There's No Place Like Hope

November 1, 2023
"There's no place like hope, where possible lives, where people are helpful, and everyone gives." Clean, accessible rhymes coupled with whimsical, playful illustrations of children from many races demonstrate the power and necessity of hope and teamwork in this warm and playful book. A nice choice for units on social emotional learning and a good way to provide comfort for children who are learning how to manage their feelings and expectations, this straightforward concept book features spreads that explain how hope can provide humor and help build resilience, determination, and friendship. It offers visual depictions of children working together to learn, explore new experiences, play indoors and outdoors, and enjoy one another's company. While this is an age-appropriate tool for understanding feelings and working together, the energetic text and action-filled illustrations keep the tone light, sweet, and nearly free of proselytizing, and the open, cheery scenarios invite children to come up with examples of how they can work together to use hope and teamwork themselves. A good choice for early-year classrooms or for home, this appealing selection will provide a solid foundation on which to build. An inclusive and inspiring paean to hope and cooperation for the very young. (Picture book. 2-6)

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