Mum shares heartbreaking note she found in a children's book she bought for her daughter

Natalie Coleman shared her find on Facebook in the hope she could find the book's original recipient.

natalie coleman book facebook

Natalie Coleman picked up a Disney story book she knew her daughter would love from a second-hand shop. When she discovered a heartbreaking note inside, she knew had to find the original owner. 

Buying toys and books from charity and second-hand shops is a great, affordable way to enrich your little one's lives. But when Natalie found a special handwritten note inside a book she had bought for her daughter, she decided it was best to try and return the book.

The Australian mum picked up the book 5 Minute Princess Stories for her little girl from a shop in Melbourne.

When she eventually sat down to read it with her daughter, she found a message from a father to his daughter, presumably the original recipient of the book.

The note said: 'Dear Alexis. If you’re getting this without me, it’s because unfortunately my circumstances got too grim for me to give it to you yourself. You need to know I always loved you with all my heart. You were the first thing I thought about when I woke up in the morning and the last thing I thought about at night. Love Dad (Barry)'.

Natalie felt compelled to find Alexis and return the book, with this special message inside. She posted a picture of the book on Facebook and said: 'I recently picked up this book from a St Kilda Op-shop for my daughter. The message just breaks my heart … if you know Alexis (Dad named Barry) I would love to return your book.'

https://www.facebook.com/trudie.coleman.5/posts/1676760875771486

Several people commented on the post and wished Natalie luck on finding the original owner of the book.

One person said: 'Hope you find the owner ... that’s very touching 😰'.

However, the post has been shared by less than 100 people and it looks unlikely that Alexis or Barry will be found any time soon.

The Herald Sun report that Natalie returned to the shop she bought the book from to see if she can trace who dropped it off, but the shop owners said this was practically impossible.

We hope you find them soon Natalie! 

Jessica Ransom
Senior Food Writer

Jessica is a freelance food writer, stylist and recipe tester. She previously worked as Senior Food Writer at Future. While at Future Jessica wrote food and drink-related news stories and features, curated product pages, reviewed equipment, and developed recipes that she then styled on food shoots. She is an enthusiastic, self-taught cook who adores eating out and sharing great food and drink with friends and family. She has completed the Level 1 Associate course at the Academy of Cheese and is continually building on her knowledge of beers, wines, and spirits.