This Is My Happy Face
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
A young protagonist embarks on a journey filled with adventures and misadventures, ultimately discovering the true essence of happiness. Through these experiences, they learn that joy can be found in unexpected places and expressions. Additionally, a board book based on the Super Simple YouTube channel features characters from Noodle & Pals teaching about emotions. The book includes a variety of emotional expressions like happy, sleepy, angry, and surprised, and ends with a mirror so children can mimic these faces. This engaging book introduces toddlers and preschoolers to essential emotions and encourages interactive learning with familiar characters.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What makes the characters in the book happy? Can you think of something that makes you feel the same way?
How do the characters express their feelings? Do you express your feelings in similar ways?
Why is it important to show others when we're happy? How does it make you feel when you share your happiness?
Can you describe a time when you had to find your happy face? What helped you find it?
What did you learn from the characters about dealing with mixed emotions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences related to happiness to make your child feel comfortable expressing theirs.
Encourage your child to draw their 'happy face' and describe what each part of the expression signifies to them.
Validate all feelings shared during the discussion, emphasizing that it’s okay to feel and express emotions.
Ask follow-up questions that help deepen the conversation, showing genuine interest in your child's thoughts and feelings.
Connect the story's themes to the child’s daily life, encouraging them to identify and talk about their emotions openly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions
Explanation: The story revolves around a character who learns to articulate their feelings through various facial expressions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and communicate their own emotions more effectively, aiding in emotional intelligence development.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the protagonist navigates through different scenarios, they begin to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to consider the feelings of their peers and develop a sense of compassion in their social interactions.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of accepting and loving oneself regardless of external circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson can bolster children's self-esteem and promote a healthier self-image as they grow.