A Friend for Hope is a gentle story about new friendships.
illustrated by Olena Oprich
Publisher: Noctilune Publishing
Publication date: 17th July 2025
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Pages: 47
Price: $15.39AU (paperback on AmazonAU)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
On first looking at the cover and title you might think that the little girl's name is Hope and she has a dog as a new friend. However on reading the story Zoe is the new friend for Hope the dog. I found this a bit confusing as Hope being in the title of the book you would think she was the main character.
Zoe is an only child and homeschooled. Her mind often wanders away from her studies as she looks out the window at the other children playing outside.
Her parents realise Zoe may be lonely and as a surprise take her to the animal shelter to choose a dog as a friend.
All the dogs are jumping around and barking but Zoe picks an older dog who is sitting quietly in her kennel. Zoe feels a connection with this dog because she is quiet just like Zoe.
At first Hope didn't move from her corner but Zoe patiently sat by her quietly reading books until Hope felt ready to join her in outside activities.
Olena Oprich's large and bright illustrations are bold and expressive. The facial expressions on the characters tell a story all of their own. I feel like some of the pictures were just too large and close up, like you had to hold the book away.
Amie White has written an engaging story of patience, friendship and a quiet bonding experience through reading.
A Friend for Hope would be an excellent book for a family thinking of adopting a dog from a shelter. Teaching children to be patient while the dog adapts to it's new surroundings.
While younger children accepted the story as is, older children questioned why Zoe wasn't allowed to play with the other children. There was no mention in the story of being new to the area or that she was shy. Another question was why were the children playing outside her window on a school day.
My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐
Recommended age: 3 - 6 years
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