Happy Belly, Happy Smile
on Goodreads (127)
What’s inside...
Every Friday Louie experiences the excitement behind the scenes at his grandpa's Chinese restaurant. He observes the chef chopping vegetables quickly, the delivery boy making fast pickups, and waiters calling out numerous orders. He sits down to eat and although he declines the offer of whole fish and crabs, he finds the dumplings, egg rolls, and chow mein appealing. Each visit concludes with a fortune cookie stating, 'Happy food, happy belly, happy smile.' The book is brought to life through Rachel Isadora's impressive cut-paper collages, drawing influences from Eric Carle and Ezra Jack Keats.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
The Father
Discussion points
What are some ways you can tell someone is happy, just like in the book?
Why do you think a happy belly leads to a happy smile?
How does sharing food with others make you feel?
Can you think of a time when something you ate made you really happy?
What is your favorite food to share with friends and family?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss the book, reflect on family meals or occasions involving food. This personal connection can help your child relate better to the story.
Encourage your child to describe their feelings about different foods, using expressive words. This builds their emotional vocabulary.
Link emotions with actions in the story to similar experiences in your child’s life, helping them draw parallels and deepen understanding.
Ask your child to imagine preparing a meal for their favorite fictional character from the book and discuss what they would make.
Use the story as a starting point to discuss healthy eating habits, emphasizing how certain foods can make us feel happy and energetic.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of healthy eating
Explanation: Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, 'Happy Belly, Happy Smile' shows the main character enjoying a variety of nutritional foods, which keeps him energetic and happy.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to make healthier food choices in their daily lives, understanding the connection between what they eat and how they feel.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The book portrays a beautiful blend of cultural foods and traditions, celebrating diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and show interest in different cultures, which can enhance social interactions and global awareness from a young age.
Example Lesson: Family bonding over meals
Explanation: The story emphasizes the joy and comfort of shared family meals, showcasing the preparation and enjoyment of food together.
Real-World Application: Encourages families to spend quality time during meals, fostering stronger family relationships and communication.
Example Lesson: Joy in simple pleasures
Explanation: The protagonist finds immense joy in simple activities like eating his favorite foods, which highlights the beauty in everyday moments.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and find happiness in the small, everyday events, promoting a positive outlook and mindfulness.
Example Lesson: Sharing with others
Explanation: In the narrative, sharing meals is depicted as a gesture of love and friendship, enhancing communal bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their own food and possessions with friends and family, fostering generosity and empathy towards others.