A Flicker of Hope by Julia Cook

A Flicker of Hope by Julia Cook

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.

This hopeful story emphasizes for children (and adults) the many different ways to ask for help, and their ability to be a hope builder for others, too.

Julia Cook works as a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne's Youth Research Centre. Her publishing and research interests are on the sociology of youth, time, risk and uncertainty, and religion.