Loris Opens Up His Heart

by Dagmara Sitek, Lau Frank (illustrator)

"Loris Opens Up His Heart" is a Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient

Loris Opens Up His Heart will inspire children to be honest with themselves and face new challenges with courage.Diana Lopez, Readers' Favorite

Can your child understand BIG IDEAS like resilience and inner courage? Yes, and "Loris Opens Up His Heart" is a delightful solution.

"Loris Opens Up His Heart" — is here to touch your heart. It’s an educational and emotionally resonant story about Loris, a boy in foster care.

"Loris Opens Up His Heart" is a treasure trove of values you want to teach your kids. It beautifully illustrates that true bravery and strength can come from the simple act of opening up their hearts.

Who is this book for?This book is designed for ages 5 to 10. Perfect for beginner and young readers, it resonates with boys, girls, primary school students, teachers, and parents seeking a meaningful children's book.

If you and your child appreciate stories with depth and soul, this is the book for you! As a special bonus, enjoy freebies - downloadable worksheets on emotional intelligence or bullying prevention, and more! Find your exclusive gifts on the author’s website.

Genres: Childrens, Family

52 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

My series, Courage Tales, aims to inspire children to support one another and conquer their fears.

It follows resilient children in foster care navigating tough times without losing hope or giving up.

The debut book, 'Loris Opens Up His Heart,' was inspired by the tragic story of 8-year-old Kamilek from Czestochowa. He faced mistreatment from his stepfather, and his untimely death serves as a testament to the power of empathy and compassion.

Reviews

[Getlyn♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heartwarming story with an important lesson for younglings, but even to reflect on yourself.

I can perfectly understand Loris, how it feels to be like you don´t belong anywhere and you don´t want to let anyone close. In the end, a friendly help is always welcomed and healing can finally begin.

It´s important to let other help you when you´re in need but also stand up for the ones you love and care for.

I was heartbroken to hear about Kamilek´s story that inspired this book. Deeply gutted and devastated of the cruelty in this world and it´s so heartwarming to see author trying to use this shocking story to teach kids about reaching to others for help since you can´t always do it yourself.

The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous as well!

I´m thanking the author Dagmara Sitek kindly for providing an advanced copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loris Opens Up His Heart is another educational tale in the Courage Tales series that is heartfelt and full of lots of rollercoaster emotions as we travel along with a little boy in foster care. This one is going to hit you in all the feels.
The story is aimed at children aged 5 – 10 years of age but we could all learn from it. This compelling tale helps tackle dealing with emotions, like when feeling alone, angry, frustrated, being scared and more.
This beautiful tale is a raw and will teach children about compassion, about kindness, about courage, and about overcoming fears. I just wanted to scoop him and the others up and wrap them in love and hugs. Loris Opens Up His Heart is a must. The illustrations by Lau Frank are beautifully done.

[Zeljka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I recieved this picture book in exchange for honest review.
What I like the most is that this book says: it's ok now, we are here for you, you can relax now.. and this soothing idea of support that the child should experience in foster family, after all bad things in life, warms my heart.
The books with message like this - matter. Thumbs up:)

[Louise Venheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Lori Opens Up His Heart' is a short children's book that is easy to understand even though the message is profound and very important. I'd say it's perfect for elementary school-aged kids, but it would also benefit kids of other ages.
The great thing about this book is that it does not just entertain, but it teaches important life lessons. Several lessons can be gleaned from this story. First an foremost it is about the benefits and value of taking the risk of opening oneself up to others in friendship after one has been hurt. It also teaches lessons about team work, resilience, and perseverance.

Nice drawings too! The only thing I would have liked slightly differently was how the text comes in speech bubbles, cartoon style. The bubbles were sometimes ordered on top of each other and it therefore took a little extra effort to see who was saying what, although it is clearly indicated by where the bubbles are leading to. Personally I would have loved it if the text was in narrative style instead, so that it would work well for reading the book out loud to someone. Then all that the listeners would need to do is to look at the pictures, as the text would make clear who it is who's saying what.

[Anna Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series)
By Dagmara Sitek
4 Stars

This is a heartwarming story about a little boy who finds the courage to open his heart again. Loris has had a rough childhood and finds himself in another foster home. This one is different, they care about people and him. They want to include him in activities. Although he doesn’t trust them at first, his heart slowly thaws and he opens up to them. This is an emotional but encouraging story. It has an important message for children. It will show them to be honest with themselves and to have the courage to face any challenge that comes their way. It is the first book that I have read in the Courage Series and I will definitely look for the others.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very emotional read! This is a book that I would STRONGLY recommend reading with your youngster, at least the first time they read it. It's a story that really needs to be told but is highly emotional as previously mentioned.

Loris is in foster care and this books focuses on the emotions that he goes through with each move he has to make. It takes a lot of courage to be Loris but there are so many of them out there! It's important to have conversations with kids reading this story to explore their emotions and feelings after hearing Loris's plight.

The illustrations in this story are very colorful and really add to the story more. To see Loris's transformation is pretty cool.

[Aadhya Modi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I haven't had the chance to read 'Loris Opens Up His Heart: An Emotional Story For Kids (Courage Tales),' but the title and cover design seem intriguing. My friend on Goodreads has it in their collection, and it appears to be a thoughtful and emotional story for kids. While I can't comment on the content, the book seems to have an engaging premise that might resonate well with its target audience. I trust my friend's taste in books, so it could be worth checking out for those interested in emotional tales for children."

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Loris Opens Up His Heart is a emotional read that is aimed at children from 5-10 years of age, but I believe that this is a must read for anyone. The story of Loris really brings out emotions of being afraid, angry and feeling alone and abandoned but also educational teaching of love, acceptance, patience and kindness.

Loris is being juggled around to many foster families until he is with a family that include Cam and Inaya whom want to make Loris feel welcomed. When Cam and Inaya are getting ready for a charity run for Susie, they want to include Loris...who has no interest at first. When Loris finally opens up about his feelings and heart...he soon learns that he is loved and accepted.

This is truly a must read for the young and young at heart. The story is heartfelt and the illustrations are beautiful and engaging and bring the story to life. We can all learn a lesson how to open up our hearts...There is someone who always cares....

[Micalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loris opens up his heart by Dagmara Sitek was a precious, meaningful, heartwarming, important children’s story. The story focuses on Loris, who is a foster child, who doesn’t want to open up to his new family because he doesn’t feel like he belongs even though they invite him to participate and include him in their fun. It’s not until his foster brother is having trouble finishing a race to raise money for a sick young girls treatment that he uncovers himself, opens up his heart, and finishes the race for everyone. This is definitely an emotional story and could also potentially be a triggering one, but it shows the importance of acceptance, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The illustrations throughout the book were wonderfully done as well. There were a few instances that the dialogue sounded disjointed as if maybe the authors first language was something other than English, but it wasn’t a big deal. Wonderful book.

[Wanda Luthman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The author took a difficult subject and made it relatable for kids to understand. The author showed how children can be helpful when often they may feel powerless to help. As a Guidance Counselor and Mental Health Professional, I think it’s important to address serious topics such as this. Great job!

[Mark Lin (Alpha-Lab Asset Management Inc.) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for encouraging kids to overcome their emotional obstacles!

The book is an ideal story to show kids, compassion, perseverance, and resiliency, which are key to their personal development and how to face challenges.

[Melissa Sakamoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Loris goes on his journey through foster care, you'll feel all the emotions right alongside him - sad, scared, nervous, happy.  This was a beautifully told story about some of the very real situations that children face.  I loved the imagery where Loris outruns his painful memories and fears, helping him to feel determined, empowered, and strong.  This book was a good reminder of how kindness and friendships can help build courage, empathy, and love in the world.  

[Steffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the story was laid out with the illustrations and speech bubble style. It is a great story for children to learn about speaking your truth and opening up to others. It is perfect for primary age children to learn these important values.

[Nora (Grayson's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suitable for ages 5+

Beautiful story with a powerful message. And the illustrations were so cool.
Loved the message of the story.

*Received the book as an arc.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Loris Opens Up His Heart: An Emotional Story For Kids” by Dagmara Sitek is a touching and profound picture book that delves into the complexities of foster care, recovery, and the power of love and friendship. Through the vibrant and dynamic storytelling format of a graphic novel, Sitek brings to life the emotional journey of Loris, a foster child grappling with the scars of his past. This narrative skillfully navigates through themes of trauma, healing, and trust, making it an invaluable resource for introducing young readers to sensitive topics. The story’s foundation—Cam and Inaya’s charitable efforts for their friend Susie, who is recovering from open heart surgery—sets a hopeful and compassionate tone. It cleverly parallels the physical healing of open heart surgery with the emotional opening of Loris’s heart, providing a dual narrative that enriches the story’s depth and meaning.

Loris’s character, initially distant and shrouded in the metaphorical hoodie of his defenses, embodies the struggles many children in foster care face: the fear of opening up and the challenge of accepting love after experiencing trauma. Sitek’s depiction of Loris’s journey toward trust and openness is not only compelling but also incredibly important for fostering empathy and understanding among young readers.

The book’s artwork, with its bright, bold colors and expressive illustrations, plays a critical role in conveying the story’s emotional landscape. The visual storytelling complements the written word beautifully, making the book accessible and engaging for children. The dialogue bubbles further animate the narrative, allowing readers to become immersed in the characters’ experiences and emotions.

“Loris Opens Up His Heart” does not shy away from the harsh realities of life, including child abuse, bullying, and the foster system’s challenges. However, it addresses these issues with sensitivity and care, ensuring that the message remains hopeful and empowering. Young readers will find themselves rooting for Cam, Inaya, and especially Loris as they navigate the race to raise funds and, more importantly, as Loris races towards healing and self-discovery.

Dagmara Sitek’s book is a beautiful, powerful, and raw exploration of what it means to heal and open one’s heart. It’s a story that encourages children to embrace compassion, resilience, and the importance of community support. “Loris Opens Up His Heart” is an essential addition to any young reader’s library, offering both a mirror for those who have faced similar challenges and a window for those learning about the experiences of others. It’s a story that will linger in the hearts of readers long after the last page is turned.

[Kameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.



According to Let it Be Us (website), there are approximately 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. Fifteen percent live in institutions or group homes—also, 26,000 “age out” of the system each year. Most kids in foster care move from home to home, never knowing stability. Due to childhood trauma that led them to be in the foster care system, it’s common for them to have mental problems and trust issues. In addition to that, when a kid enters the system, they don’t remain in one home but get bounced around from place to place. This causes more trust issues and takes a toll on them mentally, even more so if their foster parents are unkind.

Loris didn’t have the best home life before living with Cam, Inaya, and their foster mom. Because of this, he closed himself off from everyone. Loris couldn’t accept their kindness. He mentally and physically shut the door on them. Loris displayed behavior that is typical of a lot of kids in his situation. Thankfully, his new family didn’t give up on him. Cam and Inaya tried to include Loris in the charity run, offered to tutor him in math and thanked him when he helped them out of a sticky situation.

Foster kids are like every other child in the world. They need security, to feel loved, to know they belong, and their family has their back 100%. Loris shared with his siblings about his anger issues: how it can be like hot lava. In time, Loris realized he had found everything he wanted: people who cared about him and would literally and figuratively give him the shirt off their back.

The book’s synopsis states, “It beautifully illustrates that true bravery and strength can come from the simple act of opening up their hearts.” I absolutely agree with their assessment. Loris’s story is touching and depicts a child’s emotional journey in the system. I recommend sharing Loris’s journey with your foster family and not just telling them but showing your new family member that they are in a safe place and are wanted and loved.

Amazon’s recommended reading is 5-10 years.


(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book!! You don't read a lot about foster care and over coming many issues that can come with being put through the system. Especially a children's book! This book had wonderful illustrations, but also a wonderful storyline. It really puts you in the shoes of a little boy who has been through a lot and must overcome a lot at the same time. In this book, Cam and Inaya are training for a charity run. The charity run is to raise money for a friend of theirs's who is in the hospital needing open heart surgery. As you go along you see these two practice running, handing out fliers, and getting ready for the big run. One day after a run the two go home and meet their new foster brother. Loris keeps to himself. He doesn't say much, he doesn't play with the others, and he keeps to himself quite a bit. Cam and Inaya try over and over to get him to join them in stuff but he always says no. One day at school Loris stands up to a bully in their school. All the kids are scared of him, but Loris has been scared of worse. The foster siblings start to bond over things and Loris lets his guard down some. Race day comes and Cam hurts himself during the run. Loris takes over for him and helps with the rest of the race. The event is a huge success and the children bond even more. Such a wonderful book. Teaching great values while learning about courage, kindness, and overcoming many fears that pop up in different ways. I would defiantly recommend this book for children 10 and under, but it's also a good book to show teens to encourage understanding and help stop bullying in my opinion. I can't wait to read it with my girls.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Loris Open Up His Heart is the first book in the Courage Tales series by Dagmara Sitek who has lovingly crafted a wonderfully meaningful children’s story (with lovely colourful illustrations that help to bring the story to life by Lau Frank).
The story is aimed at children aged 5 to 10 years-old --- but I feel there is value to the story that will ensure that the book can be enjoyed and appreciated by all ages.
This is not only a cute tale but teaches valuable life lessons along the way. Loris hasn’t had an easy life and as a result has ‘closed-off his heart’. When he is placed with a loving, supportive family, he learns to ‘open up his heart’ again. Along the way he, along with his foster family, teach us about emotional intelligence and how to deal with strong emotions such as anger, frustration, loneliness, and hurt. It also shows how opening yourself up to ‘new’ and scary experiences can have wonderful results. The story touches on topics such as bullying, making friends, the meaning of family (and that family doesn’t always mean you have to be ‘blood’ related), having compassion/empathy, being kind/generous, being helpful, being brave/resilient/patient/tenacious, and finding purpose in life. I really felt for Loris and what he had been through. I was so happy that he found a family that made him feel like he was safe enough to open up his heart again. I really wanted to give him the biggest, squishiest hugs.
This was such a lovely, heartwarming story that left me with all the ‘feel-good’ vibes of a meaningful story.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series…

Thank you, Dagmara Sitek!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loris Opens Up His Heart is a picture book for children, to give a gentle, but emotional, introduction to Foster Care- as well as sensitive situations surrounding it. I read it to my 8 year old and he didn't have any negative reactions. He did first interpret Loris's attitude and behavior as many others might- as "mean" or "grumpy." But, by the end, he understood, which I think is the purpose of this book. It helps kids understand that emotions and behaviors might have an underlying cause. You don't know what someone has been through, so you shouldn't judge them based off first impressions. Loris is placed with a new family, and is quiet and reserved. His new "siblings" continue to be by his side and offer their help, repeatedly. Eventually, Loris warms up to them and shares a bit about his past. Once he gets that off his chest, and is not judged harshly, he opens up to the family. I love the discussion this book sparked between my son and I after completion.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek . This is a great children's book that includes information about something a little deeper than most children's books. It's a story that teaches kids its ok to have feelings and its ok to deal with them. It's the story of Loris who has been sent to a new foster home and the kids there are super excited, Loris is not as excited and is very quiet and not opening up to them. Inaya & Cam are his foster siblings and when Cam begins to get bullied, Loris stands up for him. After Loris stands up to the bully he tells his foster siblings his story and why he is so withdrawn and not open. It teaches kids that when before you judge someone you should find out more about them so you know what they have been thru. Loris learns that after he opens up to his siblings he can be more open in other relationships too. I feel like this is a very important book for kids to read in this day and age!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a sweet story about Loris, a boy who has moved into a new foster home. Loris struggles with feelings of sadness, anger and fear. However, his new brother, Cam, and new sister, Inaya, are ready to welcome him with love and understanding. They both know how it feels to move into a new foster home. Cam and Inaya are practicing for a charity run to help their friend, Susie, to raise funds for her much needed open-heart surgery. However, a bully stomps on Cam's foot injuring him and leaving him unable to run in the race. Loris not only stands up to the bully, but also steps in to take Cam's place in the race! Loris is able to open up to his new brother and sister and let them know how he's feeling, and they let him know that there is always someone who cares, and then Loris gets the chance to BE the someone who cares to take Cam's place in the race. Such a sweet story with a happy ending.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’d read by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was blown away by how amazing it was! I read this with both of my kids who are 8 and 12 years old, and they loved it as well. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and really add depth to the story. It helped keep my youngest’s attention as well. This is such a beautiful book about resilience and the turbulent times that children can encounter. I especially loved that this focuses on foster kids because they do see the world differently, but they still need love, care, and attention. Sometimes they put up that wall of isolation to stay safe, and this story really shows how to support someone going through that. I highly recommend picking this up for your classroom, library, or home to share with the younger ones in your life. It teaches empathy and emotions as well as different situations that others go through.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can warmly recommend all parents to have this wonderful book on the shelf for their children. The story touched me deeply, all the characters are written so genuinely, the story itself is very authentic and has many memorable moments. The best thing for me was the values portrayed in the book, such as openness, kindness, having the courage to jump over one's own shadow and helpfulness towards other people, written in a way that children can understand.
It is a gem that skilfully masters the balancing act between complex topics and child-friendly literature
As an expecting mother, I hope that my child will internalise these values and opens up to other children just like Loris. Hopefully there will soon be a german edition of this book that I can give my child to read when she is older.

[Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inaya and Cam are excited to be getting a new foster brother named Loris. Unfortunately Loris wants nothing to do with them. Being used to the foster system, they realize he may just need time to adjust.

As time goes on, Loris still isn’t opening up to them. That is until Cam gets bullied and Loris stands up to the bully. After that Loris tells his foster siblings his story. He realizes that fear was standing in his way of forming new relationships and it’s time to let those fears go.

This story packed a punch. The illustrations are very nicely done and the story itself is quite powerful. It teaches kids about kindness and emotions. There are little to no kids books about abuse and/or foster care which makes this book a gem.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek

Loris Opens Up His Heart is part of the Courage Tales Series. This is a heartwarming children’s book about courage and compassion. It’s about the heartache of feeling not wanted and being shuffled from foster home to foster home. My brother and sister in law are foster parents and they’ve had several children who came into their home broken. A little love and showing compassion goes a long way. My son and I loved reading this book and we definitely had strong emotions for Loris and all he’s been through. I highly recommend reading this book. This is a newer author to us but they’ve definitely gotten new fans with us.

[Ashley Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Loris, who is a foster kid, and a brother, and more. He is an amazing
character who wants to find his way home. This is a book for anyone who has felt alone, or
angry, or scared. This is a book for anyone who has wondered where they fit in.

Anyone who hopes for a brighter future will relate to the journey of Loris, his family, and his
friends. Dagmara Sitek's gift for storytelling makes an unforgettable book. Lau Frank's artwork is something you will remember too. Together, the words and art create a special world. And the message I got from reading it, that we all belong somewhere, is awesome.

[Athena Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for younger kids, not just because of its colorful cast of characters, but also the important message. I’m definitely not the target audience, but either way I sat down and read through it. Let me tell you that this book is so heartwarming, but also addresses the darkness that is present in some children’s lives. The illustrations are also very well done, they don’t give me the weird vibes that I get when I read old picture books. The soft colors and details are very visually pleasing. If I ever have kids, you can count on me purchasing the paperback copy of this book for them.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a new kid in any situation is hard, but being a new kid in foster care is even harder. Loris is the new kid, he is scared, withdrawn and angry. Even though Cam and Inaya try to befriend him he is having a hard time adapting. Will the kids give up on Loris? Will Loris come around? This author opened the eyes of many with this story. The emotion put into this story is spot on. Cam and Inaya are the best siblings and have opened their hearts to Loris, they understand what he is going through. I really enjoyed this story! The courage, love, and helping others, made this book a must have to all libraries.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Loris Opens Up His Heart: An Emotional Story For Kids" is a touching and powerful book that teaches children about resilience, courage, and kindness. The story of Loris, a boy in foster care who overcomes challenges, will inspire children to be honest with themselves and face their own struggles with courage.

The book is beautifully written and will captivate young readers with its message of compassion and care. It is a great resource for parents and teachers looking to help children navigate difficult emotions and situations.

Overall, "Loris Opens Up His Heart" is a valuable addition to any child's library, and will leave a lasting impact on readers of all ages.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a wonderful, emotional and heartwarming story. It is one that we all, as a family, loved reading together. They characters are brilliant and engaging and lovely to read about. This is also a book that I enjoyed personally reading, even though it is not aimed at me as an audience. It was so nice to see a book after a foster child and I think the author handled the sensitive topic which such ease.
This was an unexpectedly fantastic story and for once it is one that even I am looking forward to reading multiple times. I loved how it taught my kids something more than they usually get from these kind of books. We will definitely be looking into more books from this author.