Hope Is An Open Heart Book

We've all had days when hope feels far away, when the world seems cold and dark. Thankfully, comfort can come to us in many ways, as it does in this very special book.

Lauren Thompson's luminous text, paired with breathtaking photographs from around the world, provides an uplifting introduction to the meaning of hope. Speaking to people of all ages, across all cultures, these words and images celebrate loving families, caring friends, small kindnesses, and great inner strength. Through this book, we can see hope reach around the world, and feel its power to change us all.

Publishers Weekly

Similar to Charles M. Schulz's Happiness Is a Warm Puppy, this sentimental crowd-pleaser defines hope through examples, pairing these with luxuriant photographs that highlight children and places from all over the world. "Hope/ is holding tight/ to your mother's hand" accompanies a picture of a mother and child walking on a beautiful Alabama beach. "Hope is a heart/ that is open to the world around you" features a string of Sri Lankan children in school uniforms holding hands. In an afterword, Thompson (the Little Quack books) talks about the inspiring experiences captured in five of the photographs; all other photographs go unexplained. Sometimes neither text nor art successfully translates the abstract concept of hope. To exemplify "Hope is remembering that you are not alone," the text abruptly adds a didactic digression ("Many others feel/ just the way you do./ Many others care") while the accompanying photograph pictures two boys, backs to the camera, staring at the water from a craggy shore. Even so, the text maintains a consistent emotional appeal and the photos a National Geographic-style gorgeousness; a portion of the sales benefits Volunteers of America. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

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