A Home for Us (HC) (2022)

This is the fictionalized story of Yula, a character inspired by a real girl Sharon Jennings met in her visits to the Hope Development Centre in Kenya. When four-year-old Yula is discovered by the orphanage director - Mum - and introduced to a caring home and school, her abilities develop as do her understandings of how to care for others. When a new child enters the orphanage, at first Yula is angry and jealous, but soon she warmly welcomes Mutuku just as she had been welcomed when she first arrived. Eva Campbell's evocative illustrations glow with light and color, rendered in gouache, acrylic and ink on canvas.

Sharon Jennings is a greatly appreciated return visitor to this centre in Kikima, Kenya. The children and staff enjoy her visits and consider her a member of their Hope family. The story has been shared with the children and the Centre has given Sharon permission and thanks for telling this story; a portion of the author's royalties is going to support the orphaned and impoverished children of Hope.