeDavies.com
Bulk orders: yes
School/counselor orders: yes
Diane Davies is an award-winning Minnesota children’s author, former elementary educator, grandmother, and breast cancer survivor-advocate whose books help children and families talk about big feelings with honesty, warmth, and hope.
School, library, and counselor inquiry
Invite Diane for a reading or author visit