A Flicker of Hope

Wow! This book is so well done. The illustrations connect perfectly to the story. The story could literally be a lifesaver to some children who feel hopeless. I loved that it gave examples of ways to ask for help when feeling hopeless instead of just stating what someone should do. It describes the ways that someone might feel hopeless and also gives examples of why they might feel hopeless, such as losing a loved one or not being as good at something as friends. It is written by counselors with many years of experience and seems to be a very useful resource for parents and schools.

The message in this book is one that everyone needs to hear and absorb every day. It was such a touching book and done in a way that is easy to grasp and internalize, especially if you are young. I love how the candle characters show that although we have our own trials and bad days to hurdle over, we all deal with very similar things. When you think you are the only one having a bad day and not coping well, there are other out there who are dealing with similar, if not the same issues. As a child, I lost my Mom at a very young age and this book would have been nice to read and remind me that, while life can be tough, you will always get through and that you can help inspire hope in others who need it. I also adore the bright and whimsy illustrations are colors are in this book. They really grab you and can cheer you up. Each candle is different; I think that an important point to drive home, that we all look different and come from different places, but we are all still human and susceptible to the same feelings.

This book honestly made my chest tighten. It's a beautiful story about reaching out to others when your inner light begins to get dark. It's about overcoming depression, overcoming tough times, by asking for the help of others. I love it.

This is such an important and uplifting book, teaching children that all of us feel dark clouds above us sometimes, but that there are ways to lighten them up. The text gives children a script to follow in order to confront those dark clouds, and addresses how heavy clouds can feel sometimes and why we shouldn't let that stop us.

I really love the underlying message that we all matter, and think this is something so valuable to instill in children.

The illustrations are beautiful, and a perfect accompaniment to the text. They add to the reading experience.

This is a book that I think everyone should read. Everyone at some point in their lives get overwhelmed and down, and this book ensures that everyone has a place in the world and everybody has a life worth living. This book used candles to show that people do not always shine at their brightest when they have clouds over their heads. I really likes that the illustrations added emotions and feelings to the words, and it makes it so this book can be read at any age. I think this book can be used by parents and educators alike to help explain to students that they are worthy and loved.
I really enjoyed how the book was almost from two different perspectives: the first candle that had a flicker of light, and the candle that gave the first candle their light back. The first candle explained the "clouds" that were making the light dark in ways such as not felling good enough. It then switched to the perspective of the candle that helped, and it had similar struggles to the first one and that is why they knew how to help. It then ended with the first candle being able to take their struggles and turn it into being able to help another candle whose flame was flickering.
There was also an analogy about death being compared to candles burning out too soon. I think this was done in a way that even children would understand. This book hit many emotions, and it was done in a way that was easy to understand.
This is definitely a book that I will use in my classes, whether I teacher young children or young adults. This book can help show that as the teacher, you do care about your students and want to see them all grow up and feel worthy of living.

Lovely book with deeper meanings. The first thing that lured me was the illustrations. Bright colors and images that match the content of each single page. As far as the content itself, I think that the book aptly poses serious problems that arise at a young age, approaching them with an insightful manner. But what really made me stand it out is the fact that instead of staying in the description of the problem, it goes one step further by giving tangible solutions. It does not stop in a stiff advice like "When you don't feel well, ask for help". The book, although intended for children, could easily be read by adults who experience problems such as depression.
In conclusion, from an educational point of view I consider it an excellent aid.

This is a lovely book primarily intended for children about never giving up hope no matter how dark things may seem. The main message of the story is characterised by a candle whose light is very dim and gradually becoming dimmer. The candle receives some help from another very bright candle who gives it more light, or in other words, hope.

The book gives a clear message about asking for help, finding the courage to keep on going and to never give up. It shows that it is possible to push away the dark clouds that are only visible to you and no one else. “A Flicker of Hope” shows the reader that hope is very important, no matter what your own personal dark clouds might be, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, depression or loss. Beautifully written and illustrated very nicely, this book enhances that message.

This is a great little book for both adults and children and one I would definitely recommend.

[Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC of #AflickerOfHope in exchange for an honest review.]