Shawnta Smith Sayner

Let's Share a Hope Story Shawnta Smith Sayner

Mistrust... Suspicion... Hate... If these feelings fill your mind and body with stress and anxiety for you, imagine experiencing them as a child! Kids perceive so much more, so much earlier than we realize. So why not start talking with them as early as possible about adversity and diversity? About feeling below but rising above? About being different, being awesome?



Let's Share a Hope Story is a diverse and inclusive picture book designed to bring messages of understanding and promise to readers of many ages and stages. It doesn't matter if we're by ourselves or surrounded by others, everyone feels alone sometimes. There are lots of reasons we face these feelings, and there may be just as many ways to overcome them. While we consider and process isolating circumstances and emotions, it's important that we remember that there are always people out in the world who care about us - and if we don't feel like we know them already, we have got to believe that we will find them someday!



Part of the inclusive Let's Share social and emotional wellness series, A Hope Story aims to continue to engage and empower readers. Broaching sensitive topics alongside endearing characters and heartfelt verse, it serves as a gentle conversation starter and remarkable gift to help withstand:



Mistrust... with confidence. Suspicion... with knowledge. Hate... with love.



Whether enjoyed alone, with a partner, or in a group read-aloud (online, in school, at home, or anywhere!), Let's Share a Hope Story offers opportunity after opportunity for connection, recognition, and appreciation. Through empathy, compassion, and kindness, A Hope Story helps us feel seen, lifted, and united by reminding everyone that someone will always be there.