I had my daughter (6 - reads at 5th grade level) read this book with me to have her perspective be included, as she is the target audience range.

We were both a bit perplexed at the wording of the story. It was, at minimum, a bit off-putting. I was not a fan of the people being referred to as the little girl's "lovers" - as that has an undeniable specific meaning to most English speakers. There were two pages that had sentences out of order and that certainly did not help the already confusing story.

It is short, complicated, talks about huge topics in the opening page but does not really expand or feel appropriate for the designated age group. My daughter was immediately concerned about why this little girl had no parents, no friends, never felt love, and lived alone in a shed? I had requested this book based on the description that seemed to give off the hints that it would touch more on the orphan topic - I thought it would make a lovely conversation starter for us. Instead, it left my daughter a bit confused on what the story was about. Who was the little boy? Who were the "lovers"?

That being said, the illustrations were dreamy and inviting. The color palette was like a cozy dream you fall in to and explore. The over-arching message of the story IS wonderful, that you cannot find the key to your happiness through others - it must come from within yourself. We just found that the delivery method of the first half of the book muddled up the message.

While I will say this book is beautiful and the message important, the verbiage misses the mark for being a children’s book. The main character is a little girl yet talks about having 3 lovers. I’m not sure if A- something was lost in translation. B- this is mislabeled as a childrens book ?

It’s a great message of self love and opening your heart. I just wouldn’t read it with your kids. The illustrations though are so dreamy.

'The Girl and the Lock on Her Heart' with story and illustrations by Lauren Lee is a story of a young girl who is on a journey to friendship and love.

A girl living on her own sees that she has a lock on her heart. She tries to look for the key in friendships and love of people and things. She finally learns how to find the key.

I liked this story and it's message. It seems like it might be more suited for adults than children, but it's a good message for anyone to hear. The illustrations are pretty cute too.

Gorgeous illustrations and a lovely idea with lots of potential - promoting the idea of self love is a good one. However, I have to agree with other reviews about it not being entirely child appropriate - the use of the word lovers for children is inappropriate and for that reason I wouldn't share it with my children or those I work with while it is written this way.

Forget any doubts you might have when you think about picking up this book.

Because. It is so darn beautiful and dreamy perfect!

We all have this little girl in each of us that each of us will be able to relate at whatsoever level it may be, doesn’t matter if we are the kid who doesn’t understand how the world works or the adult who’s reading the book to the kids. We all need this book.

Let’s learn to unlock. Also, treat yourself with the visuals the book has to offer!

Thank you, author, for the copy.

Collecting picture books and children's books has always been a passion of mine. And as a mother of three, I think it's really important to choose the right reading adventure for my little smart kids.

The adorable cover immediately caught my attention. The cute illustrations are absolutely masterful. But still, I can't help but feel disappointed by the content part of this picture book. Language structures as well as certain words like lovers are not really suitable for young children. Yes, love is a topic that should definitely be discussed with the little ones, but I think that a different approach should be chosen, and these topics should be left for a little later.
Yes, really cute pictures and a solid idea, but the realization got lost somewhere along the way.

This children's book is very unique with a story about a girl who just wants to unlock her heart. She searches for a key to do just that.

The illustrations are really pretty and I enjoyed the story a lot. I found parts to be rather sad, but I think it makes it relatable to readers too.

I feel like this will make an impact on adults just as much as children.

I think the artwork in the book is beautiful. The first page made me sad because the girl has never experienced love.
For a children's book, I felt that it was odd for a young girl to be looking for "lovers" and getting kisses from boys. I understand that it is to demonstrate looking for love in other people. But not really a behavior i want to introduce to my young child. Didn't seem age appropriate. When I read this to my child later, I will adjust the page with her making a friend and sharing a snack. And giving her "friend" a hug. "Lover" is a bad term for this audience.

I did enjoy that she was able to find love within herself and that gave her a key. The overall story is very cute. And it has a great message.

I must confess this book hit home. I am the girl with the lock on her heart.

The pictures are adorable and oddly relaxing to look at. The only thing that makes me question weather to read this to some children is about her 3 lovers, I would likely change it to loves to avoid angry parents. Other then that it's a fantastic book that I believe people of all ages can relate too. It would be fantastic for pre-teens and teens

Nice message, cute illustrations but I would have liked more to help tell the story. Always important to look inward and find your own key.