A Flicker of Hope: A Picture Book About Depression and Asking for Help

by Julia Cook, MacKenzie Haley (Illustrator)

HOPE is our children’s window for a better tomorrow. In terms of resilience and well-being, hope is a critically important predictor of success. This creative story from the best-selling author of My Mouth is a Volcano!, and Bubble Gum Brain, reminds children that dark clouds can be temporary and asking for help is always okay. We all have times when we need to borrow a little hope from someone else.

When your clouds get too dark,
and too heavy to push away,
Reach out and ask, “Can I borrow some light?”
“I’m having a really bad day.”

“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.”

Sometimes the dark clouds overhead seem too heavy and you feel like giving up. Little candle knows all about this. Bad grades, blasted on social media, worried about making the team, and wondering who her real friends are—so many hard things to deal with! All she can see is darkness. But her story begins to change when someone notices she needs a boost of hope. As little candle is reminded she has purpose and her own unique gifts, and that she isn’t the only one with dark clouds, her dim light begins to shine brighter.

Genres: Picture Books, Mental Health, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

"In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world."
~ Julia Cook

JULIA COOK, M.S. is a national award winning children’s author, counselor and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools across the country and abroad, regularly speaks at national education and counseling conferences, and has published children’s books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it”.

Reviews

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope and helping each others, that the main message of this book and obviously I can't disagree with that. But as a book, it's a bit long and repetitive. It would have been better a couple of pages less and maybe adding more «punch» to the story. But the message it still very important and well presented, so 2,5/5.

[Christine (Queen of Books) · Rating 5 out of 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.

(Thank you to NetGalley for a free e-galley for review)

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of books like this. I guess I keep trying them because I have hope... but they disappoint me nearly every time.

The main problem is that the message doesn't match the audience. It's a book all about having hope--and not killing yourself when times get tough. The problem is, it concentrates on a lot of non-problems like getting a bad grade or kids saying mean things about your interests. The child who really needs a book like this is going to have much bigger things on their mind. If you're suicidal because you're being viciously bullied because of your sexuality or gender identity, or because you (or someone you care about) has a severe physical or mental illness, a silly little book featuring pictures of phallic candles and sappy platitudes is not going to make you feel better.

The whole book is one big metaphor about your "light", and that's represented by anthropomorphized candles. After a while, the metaphor starts to feel way too obvious, and it starts to get annoying. The parts that lapsed into rhyming text didn't help. The text is also a little confusing in spots. It talks about how, "when a flame goes out before its time, hearts that are left behind are broken forever." So... that's talking about suicide, right? But, just a few pages back, it says "if your flame goes out, you might not be able to relight it." Might not? So there's still a chance? Well, no. It's kind of hard to relight your flame if you're dead. (If you're going to use a metaphor like this, it needs to be consistent and not confusing.)

The text also drums into the reader that if you need help, you should ask for it. And if someone won't help you, ask someone else... and if they won't help, ask someone else. This could be dangerous, especially if the child isn't listened to and isn't believed, as it would just reinforce the fact that they're doing someone wrong and aren't worthy of being helped. I would've rather seen advice on choosing which people to ask for help to get the best results. (Related to this is advice for parents at the back of the book that tells them not to "fix" their kids' problems. Again, this could end up being dangerous, especially if the child is being severely bullied, or if they're in need of the parent's help for doing something like finding a health professional. It's not realistic to expect kids to fix their problems 100% by themselves.)

I doubt anyone ever killed themselves solely over getting a C on a test. Because this book pretty much ignores the things that really would cause kids to be suicidal and snuff out their flame, I can't recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and National Center for Youth Issues for providing a digital ARC.

[Lindsi (Do You Dog-ear?) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Katie Andrews Potter - Storybook Ancestor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speaking for myself, I could have used a book like A Flicker of Hope when I was a child. So I am so glad to see that there are now more bibliotherapy books appearing on shelves these days.

A Flicker of Hope
The characters in A Flicker of Hope are actually… candles!

When the book begins, we meet Little Candle, a tiny purple candle who is feeling so low, with clouds looming above her. Her flame is just a tiny flicker. She is worried about many things, and the worries in the clouds around her feel like mountains. She’s not sure she can go on.

That’s when our Blue Candle takes notice of Little Candle. (That’s the big thing here, folks – taking notice. It’s so important to be mindful of those around us so that we can notice when they need help.) Blue Candle lifts up Little Candle, so she can see outside of her clouds. Before, it was all she could see. But now she can see more – that there’s more out there beyond all her worries…

We Need Your Light
What’s out there, exactly?

HOPE.

When we lift each other up, we can see that hope. As we read through the conversation between Blue Candle and Little Candle, we read about how each one of us has special gifts, gifts that only our own special light can share with the world. The world needs our light. The world needs what only we can give it.

Blue Candle acknowledges that even she sometimes has felt down – even she has felt like she has nothing to offer. And as she says, that’s when we can ask for help. The book shows children different ways to ask for help, and helps them understand that there is no shame in doing so, either. Because each one of us needs a little boost every now and then.

Hope Builders
The sweet illustrations by MacKenzie Haley perfectly depict the emotion the author conveys through the story. The world may be full of trouble and worry sometimes, but because each one of us has our own light, we can continue to share with each other, and build up each other’s hope. Blue Candle builds up Little Candle, and in turn, Little Candle goes out and builds up hope in another.

A Flicker of Hope is a wonderful story to encourage children through difficult times. It teaches kids how to ask for help, and how to give help to those in need. With tips in the back of the book for parents and educators, I’d highly recommend this book for any household or school with young children.

We all need a boost sometimes, and A Flicker of Hope lights the way.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an encouraging book to share with children.

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.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dora (Swift Coffee Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book for children is a very important one regarding the topic. Talking about mental health problems, even (or especially) with kids is a cardinal thing, and they must know they're not alone.

The illustrations are adorable, and the whole idea is beautiful. I like the wording, too, though it does gets very repetitive by the end. That's why I think it's more suitable for very young children, at around the age of 3-4, when they actually like repeating (and making us repeat) things.

To me, this one was a very quick read, I loved the little candles, and by the end I felt like my heart warmed a bit, and I learnt to think of something in my soul as a little fire that needs help to shine from time to time.

This is a beautiful book. :)

[Lucy (The Countess of) Monte Cristo · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I'm honestly shocked that I'm giving A Flicker of Hope three stars; I was so sure that this would be a five star read. I think my biggest problem is that the book flowed well until the last 5 or 6 pages, then it became quite preachy, it was annoying enough that I knocked off two stars. But that's where the negativity in my review ends, I sing nothing but praise for the rest of this book.

A Flicker of Hope tells the story of childhood depression and suicide (but in a less obvious way and easy enough for little ones to understand). In this world everyone is a lit candle, some candle flames shine brighter than others while others are dim from these dark clouds that only that certain candle can see. It's very much reminiscent of how we can sometimes tell someone is depressed (we see their light), but we don't know what's causing their depression (we can't see their dark clouds because only they know what's bothering them).

In this world our main character is a candle with a dim flame. Throughout the story we are taught how we can shine brighter and what we can do to uplift others so that their "flame" doesn't fade out before its time. I absolutely loved how the author tackled this topic and gave it the care that it deserves.

A Flicker of Hope is a story that needs to be told in this day and age. We are living in a time where babies (elementary age) are committing suicide. Bullying is running rampant and it seems like nothing is being done about it. What I love about this book is that it's addressing a current issue that I hope will lead to a bigger discussion. I applaud the author for using her voice :)

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[B.A. Malisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This stunned me. I think the world definitely needed this picture book.

This tackles the issues of trying to have hope while you're struggling and knowing how important it is to tell someone you are struggling and to ask for help.

It also discusses depression and suicide, but without every using either of those terms, or anything even remotely like them. It takes what can be a very complicated topic to discuss with children and makes it so simple, in a way that still feels like it's absolutely true and could be very helpful.

I kind of think we should read this book to all children, probably over and over again, in the hopes that this message sticks with them, because it's a good one, especially when life slams you with challenging emotions and issues. Asking for help, and how that can make you stronger, is a concept that a lot of adults still struggle with, so to take away some of the stigma and societal views (that everyone should suck it up, stop whining, and power onward) on that topic and encourage kids from a very young age to take care of themselves and get help if they need it is so fantastic.

This book gets all my stars, and it even choked me up a bit.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.]

[Kalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that helps parents open a dialogue with their children about when you feel like things are only bad. With the prevalence of cyber bullying and the way that it spills into the physical world today, it's important that parents are aware of the validness of their child's feelings and of the resources that are available to help them help their child. One of the things that I especially liked about this book is that it talks about how only you can see you clouds and that it's okay to tell someone that you're not okay. This is definitely a book that we will be purchasing for our library and that I will be recommending to friends who work with children, especially those in at risk communities.

[Paul Franco · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Raven Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible, what a beautiful way to describe how to reach out for help. Normalizing mental health is so important, especially with children, they need to know that everyone feels sad sometimes and this is what to do if you need help. I like how it's very honest, that sometimes there are people who don't want to help and that OK because there are more who do! It's beautifully illustrated and I honestly don't think I've seen a book that does this better. My son is 10 and I want him to read it, we are definitely getting a copy for our young readers, I can't tell you how important this book truly is.

[Karen Gedeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Flicker of Hope by Julia Cook Illustrated by Mackenzie Harley, published by the National Center for Youth Issues this small but mighty book is aimed at children aged through intermediate grades who suffer from depression and self-doubt. Through brightly colored candles, it shares with the reader that it’s ok to ask for help because we all need it at some time. Little purple candle starts out very depressed and with the help of bright blue candle who has experienced the same thing is led to the light which she is then able to share with green candle who is also sad. The full circle of sharing is important for young readers to experience. Parental tips are included. Ages 5 – 10.

[Esi ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character is a candle who’s light is getting dimmer. But another candle comes to their aid and gives them some more light -hope.

This book is about not giving up and finding the courage to keep going. It not only teaches that it is possible to clear away the dark clouds that only you can see, but it is also okay to ask for help. Hope is important, especially in todays world, and this book does it justice.

I adored this book and i think kids will too.

(Ebook provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

[Juliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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.

[Rebecca (bookishbex) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Beca ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the publisher, National Center for Youth Issues, via NetGalley for an honest review

Loved this book! A Flicker of Hope sends such a strong and positive message to younger children about mental health. This book covers topics like depression, anxiety, self-esteem and loss. It's beautifully written and the illustrations are gorgeous!

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a good message (ways to build hope when children are struggling and feeling down at home or at school). Would be useful to have more practical suggestions for adults reading this book with children (although there are some at the end) - maybe a link to a website? Overall a nice read and unfortunately very necessary these days, if a little theoretical.

[Robert Cojocaru · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really nice story for children!
Every candle has a dark cloud above its head that only themselves see, but with the support of others, and the courage to speak up your inner fears you can chase the clouds away.
A pretty simple plot with a simple and powerful delivery. I have read few books that make children think about their purpose in the grand scheme of things.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

"No one can light up the world around you like you can."

When you're feeling down and hopeless, don't be afraid to ask for help. No one can see your dark clouds, but "Hope builders are everywhere" you just have to ask. And if one person says "No" ask someone else. Keep asking until you find someone who is willing to help.

"I choose to believe the world is better with my light in it."

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent explanation for maintaining hope and belief in yourself. Cook uses candles as characters and shows discouragement as a flame close to going out. Another candle shows the little one how to find hope and move forward. Clear and simple to follow text for elementary level readers.

[Emily Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading this book, I fell in love with the message that the author presented. Since there's children in this world who are going through issues in their lives that we don't recognize very often. This book would be great for introducing children to community building in 2nd or 3rd grade because it teaches them how to be aware of the issues some of their classmates go through and how to lift them up with kindness and compassion.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I really like the message of the book and the manner in which it's told, but I was hoping for something a little more applicable to elementary and think this is geared a bit more toward 6th grade plus.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anthropomorphic candles illustrate how to cultivate optimism, hope, and positive self-image.

Tips for parents, educators, and caregivers to help children navigate life's challenges with a sense of hope are provided at the back.

[Jill Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm confused about the audience for this book. It's a good message, but is it written for children or teens?