The Happy Little Sunflower: Finding Hope in the Valley

Some stories are written with ink, but this one was written with tears, prayers, and the quiet hope that even in life’s valleys, beauty can bloom. The Happy Little Sunflower: Finding Hope in the Valley is a book I created for children, but in truth, it’s a message for anyone who has ever walked through hardship and longed for light to break through the clouds.

My Heart for This Book

This story originated from my own journey. Years ago, I lived in a domestic violence shelter, and I know what it feels like to be in a place where safety and hope seem fragile. Today, my heart is to reach children who are walking through those same valleys, whether they’re living in shelters, recovering in children’s hospitals, or healing from situations of abuse, trafficking, or illness.

My mission is simple yet powerful: that every child knows they are loved, valued, and never alone. I dream of this book being placed in the hands of children who desperately need encouragement, so that each one can be reminded of the future and the hope waiting for them. Child advocacy isn’t just a passion of mine, it’s a calling.

About the Story 

The Happy Little Sunflower loves the sunshine and all the fun that fills her valley. Each day, she delights in the beauty around her and welcomes visitors who stop by to share in her joy. But when the seasons begin to change and the world grows cold and dark, she fears she may never see the light again. In the quiet darkness, a still, small voice whispers hope, giving her courage to hold on. When the light finally returns, she discovers her world has blossomed into something even more beautiful and filled with new friends to love.

The Watercolor Paintings

Every page of this book is painted with intention. I chose muted watercolor tones to create a calm, cozy atmosphere. For children facing overwhelming change, color can be a gentle comfort and these illustrations are meant to be a sensory experience that feels safe and peaceful.

The style is inspired by folk art, playful and childlike, with subtle nods to my Slavic and Hispanic heritage. You’ll also notice that the child who appears in the story is painted in a way that allows any child to see themselves within the pages. With their raincoat, winter coat, boots, or gloves, they are “every child,” inviting young readers to step right into the story.

Meet Hope, the Dragonfly

Hidden throughout the pages is a bright yellow dragonfly named Hope. She’s small but important, fluttering across each painting as a reminder that hope can be found even in unexpected places. The inspiration for Hope came from the yellow dragonflies that often dance around my van on grocery trips. Yellow, to me, is the happiest color, and I wanted children to delight in spotting her. At the end of the book, readers are invited to look back through the pages and see if they can find Hope everywhere she appears.

Seeds of Scripture

In the back of the book, I’ve included Bible memory verses that children can tuck away in their hearts and call on whenever they need strength. Just like the sunflower in the story, these verses are little seeds of truth that can grow into courage and peace as children carry them through life.

My Greater Mission

Thank you for being part of this journey. May this sunflower remind you, and every child who opens these pages, that hope can always be found, even in the valley.