HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!

Bob Shea's newest picture book, The Happiest Book Ever! gives other books about feelings a run for their money. Instead of focusing on just plain happiness or sadness or anger, with no allowance for anything in between, this very meta book subversively examines the complex ways emotions can be expressed and shows that it's okay not to feel happy all the time. 

Right away, this book introduces us to some of its so-called happiest friends, an inexpressive frog and a dancing cake. The dancing cake is rendered in simply-drawn, brightly-colored caricatures, like the rest of the over-the-top happy cast (cheerful clouds, contented kittens, and a whimsical whale, to name just a few), that is, except for "grumpy" frog, the only photo-realistic image in the entire story and the unwitting monkey wrench in the book's goal of total happiness domination. 

Will the happiest book ever wear down frog with its incessant outward displays of the only socially-acceptable emotion allowed within its pages, and make frog turn his "unhappy" deadpan expression upside down--or else? This thoughtfully engaging yet ultimately entertaining meditation on expressing one's feelings and giving others the space to express theirs makes a fun read-aloud, as well as a compelling book to share one-on-one. 

Recommended for preschoolers to 2nd graders. 

PET RESCUE WITH AN ATTITUDE

Move over, Grumpy Cat and make room for The Grumpy Pets written and illustrated by Kristine A. Lombardi. Billy is not like most of the other kids he sees around him--he can't seem to shake his permanent frown. In the hopes of buoying his spirits, his mom takes Billy and his sister to the pet rescue in town. Everywhere he looks he sees plenty of adorable and excitable animals charming their equally effervescent soon-to-be owners, but Billy just can't relate... until he makes his way to the back of the shelter and finds a different group of pets waiting there. This ragtag bunch of animals are definitely more moody, scruffy, and just downright grumpier than the others, but will Billy finally meet his perfect match? 

The simple and compelling story paired with the pitch-perfect illustrations, makes a great read for preschoolers through first graders, and will win over even the most grumpy of readers with its doggedly genuine heart. 

WHAT ARE YOU, SOME KIND OF CHICKEN?

Lily is a quintessentially mild-mannered animal--she stays within the lines when she's coloring, doesn't like to raise her wing in school even when she knows the answers, and is definitely not ready to take off her training wheels on her bike even when she's being left in the dust by her friends. And she certainly can't imagine getting up onstage in front of everyone for the Grand-Slam Poetry Jam when everyone else around her can't wait. What's a poor chicken to do? 

This warm and gentle picture book by Lori Mortensen, with charming illustrations by Nina Victor Crittenden, explores childhood social anxieties in a authentic but lighthearted way, reassuring introverts of all ages that sometimes the risk of putting yourself out there comes with great rewards. 

Chicken Lily is a perfect read for preschoolers through second graders, especially those timid ones in need of a helpful--not didactic--boost of confidence for dealing with the everyday jitters. 

WILD FEELINGS

Feeling sad? Or feeling mad? That’s okay because the little boy in Wild Feelings goes through a series of emotions. In this funny book, each page is filled with illustrations that describe a different feeling. 

Wild Feeling by David Milgrim is a wonderful one-on-one book that sends a nice message about how natural it is to have such feelings. The description of the feelings is also linked to animals (for example: as stubborn as a mule).

For Ages 4-6  

HONEY - A SUMMER SURPRISE

“Honey.”  Who’s Honey? That’s what Melody wants to know.  Ten-year-old, Melody is full of questions. Why has her father, Henry, been so distracted, spacey and whistling “You Are My Sunshine” lately? And who did he call Honey over the phone, then try to cover up with a lame excuse… “they got the wrong number?” 

As if Melody didn't have enough on her plate with Henry’s odd behavior and her flunking her math test, Teeny, Melody’s 6-year-old neighbor blurts out that Henry’s been bitten by the love bug. Now, Melody wants to find out the secrets surrounding Royal, Indiana. 

Read Honey to unveil the secrets in the town of Royal and learn about new twists and turns in this story. Sarah Weeks touches on many important topics in this realistic fiction.  Honey is a delightful, quick read with fun characters.

For 3rd-5th grade

FRIENDSHIP IS LIKE A SEESAW

Friendship has its highs and lows.  Sometimes friends can be inseparable, and other times friends need some space or 'quiet time' to sort out their feelings.  In Friendship is Like a Seesaw, author Shona Innes tenderly brings to light the changes friends might experience.  Sometimes, with time, friends can be even better friends especially when 'space' is respected.

An important book to share before a child starts school or as friends struggle with hurt feelings.