I Hope

Publisher's Description (Orca Book Publishers):
Poignant words from award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith about all the hopes adults have for the young people in their lives.

The hopes we have for the children in our lives are endless. We want our young people to thrive and experience all that life has to offer, but we also feel protective of them. Using simple but powerful statements, Monique Gray Smith delivers a touching message about loving, nurturing and wishing the best for our children. Paired with Gabrielle Grimard's warm and enchanting illustrations, the message in I Hope will resonate with all parents, grandparents and caregivers.

Note: This picturebook also comes in a dual language version of English and Plains Cree, as well as a French only version titled J’espère.

Author and Illustrator Biographies (Orca Book Publishers):
Monique Gray Smith is an award winning, bestselling author, and professional consultant. She has written eight books including Speaking our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation, My Heart Fills with Happiness, You Hold Me Up, Lucy and Lola, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, and When We Are Kind. Monique's most recent novel, Tilly and the Crazy Eights, was long listed for Canada Reads 2021. Monique is Cree, Lakota, and Scottish. She lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her teenage twins.

Gabrielle Grimard uses various media to research and create the illustrations for a book, but her favorite aspect will always be color. She uses mainly watercolors, gouache, and oil. She adds a touch of wooden pencil for the details. She has illustrated dozens of books and has been nominated for several awards. She lives near Sherbrooke, Quebec.

In this video, author Monique Gray Smith explores some of the pages of I Hope and shares her hopes for students and teachers at the start of a new school year. 

Resource type: Picturebook

Age recommendation: Pre-kindergarten, Grades K-3

Keywords: Love, family, hope, growing up, cuddles, activism, caring for nature, friends, happiness, helpful, diverse, learn, laugh, kind, joy, childhood, Mother Earth, sustainability, hugs, every child matters, smile, respectful, special, French, French version, dual language, English and Plains Cree

Year of publication: 2022

Publisher information: Orca Book Publishers