A Friend for Hope
A Friend for Hope
Written by: Amie White
Illustrated by: Olena Oprich
Published by: Noctilune Publishing, 2025.
ISBN 978-1-0682200-0-5
Zoe, a quiet, shy child, is the new girl in town who is being homeschooled. Understandably, she feels isolated, especially as she wistfully watches the neighborhood children play together from her window. Zoe’s parents recognize that she is lonely and come up with a solution they think will help.
To Zoe’s surprise, they drive her to the local animal shelter, so she can choose a dog to adopt. Her parents expect her to pick a lively dog to entertain her and be her companion, but instead, she is drawn to the calmest dog in the shelter. Despite her parents’ discouragement, Zoe trusts her choice, which she muses is quiet, “Just like me.” The dog is a senior dog who has been at the shelter for several years. Zoe feels a kinship with and empathy for the dog, whom she names Hope, understanding what it feels like to be apart from others and lonely.
For days, when Hope arrives home with Zoe, she chooses to lie in the corner rather than run around and explore the house. She doesn’t even wag her tail. Despite her parents’ warning that the dog may not be happy at their home and may never want to play, Zoe does not give up, insisting, “She just needs time.”
The illustrations in the book are particularly well-suited to the audience. They are cheerful, colorful, and childlike, making the book inviting and engaging for young readers. The dog illustrations are irresistibly cute and will put a smile on everyone’s face.
Throughout the book, Zoe models empathy, understanding, resourcefulness, and patience. Although Hope does not immediately interact with her, Zoe knows she must wait and give Hope time and space. Zoe’s patience pays off when she finds a bookish way to draw Hope in, making the dog feel included and respected. Zoe succeeds in getting Hope to trust her, befriend her, and even participate in activities together, such as bike rides, walks, and catching fireflies in the garden.
Without being preachy, the author conveys her messages naturally as the story unfolds. As the title, A Friend for Hope, indicates, friendship is a central theme; in this case, it is the friendship between a girl and her pet. Confidence is an important and desirable ability. Kindness and empathy are essential to connecting with others and making friends. Patience is to be admired and has its rewards. And the author puts a spotlight on senior dogs who are often overlooked, even though they “…still have a lot of love to give.” In addition, there is also a nod to one of the many ways books bring us together.
This seemingly simple first offering from the new independent publisher, Noctilune Publishing, subtly and successfully conveys several significant SEL lessons. Cozy up with the children in your life to enjoy this tender tale, which also encourages discussions about patience, empathy, confidence, and the many forms friendship can take. Dog-lovers, especially, are in for a treat.
