‘m joining Susanna Hill again for another fun Perfect Picture Book Friday.
Title: Happy
Author/Illustrator: Mies Van Hout
Publishing: Lemniscaat, NY, 2011
Intended Audience: 3 to 7 years old
Theme/Topic: Emotions
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Opening Line: Curious
Brief Summary: This book puts a name and face to a variety of emotions. Each page has a vibrant pastel drawing of a fish expressing a different feeling. The images are simple, bright, brilliant and packed full of personality.
Why I Like This Book: In BC we’re mandated to teach the CARE Kit (a program about personal safety) to our Grade 1 students. Part of this program is teaching the kids how to name and identify their feelings. I think Happy is the perfect book to lead into this. I love the simplicity and the vivid colours. I know my students are going to love this book, too.
Resources:
1. There is an excellent lesson plan here for drawing emotions with young children.
2. After the children have made their drawings, I’d have them choose a favourite to reproduce on black paper with oil pastels and print the emotion word underneath (just like in Happy).
3. Drama Tableau: I’m going to give small groups of children a card with an emotion word. They’ll create a still image with their bodies expressing that emotion. The rest of the class will try and guess their feeling. I made you a 6-page file of emotion word cards you can use with this activity. Click the image below to grab.
Have a great weekend!
How do I not have HAPPY on my shelves already? Thanks for the great review!Sooo appreciate a chance to win a makeover, too!Barbara
I just put HAPPY on my Amazon wish list! Love it!Thanks for sharing such a cute book!Julie
Love the bright colours on Black ! So cute!
You're welcome, Julie. It's very simple but can be used in good ways 🙂
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you 🙂
Bright colours with black are always so awesome, aren't they? They pack such a punch.
This is a really cute book that we have been reading at the library. And we play a game of making faces to go with the feelings. I like your art ideas. Thanks for sharing!
This looks so lovely. Thank you!
I read Happy to my students this week. 🙂 Mies Van Hout has a new book called Friends coming out in April. It's on my \”want\” list.sandirubberboots and elf shoes
I know! I just saw it. It looks \”purchase worthy\”!
What a gorgeous book cover! It makes me \”happy\” just looking at it!
I know what you mean. The whole book has a happy feel to it:)
Oh yes, making faces for sure!
It would be great with one of your K classes, Kimberley.
This book sounds lovely, Barbara, and like one that would be so helpful to kids, who often have trouble articulating what they're feeling and recognizing what others are feeling. I LOVE the art – just gorgeous! Thanks so much for adding this one to our list!
Van Hout is a hoot – great pick!
Ha ha — thanks!
That's what I'm hoping. I think it will work really well with our CARE Kit lessons.
Happy I'm on vacation and can go look for this book at an actual bookstore! Even if I don't find it, I'll be happy! JennyDo you have the book \”The Quiltmaker's Gift\”?
The colors in that book are so vibrant! Love those colors!LoriConversations in Literacy
I think I do … but I'm not positive. I gather it's a good one 🙂
Just looking at the cover makes me want to read that book!ChrissyFirst Grade Found Me
This looks like a great book! I love the cover and the title!
Thanks for stopping by Lori, Chrissy and Erik!
What a cool-looking book! Pretty cover and I love what it's about. I'm heading over to check it out! :)Kate Second Grade Sparkle