INSPIRE A GROWTH MINDSET AND CELEBRATE GROWING UP!   In a world full of lights, there are two that never fade.  The Lights That Stay  artfully weaves together the similarities between the sun's light and a child's inner light , reminding readers that something inside each of us is enduring and powerful.   The story follows the journey of a child whose inner light transforms in profound ways, guiding her through obstacles as she grows up.   This book is a great addition for those who enjoy inspirational children's books by Nancy Tillman, Kobi Yamada, or Amy Krouse Rosenthal, or who love  Oh, the Places You'll Go!  by Dr. Suess.  The Lights That Stay  provides another opportunity for children to feel confident about changing and trying new things while being themselves.   “ A gorgeously rendered affirmation fueled by powerful metaphors to bolster self-love. ” –Kirkus Reviews   Beyond a bedtime story,  The Lights That Stay  makes a great baby shower, graduation, or birthday gift. Kirkus Reviews  (Verdict: "Get It") (January 2024):  A gorgeously rendered affirmation fueled by powerful metaphors to bolster self-love. (...) Cino's scientific description of the sun sets a tone for the concept of inner value to be treated as fact, bolstering the messages of self-acceptance and appreciation with an aura of authority. But the text also has a comforting cadence, couched in poetic descriptions with vocabulary-stretching words well placed for easy understanding. (...) The bright colors are captivating, and lap readers will pore over the book's pages. Readers' Favorite , 5-Star Book Review By Diana Lopez (December 2023):  The Lights That Stay will strengthen confidence and creativity in young readers by teaching them about perseverance and the importance of facing challenges. They will also learn that everything in life has a purpose. (...) It begins with a young girl who learns about situations while playing and living with others. She grows up, studies, and matures, overcoming some sad moments until she finds her place in the world. The Lights That Stay will motivate children to never give up and to follow their dreams. The illustrations are amazing, detailed, and expressive. (...) That variety of experiences makes the story feel authentic, reflecting the complexity of real life. Cortney Cino's writing style is direct and clear, making the various ideas understandable to children. (...) The Lights That Stay highlights the beauty of life and will teach children to be themselves and to grow their own inner light.   Cortney Cino is the author of The Lights That Stay, Sincerely, Antonia, Finally Home, and the Piper's Adventures series. With a background in marketing, she now writes and publishes children's books full-time. Her experiences living in Washington, DC; Boston, MA; and Morehead City, NC, where her family was stationed with the military, have all influenced her writing. Cortney currently lives with her husband and three daughters in Northern California. For more information, visit www.whimspirebooks.com.<   8.5 x 8.5 full cover, hardcover picture book with foil and debossing enhancements on the cover