All the Beating Hearts

Reach for this book when your child starts asking those big, unanswerable questions about why we are here or when they seem overwhelmed by the vastness of the world. It provides a gentle anchor for children feeling a bit small or disconnected, offering a lyrical reminder that every person they pass is living a life just as full and complex as their own. It is a soul-soothing choice for quiet bedtimes or moments of transition. Through spare, rhythmic text, Fogliano explores the shared human experience: the way we all wake up, feel heartbeat, experience sorrow, and find joy. The illustrations bring a sense of warmth and tenderness to these abstract concepts, making them accessible for preschoolers. This book is less about a plot and more about a feeling, helping children build a foundation of empathy and global belonging by highlighting our common humanity across all ages and backgrounds.