Hope
Kids high in the character strength of hope demonstrate optimism about the future and expectation of the good ahead. They may often look on the bright side and feel good about the goals they set for themselves. In the face of challenge, they will look for future opportunities and keep confident about the future.
When one is not bringing enough hope to a situation they may appear negative and pessimistic while too much hope comes across as unrealistic.
Explore the character strength of hope in the collection of books below.
Hopeful, uplifting and practical, this is a beautifully illustrated book by Sophie Blackall, two-time Caldecott Award-winning children's book author and illustrator. This would be a thoughtful gift for parents or kids going through a life change, like a move, social change change or new baby, and a good one to leave on the coffee table for a flip-through that’s both aesthetically beautiful and thoughtful.
Artist: Sophie Blackall
Things to Look Forward To: 52 Large and Small Joys for Today and Every Day
A thoughtful and fun approach to heavy subjects like death, uncertainty of the future and the unknown. Modeling a positive mindset about the future, a little girl entertains ideas of the future with positivity and enthusiasm and inspires us to imagine life’s uncertainties with a creative hopeful spin.
Interview with Shinsuke Yoshitake translated into English here.
There Must Be More Than That!
A new sun rises everyday. How will you greet it? Weaving in stories of how humans have greeted the new day over time, this story explores the connection we have with the natural world and inspires reflection, awe and quiet appreciation.
Artist: Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall
The Way to Start a Day
The book starts with the words, “they said I couldn’t change the world; it wasn’t worth the fight. But in my head, a small voice said… maybe you might.” Living in a hot dry climate, devoid of any green or plant life, a little girl finds a seed and plants it. Despite naysayer adults and a scorching sun, the seed grows and gradually changes the landscape. Anna Cunha’s illustrations are lush and gorgeous. A good read to pair in discussions about climate change.
Publisher: Lantana
Artist: Imogen Foxell and Anna Cunha
Maybe You Might
