Review: The Little House of Hope

The Little House of Hope by Terry Catasús Jennings and Raúl Colón brings young readers something we could all use a bit more of these days — hope. Following an immigrant family as they settle into their home, this beautiful picture book also highlights the power of community care.

Young readers meet Esperanza and her family as they arrive in the United States from their home in Cuba. They all do their part to make their small house a home. As each family member works hard to establish their place in their new community, they also support other immigrant families by offering them space in their home. Everyone works together, sharing responsibilities as well as music, laughter, and friendship. As families come and go, Esperanza’s family’s home remains a safe space for families to call their home as they find their way in a new community.

Raúl Colón’s stunning illustrations pair perfectly with Terry Catasús Jennings’ wonderful story. You can feel the joy and hope of this community on every page.

Terry Catasús Jennings’ Author’s Note shares that this book was written in anger; her reply to a realtor who said they didn’t rent to Hispanics, citing problematic stereotypes. It is clear to anyone who reads The Little House of Hope how much love Jennings has for the country that took her family in years ago and how much hope she has for the nation.

On a personal note, The Little House of Hope reminded me about the power we have in our own communities. During times like these, when bad news only seems to be getting worse, it’s so easy to feel hopeless. It’s easy to feel like we don’t have the power to make lasting changes in our world. But when we focus on the ways we can help support one another in our communities, lifting each other up however we can, we impact the lives of those around us in the most meaningful way. Whether it’s a cot in our garage, the extra vegetables from our garden, or an offer to babysit for a neighbor, these small acts of generosity can have huge impacts on our community. We all have the power to spread hope.

Be sure to grab your copy of The Little House of Hope, available wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)

Thank you so much to Terry Catasús Jennings and Neal Porter Books for sharing this beautiful book with me. But most of all thank you for helping me hold onto my hope.

About The Author:

Terry Catasús Jennings and her family emigrated from Cuba in 1961. The Little House of Hope is inspired by her own experience. She is the author of the Definitely Dominguita chapter book series, The Women’s Liberation Movement, 1960-1990, and Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist and Civil Rights Activist. Her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Newsday, and Ranger Rick. She is also an active member of The Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC and SCBWI. Terry lives with her husband in Northern Virginia.

About The Illustrator:

Raúl Colón is the recipient of the 2021 Eric Carle Honor. He is the award-winning illustrator of many picture books, including Draw! an ALA Notable Book and recipient of the International Latino Book Award; Jill Biden’s Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops; Imagine! an ALA Notable Book, a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids, and a Bookpage Best Book; Susanna Reich’s José! Born to Dance; and Angela’s Christmas by Frank McCourt. Mr. Colón lived in Puerto Rico as a young boy and now resides in New City, New York, with his family.

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