My Happy Life
#1 in Dunne Series
What’s inside...
A sweet, funny illustrated chapter book about a young girl named Dani who is filled with optimism as she starts school and quickly becomes best friends with Ella Frida. However, Dani faces an unexpected challenge that tests her positive outlook on life. This New York Times Notable book is the first in an acclaimed series for beginning readers. It is a perfect first chapter book for children aged five and up, full of social-emotional learning and sweet and funny illustrations, from one of the world’s greatest illustrators, Eva Eriksson. Young independent readers who like Kate DiCamillo or the Ivy & Bean series will be hooked on the 7-book series once they start. The book has received praise for its beautiful illustrations and compelling storytelling, making it a great choice for young readers.
Character compass
Dani
Ella
Teacher
Dani'S Father
Ella Frida/ Frida
Dunne/ Dani/ Dunia/ Tina
Discussion points
How did Dani handle feeling sad about her best friend moving away? Can you think of a time when you felt something similar?
What are some things that Dani did to make herself feel better? What do you like to do when you're feeling down?
Why do you think it's important for Dani to remember the happy times even when she's sad?
How did Dani and Ella manage to stay friends even when they were far apart? What can we do to stay in touch with friends who are not nearby?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by using open-ended questions that foster deeper understanding and personal connection.
Discuss the importance of resilience and maintaining friendships, drawing parallels between Dani's experiences and your child's life.
Highlight the coping mechanisms Dani uses in the story, and relate them to strategies your child might use when facing similar emotions.
Use the book's themes to start a conversation about gratitude and remembering good times, helping your child recognize their own happy memories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, Dani, encounters various difficulties such as her best friend moving away and facing school anxieties, yet she learns to cope and find happiness again.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it is normal to feel sad or upset during tough times, but with resilience and supportive relationships, they can overcome these challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the importance of friendship is highlighted through Dani's interactions with her best friend Ella and how they support each other.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of forming strong, positive relationships and learn how to be a good friend in their day-to-day interactions.
Example Lesson: Expressing emotions
Explanation: Dani openly expresses her emotions throughout the story, teaching children that it is healthy to express how they feel rather than keeping emotions bottled up.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to communicate their feelings to parents, teachers, or friends, thus improving their emotional intelligence and mental health.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Dani shows perseverance in adapting to new situations and finding solutions to her problems, such as making new friends and handling school projects.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals, which is a crucial skill in school and life.