Ten Little Happies - Teacher's Choice Holiday Favorites

Ten Little Happies
Back Pack Books

Kids! Whenever you feel sad or blue, just reach into your memory where the Happies live! Everyone has Happies. It might be a flower, or a bird, or it might be a sandcastle that you built on a beach. Maybe it's a gold sticker you received for doing something special. Happies are always there when you need them.

Ten Little Happies teaches little ones to focus on happy thoughts to help relieve anxiety or fear.

Kids Can't Sleep? Thinking happy thoughts before sleep will help children to become less fearful.

How Many Happies Can You Count? Children love to make a game of counting their Happies.

Encourage Discussion
Each story includes after-story ideas to encourage discussion and help develop reading comprehension skills in a light-hearted, comical way.

Back Pack Books make ideal bedtime or anytime stories
Heartwarming characters and charming artwork that represents diversity and inclusivity. This book will make a great addition to any child's library.

And the 2023 Teacher's Choice Holiday Favorite: I Heard Christmas Whisper

Stories Kids Love, Themes Parents Love from Back Pack Books
Early Readers ages 2-65 STAR Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite

Ten Little Happies by Janice Garden Macdonald is a children's picture book that will make you feel good. The subtitle is "self-soothing with good memories" and that is exactly what is shared. The text flows beautifully and begins with a young child sharing that they are feeling down and blue. Instead of wallowing in those feelings, they take charge by recalling their "happies." Happies are memories, both old and new. They might include other people or animals, or they might be about celebrating an important achievement. The best part about happies is the more you remember them, the bigger they grow. Happies can be remembered all day long! A few discussion questions are included at the end to help kids understand the concept.

Ten Little Happies is an outstanding choice for preschoolers as they learn to navigate their emotions. Janice Garden Macdonald has simplified a complex topic and gives kids a self-empowering way of managing their emotions. The illustrations are perfect! A diverse group of children is represented, and they are so appealing. You can't help but smile as you see the joy reflected in their faces as they engage in enjoyable activities. As a retired children's librarian, I know how difficult it is to get the rhymes just right. Janice Garden Macdonald makes her story flow effortlessly. It is a delight to read out loud. Ten Little Happies succeeds on every level. It is a fantastic read-aloud and presents a worthwhile concept that will benefit all young readers. I highly recommend Ten Little Happies.