Melbourne mum finds heartbreaking note in children's book

When Melbourne mum Natalie Coleman bought a book for her daughter Leni in early May, all she was thinking about was how much they'd enjoy reading it together when they arrived home.

“My daughter and I have a weekly date,” Natalie told 9Honey.

“She chooses a book from the op shop and we go out for a babycino and read our book.”

The pair have done this for more than two years, but this time, when they sat down to read the book they had chosen – 5 Minute Princess Stories -- they found a heartbreaking note written by a man named Barry to his daughter Alexis, who had owned the book previously.

It read, "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 said she decided to try and find Alexis, to whom the note was addressed, because if she’d written a letter like this for her daughter she’d want her to receive it.

The pair returned to the shop to begin their search, but staff weren't able to help.

So, the mum shared a photo of the book cover and note on her Facebook page.

"I recently picked up this book from a St Kilda op shop for my daughter. This message just breaks my heart,” Natalie wrote.

"If you know Alexis (Dad named Barry) I would love to return your book.”

Natalie told 9Honey she's been contacted by someone who claims to know Barry and is passing on her details to him.

"I’d love her [Alexis] to have the option of its return," she added.