Choose to Live in Joy
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Choose to Live in Joy is an inspirational picture book designed to teach children to appreciate the 'little things' in life and develop a positive mindset. Through bright, colorful illustrations and rhyming text, the book engages young readers and features characters and activities that are relatable to children's own experiences. The story encourages traits like compassion, trying new things, and recognizing the importance of family. It also includes a parent/teacher guide with reading suggestions to make storytime interactive and engaging.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-8
Length
37 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does 'joy' mean to you, and how can you choose it in your everyday life?
Can you think of a time when you decided to be happy despite a difficult situation?
What are some ways you can help others feel joy?
How do the characters in the book show their happiness?
What are some things that make you feel joyful and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a time you chose joy in your own life. This sets a relatable tone for the discussion. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts without interruption, showing genuine interest in their responses. Use examples from the book to guide the conversation, relating them back to your child’s experiences. Validate their feelings and praise their insights to boost their confidence in expressing themselves. Lastly, consider creating a 'joy journal' together where you can both write down daily joys, reinforcing the book’s message through a fun and interactive activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of positivity
Explanation: The protagonist of the story faces various challenges but learns to approach them with a joyful and positive attitude, transforming obstacles into opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to focus on the positive aspects of any situation they encounter, whether at school, during sports, or in social interactions, which can lead to a healthier and more optimistic outlook in life.
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters demonstrate resilience by overcoming emotional and physical hurdles, showing perseverance and courage.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not giving up when facing difficulties in their studies, learning new skills, or managing friendships, reinforcing the idea that persistence is key to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The interactions between the characters highlight the importance of being considerate of others' feelings and perspectives, fostering an environment of mutual respect and kindness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life by encouraging them to be empathetic towards classmates and family members, which can enhance their personal relationships and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of choice
Explanation: The story emphasizes that happiness is a choice and encourages children to actively choose joy over negativity or sadness in their daily lives.
Real-World Application: Children can be reminded that they have the power to choose their reactions and feelings in various scenarios, empowering them to take control of their emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and friendship
Explanation: Characters in the book work together to solve problems and support each other, highlighting the value of teamwork and strong friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate with others in group activities, whether in educational projects or play, illustrating that collective efforts often lead to success.