This is one of those new books that come out as a book targeted towards children but with a heavy message hidden behind plot. As such some of the more sensitive children readers may be affected and so it may be better for a first reading ending in a discussion with a caregiver or teacher about the actual events behind the story due to the author didn't include any additional information on the subject as most of these books normally do.

The digital format fortunately showed the pages side-by-side unlike many other digital ARC copies but as a result it didn't allow the reader to magnify the text. As such while reading this particular book I couldn't magnify the copy or increase the size of the font so a few of the words weren't quite clear enough for the reading.

Otherwise the writing itself was quite clear in concept and easy to understand in its progression so again children would be able to enjoy reading even if they may not understand the background. For me the only thing that seemed to be a bit of an open plot hole was the fact that only Hope chose to speak up for the other deer instead any of them speaking up for themselves

Meanwhile the book has some interesting illustrations that puts the telling of this particular tale in a South American forest although not a jungle. The characters are more cartoonish than regular illustrations but the backgrounds are gorgeous in most instances.

Altogether it was a decent book but one that will probably end up being more a capture of a moment in time than a classic and a great introduction book to discussing this particular type of subject for those who want to educate their children on such.

**Please note I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**

This is a gorgeous book, but beautifully stunning illustrations. It is a very somber tale to start, and opens your eyes to being separated from loved ones, especially in this time. The story is great and r ally teaches a lesson. It is a slightly longer book, so it took two days for me to read it to her, so she could enjoy it, and she did!

I received an e-ARC of this book from Bill Kiley, and Mascot Books through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great book about refugees using forest animals to explain the concept to small children. The leaders of countries all around the world should read this book, they may realize how ridiculous their rules are when they hear them being applied to animals escaping a forest that has become too dangerous.

Important conversation starter, I appreciated the definitions, and questions for discussion provided at the end of the book.

While this purports to be a book about refugees around the world, it's clear that the events in the story are based on what's going on in a particular area: the border between the United States and Mexico. There's nothing wrong with this, of course, but it does lead to some disturbing plot points. (Like Bambi, this book has the potential to traumatize.)

Hope and her son, Freckles, are facing danger in the Olden Forest. So they decide to leave and make their way to the Big Pine Forest where Hope hopes they'll find a better life. But when they arrive, they're confronted with a fence and guards who tell them they can't come in. They might have disease-carrying ticks in their fur, after all. So the deer wait until, finally, they're allowed in... only to find out that the fawns will be separated from their parents. Eventually, Hope gets word that she and Freckles will be allowed to stay, and they are reunited... just before Hope witnesses the other deer being loaded onto trucks and sent back to their dangerous forests without their fawns.

The story is kind of brutal... but so is the treatment of refugees. The message is tempered somewhat by the adorable illustrations. They're perhaps my favourite part of the book.

Sometimes the truth is difficult to face. I think I'd recommend this one with some reservations. It's the kind of book that requires some discussion between kids and adults to get the most out of it (and so children aren't unnecessarily frightened by the thought of someone coming to take them away from their parents). It might not be appropriate for refugee children, since it has the potential to put new worries in their head. But it will probably need to be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Oh what a impactful story! Wow. Hope and Freckles by Bill Kiley is a beautiful story of two deer immigrating to a safer land, and is so relevant right now. It really parallels what so many people are feeling as they try to come to the US to create a better life for their families. The story hits hard, and is heartbreaking in some respects, but is a wonderful symbol of hope and compassion.

I loved how the author meticulously represented the refugee issue. I enjoyed the lovely illustrations as well.

Beautiful illustrations, however I think the wording might go over smaller children's heads but it will help younger children to understand more about refugees.

Wow, what a lovely picture book about Deers immigrating to a new forest. I loved this book as it is a story that will capture a child's attention while teaching children empathy and compassion. The illustrations were beautiful, and I highly recommend this book!

A cute little read with a great story and charming photos to match. My little nieces will love this book. Charming, delightful, and picturesque!

3.5 Stars

When a white-tailed deer, Hope, and her fawn, Freckles, are forced to leave the forest they’ve lived in because of the danger around them from others, and the dwindling of food sources, they find themselves on a long journey. A journey they hope will bring them to not only a safer place, but once they arrive at the new forest, they are faced with a tall fence, and guards saying they already have too many of their kind there, and that ”you just want to eat our food and do nothing to earn it.” Hope explains that she came for her fawn, that their food and water sources have almost evaporated, and begs them to please, let them in.

The next day the guards tell them that they may stay, but only for a little while. Shortly after, Freckles is taken from her mother, and Fawn is forced to leave, more or less in a cage, and they have to wait for the General to decide their future.

There is another message here as this story comes to a close, a mother reminding her child to always remember to be grateful for the life they have, but the bigger message – to me, anyway - seemed more aimed at adults for a picture book written and illustrated very young children, even though the message is an important one.

At the end of this book are questions parents can pose to their children, in the hopes that the message of this book will lead to conversations, and compassion about the issues facing refugees.



Pub Date: 01 June 2020

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Mascot Books

Thank you to NetGalley and Mascot Books for an advance reader copy of this children’s book.

Hope and Freckles is the story of a fawn and her doe as they seek refuge in the Big Pine Forest, It’s a great analogy of current times, as we see Hope and Freckles get separated at the “border” by the guards, and some of their friends being sent back to the dangerous forests they left behind in search of refuge.

The illustrations in this book are gorgeous.

Somewhat Heavy-Handed Story About Refugees and Asylum

This picture book is made for preschoolers and is supposed to help them understand better what happens with refugees. The book is beautifully illustrated. The deer kind of remind me of Bambi. I am concerned, though, that this book might be too much for small children. What the book represents is true to the reality of so many refugees, so it is a bit harsh. If the child identifies with the young buck, Freckles, what happens to that animal could be upsetting. I thought the book was perhaps a little too heavy handed with the harshness, even though it is real. If you feel your child is curious about refugees or refugee camps or has seen something on the news and is confused by the situation, this animal version could be the way to open discussion about it.

This is a very cute illustration story. The characters are staked in contemporary time. Half way through the story, I didnt want to read it, too overwhelming but the kid wanted to continue. I am glad I this. Especially because of the structured questions on the refugee, asylum process in the story. Conveniently the definitions too were on the same page. So after the question, we would go read aloud the definition and then answer the questions. The readers both kids and adults will feel sad at the things that go on but we need to know what is happening too.
In thw words of Gem Mcreary, CEO of Talentototal, "If you see something that isn’t right, do something about it. But more importantly, find the right people and organizations that can help you realize a vision."
There is a follow up story coming, looking forward to that.

This was a beautiful story about Hope and her fawn, Freckles. They had to leave their home as it was becoming unsafe, and travel far to live in a new, safer home.

The dedication at the beginning of the book was lovely, heartfelt and truly meaningful.

The illustrations throughout this book are nothing short of stunning. Hope, her fawn Freckles, the Pine Forest and all the other landscapes are beautifully captured.

I adored this book. It has very graciously approached the topic of refugees, safety and culture in a child friendly way. The clever way these topics are introduced and explored through Hope and Freckles' journey to a new safer home is admirable. It is a way to open up conversations with not just younger children, but older children too, especially as more and more asylum seekers join our communities every day. It is a perfect way to answer any questions children might have surrounding the topic. The definitions and questions for discussion placed at the end of the book are very useful and thought provoking for readers. I think this would be a wonderful book to introduce into schools.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and providing me with the opportunity to give my own, honest opinion.

Hope and Freckles is a picture book about the refugee experience but told from the perspective of a doe and her fawn. Hope wants to move out of the dangerous forest with her young fawn, Freckles. Life around them is becoming more and more dangerous. They make the journey to the border of the Pine Forest where they are met with a gate and guards.

The story itself was a little too deep for my kindergartener but was good for my 4th grader. I had to do a lot of explaining to my little guy about what the author was trying to say about refugees. I recommend for older elementary students. Perhaps 2nd grade and up. It can definitely lead to some good conversations with them about human rights.

This is a beautifully illustrated fable about immigration. The drawing are very well done, the expressions of the characters are perfect. The story is both moving and thought-proviking.

However, the text in the digital version was blurry thus quite hard to read.

The illustrations were delightful! The story was touching and full of emotion! The useful definitions, resources for parents, and questions for discussion in the back of the book were great additions. I strongly believe this will get young children involved and thinking and I cannot get over how BEAUTIFUL the illustrations are!

Hope and Freckles is a darling little story about a mamma deer and her fawn. When they are separated at a forest, they must be reunited and face some rough challenges along the way. This is very much a tale about refugees and can be used in an educational setting.

This story is for a bit older age group of children, I'd say grade three and up. There's more story and plot to this than just pretty pictures.

I do really like how unique this story is. Placing a tough subject on a cute story for educational purposes is one thing I love about children's books. The routes you can take to teach is magical!

Three out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mascot Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Wow. What a powerful and meaningful way to explain the plight of refugees to children through the story of a mother deer, Hope, and her fawn, Freckles. I found myself getting emotional when I made the connections between this book and what has been happening with refugees in our world. Younger children will empathize with Hope and Freckles story, while older children should be able to grasp the parallels between the book and reality. Everyone, and everything, on this planet deserves to be together in a place where they feel safe, and this book shows this concept to children in a brilliant way. I would like to thank #NetGalley and #MascotBooks for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I think this book has a great message for younger readers. The pictures were beautifully done and I liked the use of the deer and fawn to convey the message of refugees and asylum. I’m not sure children will figure out the essential meaning of this book without the help of a parent or teacher, but it’s a great usage of characters to convey it.