A Flicker of Hope

The message of this book, to motivate, inspire, and reassure kids who are depressed, is a good one. The words are helpful. The use of candles to show how one person can share their flame and their hope with another is appropriate. Were I a counselor, I would use every tool possible to support kids who are down, and as a librarian, this is definitely a useful addition to the collection. But, I also think the illustrations could be much better. I understand wanting to show the difference between the feelings of a person who is down and depressed, and the use of simpler pictures and dark clouds to show a mood. And I very much liked the few pages where the color and pictures blaze up and make a strong, good contrast. But, most of the pages use pictures that are less than inspiring, the pages are too crowded with small candles and blurbs, and they don’t seem to be quite strong enough to move the story along. In a children’s book, particularly ages 5-8, the illustrations are vital, and most of the ones in this book are disappointing.

As an elementary school counselor, I am constantly updating my library with books that I can use with my students. Many, many, many of the books are by Julia Cook! So, when I heard she was coming out with a book on HOPE, I had to have it. I purchased this book, well before its release date, with the hopes that it would be amazing and it has not disappointed. There are so many negative messages in the world today. It is so difficult for not only children, but everyone, to persevere and find hope in a situation. Julia Cook uses a very appropriate candle methaphor and DRIVES home that you cannot lose hope, ever! It discusses very serious subject matter in a non threatening and age appropriate manner that will help kids learn without causing them to worry or be afraid. This is a great read and something I would highly recommend!

I own and love so many of Julia Cooke’s books. The first time I picked up this book and read it, I knew it would be one my students would connect to, because to be honest, I started tearing up as I read it. We (adults and kids), have those times in life when the dark cloud above us makes it difficult to recognize the good and positive outlook for the future, but this book reminds us to do so, and to reach out for help when we need it. I loved reading this to my elementary students, and reflecting on their “gifts”, as well as others who have helped to brighten their flame when they needed it. I see A Flicker of hope as a book I will continually go back to reading.

First, this is a good book. The author did a good job of tackling a lot of tough subjects in 1 book. I took away 1 star because of the wordiness. Between the pics and the story, kids get it. Keep it simple. For these types of books kids don't want the story to go on forever. The 2nd star is taken away because there are so many possible triggers, such as death and suicide, in this book (I get it, that's the actual point of the book). But this is just a warning that you need to know your audience that this book is being read to. This is not a good choice for a read-aloud to a class of kids. It's great for a sit-down with a child that you know their background and you have time to discuss the book. A summary of my review is it's a good book for specific kids and not a good book for a group of kids.

I used the book, Flicker of Hope, to design a cross-curricular lesson between guidance and Language Arts. This worked out really well as it lead to thought provoking activities for our students. One student said, ““I like this book because it tells people they don’t have to hide their feelings and that it’s ok to ask for help. Overall it has an amazing message and it is a very good book. I think it will help people relate to the characters and figure out that it’s ok to feel sad sometimes and that you just need to keep asking people to help you and give you hope. I really think that this will help get more hope givers because that’s what the world really needs right now. I absolutely love this book!” The issues addressed in the book are real issues our students face daily. The book provides them an avenue to explore and realize that they are not alone and it is ok to ask for help.

The weirdest way I found this book. Hubs and I were trapped in a library bathroom. This book was the closest one to the potty lol. I picked it up read it and was hit by its profound truth. And the feels. So I’m reading it aloud in a whisper to my hubs in the kids section and OF COURSE the tears come bc this book is the real deal. I’m crying .... in the damn library! Lol Anyone who needs sadness or depression explained to a younger generation -this would be a great tool there. Buy this book, I did and it’s on our living room end table now—It’s a very needed message esp for our kids today, really, this book is for ALL of us who need reminders to both let our lights shine AND to ask for help when they are dimming ... superb!!!!

This book is amazing for children who cannot self-regulate when having an intense emotion and say they want to die. Or have thoughts of death. As a counselor the concept of their light, and letting someone help you, and then in turn helping others is relatable and makes it easy to facilitate conversations. The only part I did not like was someone the sayings, or things that happen, are not related to the age that would be reading this book, such as talking about you on social media, I believe. Someone old enough to be involved in Instagram, for example, would not be reading this book. There are parts I skip Bc I Don’t want to elicit sadness.

I think the subject and intent of the book is something that is needed but way too abstract for young readers. It was too wordy and long the child I read it too was board and kind of got the concept but was tired of reading it. It hurts my heart to say this because I'm a huge Julia Cook fan I own at least a dozen of her books but this book needs Improvement. Simplify the message

This book was not what I expected. I loved the premise and the illustrations, but this book takes it a bit further than I think a children’s book should in regards to talk of suicide and what happens when things get “too dark” and you don’t feel you can go on. While it’s valuable to talk about, I bought this book not knowing that was some of the content. I’m a social worker who was hoping to use this book with young kids who have lost a parent or sibling, thinking this was a book about finding hope in dark times.. but am deciding not to share this book with that audience because of the content.

This is TERRIFIC book for helping kids (and adults) talk about depression. However, the cover that came on my book did not have a loop in the L in the word Flicker. This made the word flicker look like a swear word. Before I brought it into my therapy office I just added a loop with sharpie and then it was kid appropriate.

The message of this book, to motivate, inspire, and reassure kids who are depressed, is a good one. The words are helpful. The use of candles to show how one person can share their flame and their hope with another is appropriate. Were I a counselor, I would use every tool possible to support kids who are down, and as a librarian, this is definitely a useful addition to the collection. But, I also think the illustrations could be much better. I understand wanting to show the difference between the feelings of a person who is down and depressed, and the use of simpler pictures and dark clouds to show a mood. And I very much liked the few pages where the color and pictures blaze up and make a strong, good contrast. But, most of the pages use pictures that are less than inspiring, the pages are too crowded with small candles and blurbs, and they don’t seem to be quite strong enough to move the story along. In a children’s book, particularly ages 5-8, the illustrations are vital, and most of the ones in this book are disappointing.

As an elementary school counselor, I am constantly updating my library with books that I can use with my students. Many, many, many of the books are by Julia Cook! So, when I heard she was coming out with a book on HOPE, I had to have it. I purchased this book, well before its release date, with the hopes that it would be amazing and it has not disappointed. There are so many negative messages in the world today. It is so difficult for not only children, but everyone, to persevere and find hope in a situation. Julia Cook uses a very appropriate candle methaphor and DRIVES home that you cannot lose hope, ever! It discusses very serious subject matter in a non threatening and age appropriate manner that will help kids learn without causing them to worry or be afraid. This is a great read and something I would highly recommend!

I own and love so many of Julia Cooke’s books. The first time I picked up this book and read it, I knew it would be one my students would connect to, because to be honest, I started tearing up as I read it. We (adults and kids), have those times in life when the dark cloud above us makes it difficult to recognize the good and positive outlook for the future, but this book reminds us to do so, and to reach out for help when we need it. I loved reading this to my elementary students, and reflecting on their “gifts”, as well as others who have helped to brighten their flame when they needed it. I see A Flicker of hope as a book I will continually go back to reading.

First, this is a good book. The author did a good job of tackling a lot of tough subjects in 1 book. I took away 1 star because of the wordiness. Between the pics and the story, kids get it. Keep it simple. For these types of books kids don't want the story to go on forever. The 2nd star is taken away because there are so many possible triggers, such as death and suicide, in this book (I get it, that's the actual point of the book). But this is just a warning that you need to know your audience that this book is being read to. This is not a good choice for a read-aloud to a class of kids. It's great for a sit-down with a child that you know their background and you have time to discuss the book. A summary of my review is it's a good book for specific kids and not a good book for a group of kids.

I used the book, Flicker of Hope, to design a cross-curricular lesson between guidance and Language Arts. This worked out really well as it lead to thought provoking activities for our students. One student said, ““I like this book because it tells people they don’t have to hide their feelings and that it’s ok to ask for help. Overall it has an amazing message and it is a very good book. I think it will help people relate to the characters and figure out that it’s ok to feel sad sometimes and that you just need to keep asking people to help you and give you hope. I really think that this will help get more hope givers because that’s what the world really needs right now. I absolutely love this book!” The issues addressed in the book are real issues our students face daily. The book provides them an avenue to explore and realize that they are not alone and it is ok to ask for help.

The weirdest way I found this book. Hubs and I were trapped in a library bathroom. This book was the closest one to the potty lol. I picked it up read it and was hit by its profound truth. And the feels. So I’m reading it aloud in a whisper to my hubs in the kids section and OF COURSE the tears come bc this book is the real deal. I’m crying .... in the damn library! Lol Anyone who needs sadness or depression explained to a younger generation -this would be a great tool there. Buy this book, I did and it’s on our living room end table now—It’s a very needed message esp for our kids today, really, this book is for ALL of us who need reminders to both let our lights shine AND to ask for help when they are dimming ... superb!!!!

This book is amazing for children who cannot self-regulate when having an intense emotion and say they want to die. Or have thoughts of death. As a counselor the concept of their light, and letting someone help you, and then in turn helping others is relatable and makes it easy to facilitate conversations. The only part I did not like was someone the sayings, or things that happen, are not related to the age that would be reading this book, such as talking about you on social media, I believe. Someone old enough to be involved in Instagram, for example, would not be reading this book. There are parts I skip Bc I Don’t want to elicit sadness.

I think the subject and intent of the book is something that is needed but way too abstract for young readers. It was too wordy and long the child I read it too was board and kind of got the concept but was tired of reading it. It hurts my heart to say this because I'm a huge Julia Cook fan I own at least a dozen of her books but this book needs Improvement. Simplify the message

This book was not what I expected. I loved the premise and the illustrations, but this book takes it a bit further than I think a children’s book should in regards to talk of suicide and what happens when things get “too dark” and you don’t feel you can go on. While it’s valuable to talk about, I bought this book not knowing that was some of the content. I’m a social worker who was hoping to use this book with young kids who have lost a parent or sibling, thinking this was a book about finding hope in dark times.. but am deciding not to share this book with that audience because of the content.

This is TERRIFIC book for helping kids (and adults) talk about depression. However, the cover that came on my book did not have a loop in the L in the word Flicker. This made the word flicker look like a swear word. Before I brought it into my therapy office I just added a loop with sharpie and then it was kid appropriate.

This book is so timely and it really tackles a big issue in a way kids can relate to and understand. I am an elementary school counselor and this book is going to be incredible for my students. Every kid, teen, and even adult could really benefit from this incredible story. The illustrations and story are truly amazing.

Flicker of Hope inspires us to all have hope. As a school counselor I know that this book will be perfect for the many students in my school who are struggling to overcome the circumstances of their lives. Thank you to Julia Cook for giving us a story and words to address resilience with our students!

I love this book. I bought it for our family. I saw a perfect time to gift it to someone special. I plan on buying more copies. I want one for our house. I also want a few on hand when I see the perfect time for a gift to someone.

This is another great children's book that addresses the difficult topic of mental health/depression. Inspirational and simple for a difficult topic.

Perfect book for the coronavirus pandemic. I read it to my class on flipgrid and asked them to respond about what they can do when their light is fading, who can they turn to, and how can they help others. They had really great responses, and this book helped frame a positive mindset!

The author Julia Cook outdoes herself with this amazing book centering on heavy topics, in a child-friendly manner. As a school counselor and licensed therapist I would definitely use this cook in and out of schools. Although it has elementary type of illustrations, the book could still be used with adolescents and adults, as it is written metaphorically. The book touches upon concepts of mental health, resilience, and building hope in others. I highly recommend it!

I'm so happy I added this book to my collection of Julia Cook books! Right away my students were connecting it to personal references and demonstrating how to share their unique "flicker of hope" with others. A truly needed book to help show children how to find hope and how to share hope with others. Thank you Julia for lifting our children up with your hope and helping teachers and parents in teaching them through your amazing books!

Julia Cook does an amazing job once again to introduce a challenging topic to kids. Children have so many expectations and are continuously trying to cope. It can be overwhelming and defeating at times. Flicker of Hope discusses how we sometimes need help and it is ok. Other times we can be that source of support for others. This a great book to help identify stressors in our child’s life and can allow a discussion on coping strategies. A little hope goes a long way for all of us.

The book itself is well written. Our daughter really enjoyed the book and it is a great resource for learning. Amazon shipping, on the other hand, was not so great. Brand new book looked used due to scuffing and being bent the wrong way during shipping.

Weird book to read just because. Gets a little dark, but I can see how it would’ve useful to grieving children or children who have been through trauma. Not a book I would recommend otherwise

As a school counselor and registered play therapist, I love the message this book sends. We all have special gifts we can share with others, and if our hope fades, we can ask for help. The art work and message is beautiful in this book. Very few books have brought a tear to my eye, but this one did. Can't wait to start using this with kids. Such an important message!

Bought for classroom SEL lesson. Kids loved it. Adorable illustrations. Will use this for years to come.

Another amazing book by Julia Cook. Flicker of Hope will not disappoint. It gives us permission to ask for help when we feel at our darkest as well as being the hope for someone in need.

This story is incredibly written. Hope is a skill that all students need to aspire to have. This is especially true as a School Counselor who works with students who have experienced trauma. I will be able to use this story for so many topic areas, including resiliency, grief and loss and bullying. I highly recommend it.

Julia Cook did it again! A Flicker of Hope shares powerful message for all ages. The book leaves readers with a beautiful reminder that there is always a flicker of hope no matter the storm cloud. Teachers, parents, counselors and more - this is a great resource to add to your social and emotional library!

Julia Cook approaches another tough topic in this book about reaching out for help in the dark times. This book is perfect for kids suffering with trauma, mental illness, and other life situations that make life seem unbearable.

Another wonderful book by Julia Cook. As a School Counselor, I can use this in my work with elementary students who can always use a little hope. Parents can also use this with their children at home. The author uses kid friendly language and gives children tools to use in their everyday lives.

Just as Described and pictured

Love this book it’s perfect.

This book is a game changer for anyone needing a boost of hope.

Great book for children of trama.

My daughter and I enjoyed reading this story together

Very emotional connection for my son. We both cried through the book. I love it.

Love the theme!

Julia Cook does such an amazing job at addressing the tough issue of depression and how important it is to ask for help. I love the message this book sends to young kids and how vibrant the illustrations are!

This book is so perfect to address emotions, warning signs, and comrodery among those living with a mental illness to an elementary child, even up to middle school. Such an amazing way to tell the story so metaphorically.

would recommend it for everyone

I use this for both grief & self esteem work with kids.

As a school counselor, I'm always looking for new material to use with my students. This is a phenomenal resource that the elementary students have really responded to!

This book was excellent it showed my students the value of perseverance and learning to love yourself

A great book with fantastic illustrations.

I really enjoyed this book and hopefully my students will too. It’s a very good book.

4 grandkids

Good for kids who don’t have a stable parental figure to look up to

Helps address the topic of childhood depression.

Great for educators

This book offered a platform for teachers and students to talk about a difficult topic.

Loved this book!

The story is great but when I opened the packaging, the book was in terrible condition. I was so disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book. Utilizing it for therapy.

Love this and my students said it made them think in a new way.

I got this book for my kids; it's really touching.

This could not have come out at a better time!

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This book was written with obvious intent to be a read aloud book (teacher / adult reads to a group of kids) for kids aged 9 or 10 to mid-teen. It has great intention to help kids who feel like no one understands their sadness or whatever other emotion they're weighed under. Unfortunately, there is so much telling and so little showing in this book, I don't know how it can actually reach the kids it's trying to reach. I can't imagine a too-cool-for-school group of kids from ages 10 to 14 who would actually humor a teacher trying to read this book. The language is geared for kids in lower elementary, but the problems and stresses (grades, job prospects, etc) are age appropriate for older students. I was the perfect audience for this book when I was between 9 and mid-teen. I wanted approval from my teachers and I wanted to respect them, even if I thought something like this was cheesy. Therefore, I would quietly listen and try to learn from it what I could. However, while this book makes a good point of telling students to seek help from others, it does so in such a cheesy way that even goodie-two-shoes me wouldn't have grown in my understanding after listening to it. The tips for parents and educators in the back of the book is gold. Perhaps that should be attached to a book more suited for younger kids so that parents and educators can help prevent flickering lights. I want kids who face struggle to have an outlet. I'm afraid this book isn't it.

Note: The National Center for Youth Issues sent me a free copy of this book to profile on my Instagram page. ******* I place a lot of value on books that tackle tough subjects. This book, which addresses how hope can lift us out of darkness, is essential for kids in order for them to learn how to overcome those feelings. I'm giving this a 5 star review because the content is so incredibly important. Kids need this message. They need to know that they are enough, no matter what the world (or others) tell them. There’s a lot for kids to think about these days and a lot of ways for them to conclude that they’re not enough (grades, social media, bullies, etc.). Sometimes it takes a stranger noticing them and telling them that it’s ok to ask for help when they're feeling down. And not only is it ok, it’s something everyone *should* do (boy is that a reminder that most adults I know need to hear). I liked that the figure giving advice has has the same struggle (feelings of inadequacy) as the child she is advising. It makes it relatable for the character and is a great jumping off point for adults to talk to kids about what *their* struggles have been. Kids struggle with very real feelings of inadequacy and adults can have a hard time talking about those feelings. This book bridges that gap - and it’s one I strongly recommend school librarians and/or counselors look at. Published by the National Center for Youth Issues, this is a great book on a tough subject. Recommended for ages 5-8 (but honestly, a lot of adults could benefit by reading this).

National Center for Youth Issues and NetGalley provided me an electronic copy of A Flicker of Hope. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given. A Flicker of Hope is both written and illustrated beautifully, in a way that children will understand. The story is about a young purple candle who has dark clouds hovering over her head, making her lose hope. In her moment of despair, she is given advice by someone who understands how she feels. This book is packed full of good advice, especially showing how there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Too often lately, children and adults alike are turning to permanent solutions to eradicate their pain. A Flicker of Hope gives a different pathway for people to follow and would be invaluable in helping to stem the tide of suicides in this country. My favorite lines in the book are "It's always okay to admit to yourself, "I just can't do it today." Everyone needs somebody sometimes, to help them find their way," as well as "...so I ask. And I keep asking. And I keep reaching out to others until I find someone who can share their flame with me and give me strength and a little boost of hope" (p. 16, p. 26). Parents, in reading this book with their children, can open a frank discussion about feelings of self worth. I definitely recommend A Flicker of Hope to parents, to educators, and to support staff in schools around the country.

Little candle is going through a time of stress and depression. She has many worries and thoughts of inadequacies. Another candle sees that Little candle’s light is dim. This older candle steps up to encourage Little candle, telling her of her own uniqueness and the fact that she can ask for help. The older candle shares her light to brighten Little candle. Having been encouraged, Little candle turns and shares encouragement with another candle who is struggling with low flickering. I enjoyed the encouraging message in this children’s book. The message is repeated but I think that is okay because it reinforces that everyone goes through times when they could use a little help or boost from others. The illustrations are bright, colorful and engaging. I like the different shapes of the candles which is consistent with all of us being different. I think this is a lovely book for parents to share with children and then I can imagine a child going back to the story to look through the images on their own. Even if they can't read, they can remember the lesson they were taught. I recommend this to all parents but especially those who may have a sensitive child who needs to know that it is okay to reach out for encouragement from others. Source: 2019 NetGalley.

The book, A Flicker of Hope, deals with children who are feeling depressed but may not know that's the right word for what they are feeling. It uses candles as an example of how light can come in when you are feeling dark. The book also gives examples of things that may be causing people to feel depressed. I loved the message and thought that it would really resonate with children. However, my one critique is that I'm not sure of the intended audience. The size of the book and the pictures seemed to be aimed at kids (ages 5-7 ish?). But the examples of why kids were feeling depressed (will I get into college? or getting a C on a Physics exam) are aimed at high school students. While I think the book could be helpful for either age group, there is a disconnect. The high school student may balk at the childish-ness of the pictures and words while it may be over the head of an elementary school student.

Imagine it is a perfectly sunny day around you, yet above just you is an intense storm cloud. A cloud that seems to get bigger, heavier, and harder to navigate each second. This cloud doesn’t respond to the “buck up” or move on message, sent from so many people. It needs reason, love, patience, and hope. A Flicker of Hope, by Julia Cook provides young readers (and older readers) a space to relate, and normalize the emotions experienced when their cloud is hoovering close by. This gentle, compassionate book does not discount or minimize the intensity and or duration of the heavy feelings the cloud may bring. From the very first page, the cloud has the ability to reach so many children- by putting tough questions and statements out there. Julia gracefully navigated the struggles felt when the cloud is nearby, and when one begins to compare and question. Using present day coping skills, A Flicker for hope names digital and non-digital coping skills along with naming feelings of hope and resilience. A Flicker of Hope, gives children the courage to name big emotions and feelings, while recognizing their uniqueness and resiliency. I am positive that this book should be on the shelves of every therapist, school counselor, and adult mentor, because lots of children need boost. Their light to our world is critical.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product. A Flicker of Hope is a children's book, although I think the writing is for an older audience. It might be a good teaching book, but it didn't really work reading it one-on-one with my son. I always ask him what he thinks about a book when we finish, and what he enjoyed most about the story. The only thing he could really say about A Flicker of Hope was that he liked the candles, and wanted to know why his birthday candles didn't die when their flames went out. In the book, one of the candles is feeling sad and having negative thoughts, so her candle is dimmed and dull. Another candle comes along to give her hope, which effectively brightens her light. However, the other candle starts talking about everyone having gifts, and how candles without a light are no longer able to share theirs. It was a good lesson in personification, but the deeper messages were lost on him. I think A Flicker of Hope addresses important issues about depression and touches on mental illness, encouraging people to ask for help when they feel down, but it doesn't mention someone needing more than a friend. Yes, you should continue to ask for help, but sometimes that's not enough. Maybe the book could have encouraged readers to seek medical help? Also, essentially telling a person not to kill themselves, or let themselves die because they have "gifts to share", might not be the best approach. A person having negative thoughts and feelings is likely unconcerned with what they have to offer the world. I believe the wording was too wordy at times, and the story wasn't presented in a way that younger children would easily comprehend. I think a few of the pages could have been removed (like when the second candle essentially repeated everything the first candle said at the beginning), and the story could have been simplified for its target audience. Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on January 4, 2019.

One of the things I like best about this story is that it can be used in/for multiple ways. With themes like finding hope, asking for help, valuing your own gifts, and supporting others, it's well worth being on your bookshelf! I love how validating it is of feeling dark when things in your life are going bad, while still encouraging kiddos to push through. With individuals or small groups, this is a fit for 3rd-6th grade. For class lessons, I would stick with 4th and up. Bonus: The illustrations in this book are truly beautiful and add a lot of additional detail. (I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All ideas and opinions expressed are my own).

Julia Cook’s latest social-emotional learning (SEL) picture book is a delight to behold! In keeping true to her form, she knocks another one out of the park with this enchanting story of a little candle that has lost most of her flame due to life pressures. The book shows the little candle bowing under the stress of various real world problems- both trauma related (“Is my mom leaving us?”) and adolescence related (“I got blasted on Instagram”). These ideas are captured in a lovely color scheme with adorable illustrations grouped, at times, into charming square layouts. The picture of the little candle wearing a backpack and red hair bow will just melt your heart (pun absolutely intended). Read this book to your littles or bigs and they will be mesmerized!

Is my mom leaving? Who are my real friends? I can’t believe they’re gone. Did I make the team? I have a D in math! Blasted on Instagram! Am I good enough? These are the many dark clouds hovering over Little Candle, dimming her flame, and dulling any glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow. Like Little Candle, our students have similar worries that are clouding their thoughts as they come to school each day. As the storm clouds build up, these worries and frustrations can prevent our students from feeling successful, joyful, or hopeful, much less feeling able and ready to focus on academic learning. That’s why social emotional learning is so important in the development of our students. I’m a huge fan of books by counselor and children’s author, Julia Cook, and I was lucky to be given an advanced copy of her latest book, A Flicker of Hope, from the National Center for Youth Issues. According to the most recent statistics from the Center for Disease Control in 2016, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24, and according to a study published in Pediatrics earlier this year (May 2018), the number of kids hospitalized for thinking about or attempting suicide doubled in less than a decade. Not one specific cause can be blamed, but I would propose that more and more children facing many more challenges – especially socially – at younger and younger ages. Although this book doesn’t dwell on suicide – in fact, it never mentions the word – it does address what would happen if little candle’s flame went out. “When a flame goes out before its time, the hearts that are left behind are broken forever. Flames that go dark too early leave many gifts which never get shared… and that’s so unfair.” This book is all about reminding kids that no one else in the world has a light like theirs, and to keep it shining, sometimes you have to ask for help; reach out for a boost of hope. I think this book opens doors for conversations in the classroom about what emotions students are experiencing when they come to school and what struggles – both at home and at school – they are facing. As a teacher, having some insight into these emotions and struggles, can help you offer suggestions for how to cope, problem solve, and prioritize. It can also be an opportunity for you to – as the book suggests – build a community of “hope builders” in your classroom where children can connect with each other on a more personal level, offer empathy and understanding to their classmates, and be champions who fight to keep each other’s flames lit. Michael Rawls - The Book Wrangler Blog

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.

The author cleverly created a storyline with beautiful illustrations that's perfect for children and suitable for adults that gets the main message across; every cloud has a silver lining. Never let pride get in the way. Ask for help when needed. It's a clear and meaningful message that lives on to the end of our short life. So, with a little encouragement the student of Hope becomes the teacher. Spread the word and share amongst others. It will only lead to positive outcomes. I send my gratitude to NetGalley and National Center for Youth Issues for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Julia Cook has the ability to take difficult topics and distill them into kid-friendly images and ideas that resonate with children. I love the way she personifies the candles she uses as the characters in this story. The many different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles of candles is a great analogy to the unique differences of people in our classrooms, our schools, and in our world. It gives us a bridge to talk about the idea that although we may be different, we all have times when dark clouds dim our light and we need a little boost. The concept of teaching children to feel hope is empowering. It can help them move from a place of darkness, uncertainty, and self-doubt to a place of light and a feeling of freedom. Our students begin to realize, they are not alone, there are others who can help, and there are things they can do to help others too. This book provides school counselors educators, parents, and anyone who cares for children a sweet little story to teach about the beauty of hope and how we all can be hope builders. What a powerful message for our young ones today!

A short candle—with eyes and mouth and arms and legs—is depressed, with a literal dark cloud hanging over it, full of the kinds of problems facing kids and teens today. Some are more important than others, but all hurtful. It takes the light of another candle, and even then a few tries, to get the stubby one to see the light. Of all the usually non-sentient objects being given life in a children’s book, I’d have to say candles are the strangest. The point here is to not be ashamed to ask for help, because others have been through the same. Ends with a couple of pages about the power of hope, meant for adults so they can pass it on to their kids. 3.5 pushed up to 4/5

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 book literally choked me up as I was reading it to my kids. It has such a beautiful and important message- that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes, and that it’s ALWAYS okay to reach out and ask for help! I was so moved by this little story- although the age range it’s intended for may be a little too young to grasp the message- but with all the stress and pressures we face in today’s world, I would recommend this one to all ages, adults included! Another winner from Julia Cook!

This is a lovely book about looking for and finding hope even in the darkest of times. While it does get repetitive after a while, it is geared towards children. It should be learned that if you're ever feeling down or lost, there are people out there to support you and help you out of those times. I especially liked that the characters were candles to make a point that when you're in dark times, someone will be there to light the way. Well done book and informative at the same time.

I love how Julia Cook is able to use a picture book to start a conversation between adults and children. This story provides the tools to know what to say and how to say it when students may find themselves standing under dark clouds. There are many kids out there whose light is starting to flicker because they are either scared to ask for help, or don’t know where to turn. As children get older, hope is needed to get through the challenges that life will throw at them. It won’t be an easy road, but with hope, children are more likely to succeed. This book would be a great addition for classroom teachers and school counselors!

When I heard that Julia Cook, author of My Mouth is a Volcano, wrote a new book, I was excited to read it! I love using picture books in the classroom to help teach lessons and as discussion starters, and A Flicker of Hope is a great book to use to focus on resilience. The book tells the story of a purple candle who wants to be happy but faces challenges of self-doubt, which appear as dark clouds above her. She meets a candle who is able to show her that everyone feels sad at times but that the clouds are temporary. The purple candle also learns to look for "Hope Builders" who can help her when times are tough and to use her gifts to help others. So many children (and adults) are facing difficult issues and I believe A Flicker of Hope presents an important life skill students need to hear.

This book is one big metaphor for depression. It’s meant for kids to learn that they are not the only ones and that it is okay to ask for help. The metaphor might be a little strong for younger kids, but I think 4 year old and up would understand what is going on. This book would be an asset to classroom libraries, doctors offices, and individuals. As a plus the illustrations are fun and really help convey the message.

This book is a MUST HAVE! It is imperative that we get the conversations going with our kids about important issues like suicide, depression, and anxiety. We need to bring down the walls! This book allows kids to understand that it is OK to feel all different feelings. Not everyone feels "just right" all the time. It helps kids to understand that it is OK to have an "off" day. It also talks about ways for kids to actually ask for help, who to go to to talk, and how we can all support one another through the good times and bad. This book is beautifully written and illustrated. I highly recommend!

Julia Cook did it again! This book, A Flicker of Hope, allows parents, teachers, counselors, family, and friends to discuss the 'tough stuff' in a way that is appropriate, doesn't put ideas in children's heads, and gives them tools for addressing thoughts they may not yet understand in an age-appropriate way. In today's society where mental illness and suicide are far too common, this tool can start important conversations at a young age!

Julia Cook always finds the perfect way to explain different issues for young children. As a school counselor, this book will be a go-to for helping individual students who need "a little boost of hope." I have no doubt that A Flicker of Hope will give children a new way of thinking and allow them a way of escape from hopelessness. Julia Cook does it again! Thank you, Julia, for another great resource I can add to my school counseling library! I love it!

This is a lovely book about hope, I really hope that it is used by those that need it. The story was easy to follow and it is a really good concept to let children know that they are not alone, help is available and there are probably a lot of people feeling the same as you. Four stars

A great book with a wonderful message and the illustrations are spot on with the story. I love how the flames represent the feelings of the candles. This is a wonderful book for children to help learn and overcome feeling down. I highly recommend this book to every parent and would be great in schools.

This is such a sweet story of hope and mental health. As a school counselor, so many children are dealing with complex trauma and anxiety and depression are a huge side effect. This story shows how a person can help other's see their worth and importance, inspires hope and let's one know that there are people that care and have concern. I highly recommend this book to all who work with youth--caretakers, counselors, and teachers.

How can you ever rate a book badly whose whole premise is to illustrate how to never lose hope? At times, it may seem repetitive but this is book for children. We have to judge it based on the intended audience. I like books like these and will continue to recommend them especially for children everywhere.

Flicker of Hope is a wonderful story that could help children (and adults) find hope for their future and healing from the depths of trauma, sorrow or grief. As an Elementary School Counselor, I own several of Julia Cook's books. This will be used in my lessons on perseverance and sense of community. I will also share it with individual students who need to know they are never alone in their life struggles. A truly amazing story on so many levels!