A Sprinkle of Happiness
What’s inside...
The book tells the story of a young protagonist who discovers a magical way to spread happiness through an enchanted sprinkle. As they journey through various challenges, they learn the importance of joy, kindness, and the impact one individual can have on the lives of others. An uplifting, heartwarming tale about how joy can grow from the smallest of seeds. 'A sprinkle of happiness ... that's all you need!' When a boy and his grandma find a tiny sunflower seed and plant it together, their love and care transforms it into a towering sunflower that spreads joy through their community. But when the sunflower blows down in a storm, will it all have been for nothing? Or will the seeds the pair have sown grow into something even more special? Lucy Rowland's evocative, joyful text beautifully demonstrates how small actions can make a mighty impact.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What made the main character feel happy in the story, and can you think of a time you felt the same way?
How did the characters in the book help each other to find happiness?
What does happiness mean to you, and what are some things that make you happy?
How can we spread happiness to others, just like in the story?
If you could add a character to the story, who would it be and how would they contribute to spreading happiness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings by relating personal experiences to the story.
Discuss the importance of kindness and empathy as shown through the characters' actions.
Use examples from the book to talk about different ways to experience and share happiness.
After reading, engage in a fun activity that mirrors the story’s theme, like creating a 'happiness craft' or sharing something special.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights during your discussion, reinforcing their understanding and emotional growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'A Sprinkle of Happiness', the protagonist demonstrates kindness by helping a friend in need, showing that small acts can make a big difference.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being kind to others can brighten someone's day and foster positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The story highlights the main character's journey of trying repeatedly to solve a problem, teaching children that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying and not give up, even when things are challenging, whether in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The power of positivity
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, characters maintain a hopeful outlook despite difficulties, illustrating how attitude can influence outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach situations with a positive mindset, which can improve their emotional and mental health.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Characters from different backgrounds work together in the story, showcasing the strength found in diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate and learn from people who might look, think, or act differently than they do.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The characters in the book support each other, highlighting how valuable friends are during both good and bad times.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to value their friendships and be supportive friends in return.