Sunrise Hope

Picture Book: Where the Sunrise Begins

Author: Douglas Wood

Illustrator: Wendy Popp

Summary: This beautiful book continually asks the question, “Where does the sunrise begin?” 

Focusing on one child at a time, the illustrations gently discount possible geographic locations as the place where the sunrise begins. This happens at first with a child at the beach, 

then with a child each in particular environs such as a wood and a lake, and then with a child in Africa,

Asia, 

and the Middle East. 

To wrap up the initial child is shown with his parents, 

and an explanation follows. Every moment brings the sunrise to someone in the world. “Wherever there is a heart that loves the light, that holds a place for hope, and feels gratitude for each new day, in that heart the sun is always rising and helping to fill the world with light. Where does the sunrise begin? The sunrise begins in you.”

Hanna’s Comments: This misty morning picture book encourages its readers to realize that each new day, for everyone in the world, there is an opportunity to embrace joy and look at the world through fresh eyes, with renewed hope. Note that this is a book written from a particular locale in the world, using the words “our own native land” and Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are away.

Original Publisher & Date: Simon & Schuster, 2010

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: The steadfast love of the Lord is new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations:22-23); Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12); Connect this story to any Bible story that is about hope or a new day such as the Christmas or Easter events, Jeremiah 29:11-12, 2 Corinthians 5:17, or Revelation 21:1.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson for children about the hope and possibilities that each day brings because of your faith. This would be perfect for a lesson soon after Christmas Day or before or on New Year’s Day.