A Marine Corps veteran, former paramedic, and now life coach and Reiki master, McGlauflin has dedicated her life to helping others heal. Her debut picture book, Hope’s Cape of Courage, transforms that mission into a heartwarming story for children and families about resilience, empathy, and love.
The book follows Hope, a joyful little girl who loves to dance and build fairy homes in the woods. When her beloved fairy village is destroyed, she feels sadness and anger take over, until her magical forest friends visit her and remind her that love, when shared, grows stronger. With their help, Hope learns that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting; it means freeing your heart to shine again.
Beautifully illustrated and emotionally uplifting, Hope’s Cape of Courage helps children understand that it’s okay to feel hurt, and that love, kindness, and forgiveness are powerful tools for healing. It’s a gentle way for parents, caregivers, and educators to guide conversations about emotional growth and self-compassion.
I had a chance to interview Heather to learn more.
Where did you get the inspiration for this book?
The inspiration for Hope’s Cape of Courage came from both personal experiences and what I’ve observed in the lives of children and families around me. Over the years, I’ve seen how holding onto hurt or anger after a difficult event can have a lasting impact, especially for children who are just starting to understand and navigate their emotions. I wanted to create a story that would help children see forgiveness not as simply excusing someone’s actions, but as a powerful act that can set them free to heal and grow.
This book is actually the first in a planned series, each one focusing on helping children learn healthy responses and navigate their “big feelings.” My goal is to create gentle, empowering stories that open up conversations between children and the adults in their lives. I hope that by reading Hope’s Cape of Courage and the books that follow, families and educators will feel equipped to talk openly about tough emotions like anger, sadness, or fear, and help children build the skills they need to move through those feelings in positive ways. The characters and stories are inspired by the everyday courage I see in kids who are learning to be resilient, kind, and hopeful, even when life gets hard.
Why is it important for kids to learn healthy responses to events that can cause anger?
It’s so important for kids to learn healthy ways to respond to anger because, at its core, anger is a normal and even necessary emotion—it tells us when something isn’t right. But children may not always have the language or coping skills to express their anger safely or productively. Without guidance, kids can become overwhelmed, act out, or even turn their feelings inward, which can affect their confidence and relationships.
Through Hope’s Cape of Courage and the rest of the series, I aim to show children that it’s okay to feel angry or upset, and that there are healthy ways to deal with those big feelings. When we teach kids how to recognize what they’re feeling, talk about it, and choose responses that are kind to themselves and others, we are giving them tools they’ll use for the rest of their lives. These skills help children develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy—qualities that not only help them handle difficult moments now, but will also support their mental wellness and relationships in the future. I believe that when children learn to process anger in a healthy way, it opens the door for forgiveness, growth, and deeper connections with others.
How can adults model resilience and empathy for their kids?
Children are incredibly observant—they learn so much from what adults do, not just what we say. One of the most powerful ways adults can teach resilience and empathy is by modeling these qualities in their own lives. This means being open about our own challenges, showing that it’s okay to make mistakes, and talking about how we work through setbacks or disappointments. When kids see adults acknowledge difficult feelings and keep going, it gives them permission to do the same.
Empathy is another key piece. When adults validate children’s feelings, listen without judgment, and respond with kindness, they’re setting an example that children are likely to follow. Sharing personal stories, reading books together, and talking about how characters might feel or what they might need are all great ways to nurture empathy. In Hope’s Cape of Courage and the books that will follow, I try to create moments that encourage these conversations—showing characters who face real challenges and learn to support each other with understanding and compassion.
Ultimately, by consistently demonstrating resilience and empathy, adults give kids a safe environment to practice these skills themselves. It’s about creating a culture—at home, in the classroom, or in the community—where big feelings are acknowledged, support is available, and everyone is encouraged to keep trying, even when things are tough. I hope my books can be a small part of helping families and educators build that foundation together.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and the heart behind Hope’s Cape of Courage. I’m grateful for the chance to connect with families who care deeply about helping children grow into resilient, empathetic individuals. I hope my books can be a helpful resource on that journey, and I appreciate being able to share this special project with you all.
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