Lily’s Hope: A preemie’s journey of hope

Warning: Insensitive Themes Ahead. Lily’s Hope, by Jennifer and Lilian Driscoll, is a story about a family who thinks its two premature babies only survive because their parents and doctors hope for them. The book actually says, “I got stronger because everyone hoped and believed in me.” I think this is a insensitive message to send. What about all those families whose premature babies die? This book almost seems to say that those families don’t hope for their babies to live! Also, I the whole thing is written as though it’s geared toward a four or five year old, which doesn’t make sense because the topic will not likely be very meaningful for such a young child. Because I am Christian, I disagree with the idea that hope directs the future. In addition, I dislike the illustrations. They are disproportionate, unrealistic, and even a bit creepy. While I am happy for the Driscoll family, the whole theme of this story might be very offensive to some.