New Children's Book "Hope's Cape of Courage" Empowers Readers to Rise Above Hurt and Fear

Inspired by her own journey, Heather McGlauflin shares a magical tale about how hope is a light that cannot be extinguished

BANGOR, Maine, Oct. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heather McGlauflin, a Marine Corps veteran, former paramedic, and life coach, has dedicated her life to helping others find peace and healing. Drawing from that same passion, she makes her debut in children's literature with the release of "Hope's Cape of Courage," an illustrated story about a young girl who, with help from her magical forest friends, learns to release pain and embrace forgiveness.

The illustrated children's book follows a girl named Hope on her journey through joy, loss, anger, and ultimately forgiveness. Living happily with her parents and cat, Remus, she spends her days dancing in her tutu and tap shoes. Hope loves the woods, where she builds tiny houses for the fairies. But one day, a dark shadow falls across the clearing, and when she awakens, the fairy homes are destroyed. Grief turns to anger, and she vows never to love again. Her joyful light fades, and she withdraws into sadness and isolation.

"The book is based on my own childhood," McGlauflin explained, "and my recovery from multiple traumatic events. It was only the freedom of forgiveness that helped me to find my way back to the light. This is a story based on real emotional truth, real people, real situations, and real meaning that is believable and recognizable. Hope is the light inside of you that cannot be extinguished."

After the fairy homes are destroyed, Hope hides away until the fairies visit her in dreams, reminding her that love grows when shared. Gaining courage, she returns to the willow tree, rebuilds the village, and learns that forgiveness is stronger than anger. A magical pink love cape, her cape of courage, appears and she sets out to share the power of love with the world.

"It takes great courage to turn your pain into purpose, your trauma into treasure, and your wounds into wisdom," McGlauflin said. "The book helps people of all ages to understand that we all have it in us to 'give' better than we may have 'received' and that we all can break cycles. When things are difficult and we see people in pain, we can show up as the person we would have needed in that moment."

McGlauflin plans to release more books in the future as part of a series designed to help children understand and work through big feelings.

"Hope's Cape of Courage"
By Heather McGlauflin 
ISBN: 9798765258361 (softcover); 9798765258354 (hardcover); 9798765258347 (electronic)
Available at Balboa Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Heather McGlauflin is a Marine Corps veteran and former Paramedic who has always felt a call to help others. She is a life coach and Reiki master who enjoys guiding others to become more heart-centered and to see the world and people through a nonjudgmental lens. Heather currently resides in Bangor, Maine, with her beautiful daughters, Kai and Evelyn. To learn more, please visit her Facebook or https://www.hopescapeofcourage.com.

General Inquiries:
LAVIDGE – Phoenix
Ashley Fletcher
[email protected]

SOURCE Balboa Press