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Iva Maurin is a communications specialist - a writer and graphic artist for over twenty years. Based in Reno, Nevada, she is now on a journey fulfilling her dream of writing and illustrating for children.
The Little Candle is a story about purpose and achieving ones dreams. No matter the circumstances, if you just keep going, your dream will come true. We are all the 'unlit little candle', we will meet many other candles in life until the time comes when we get to shine bright.
Aside from The Little Candle, Iva is also very grateful to so far have two more children's books published: Wasteful Emma (illustration), and When I Grow Up: All that I Can Be from A to Z.
Reviewed by Gabriella Harrison for Readers' Favorite
The Little Candle, written and illustrated by Iva Maurin, is a story of perseverance and courage. The little candle is originally part of a group of other cute, colorful little candles. Then, one day, there is a party, and all the candles line up to get lit, which is a thing of great joy for them. They all get lit except this little candle. Instead, it is kept in a dark, cold drawer and forgotten until it gets the courage to leap into the unknown. This leap begins a journey that takes the little candle far as it asks for help from everyone it meets. Its hopeful mood is dampened as it gets turned down with the repeated encouragement of “but one day, you will get bright like the stars in the night,” even though no one seems to be able to help. Will this little candle ever shine bright like the stars in the night?
The most striking quality of this book is its vibrant blend of colors, which makes it very attractive and a great choice for early readers. The illustrations aptly capture the brightness of the different types of candles this little candle asks for help, such as tall candles used in restaurants and floating candles placed by bridges to remember loved ones. It also helps to show the changing mood of the little candle as its head begins to droop until teardrops form in its eyes. The story is told through rhythmic text in simple language, making it easy to read. The Little Candle by Iva Maurin is a moving story depicting the hurt of being left out and the courage needed to pursue dreams despite rejections. It is a motivating story.
