As an educator, parent and someone who is always looking for books that center heart, hope, resilience, and meaningful conversations, I was so happy to revisit Nick Saint in Hope in the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings.
Disclosure: *I was gifted this book for the purposes of a review for Read Your World Day. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. This post contains affliliate links. If you make a purchase using the link, I will receive a small monetary compensation. Thanks you!
I previously reviewed In the Nick of Time Too and shared how rare, and refreshing it is to see a Black Santa represented in children’s literature. Deedee’s stories have a way of blending warmth, reflection, and timely life lessons in ways that truly resonate with children and families. This newest installment continues that tradition beautifully.
In Hope in the Nick of Time, Nick Saint is back. this time in New York City. But instead of magical perfection, he’s met with slushy snow, spilled gelato, and a string of frustrating moments. It’s such a relatable setup. How many of our children (and let’s be honest, how many of us) have had days where everything seems to go wrong?
What I especially appreciate is how the story gently introduces the idea of “hoping skills” through a very familiar character. Hope isn’t presented as wishful thinking. It’s shown as something active, something we practice. Through small shifts in perspective and meaningful encounters, Nick begins to see that even when things feel overwhelming, there is still good to be found. And sometimes, when we can’t find hope, we are called to be it.
As an educator, I love books that open the door to deeper conversations. This one naturally invites discussions about emotional regulation, resilience, gratitude, and kindness. It reminds children that frustration is normal but perspective changes everything. The message that small acts of kindness add up is especially powerful in today’s world. To extend the conversation and deepen the message, Deedee has also created a companion activity book that serves as the perfect supplement to the story.
Deedee Cummings once again delivers a story that feels both timely and timeless. Just as I shared in my previous review, stories like this help counter the noise of negativity and consumerism with something far more lasting: heart, humanity, and hope.
And after all… you never know who might be watching or how your small act of hope might make all the difference.
Read Your World
Even though Read Your World Day 2026 has passed, you can still access the book reviews that were shared that day on this Giant Linky, and you can view a recording of the Read Your World Day Virtual party and its slide deck.
Read Your World will have a Black History Month event with author panelists and book giveaways on Tuesday, February 17 at 4pm PT/7pm ET. Register here. And here’s a list of more picture books to celebrate Black History Month.
Read Your World 2026 (1/29/26) is in its 14th year! Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative; they are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission and history HERE.
Read Your World is honored to be Supported by these Medallion:
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)
Read Your World is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts and by our Partner Organizations!
Check out RYW’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
📌 FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day
- FREE RYW2026 Poster
- FREE Building Community with Bilingual Books 2026 Classroom Kit
- FREE Mental Health Support for Stressful Times Classroom Kit
- FREE Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
- FREE Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit
- FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit
- Gallery of Our Free Posters
- FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program
This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants are welcome. **
Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 29, 2026, at our virtual party!