My Happy Life by Rose Lagercrantz
From the first page, I knew I was going to love this story.
"It was late, but Dani couldn't sleep. Some people counted sheep, but not her! Dani counted all the times she'd been happy."
And then you find the many ways Dani finds happiness, including beginning school. It takes Dani a few days to make a friend, but when she meets Ella - they become fast friends, making Dani happy at school and home.
Sadly though Ella's family moves and suddenly Dani isn't nearly as happy as she had been.
Things upset her that didn't bother her in the past. Dani must learn how to find her happy again.
This chapter book would appeal to grades 1-3. Dani is a strong girl character that does the "right" thing most of the time and has a great outlook on life, but with a healthy dose of realism that life isn't always as happy as we want it to be.
Almost every page has playful black and white sketches that keep the reader engaged in the story.
It's the middle of Summer Reading Club and if you are looking for children's books that will make you LOL, then look no further than Arnie the Doughnut and ATD Bowling Alley Bandit by Laurie Keller.
In the first Arnie the Doughnut book the reader discovers that Arnie doesn't quite understand what a doughnut's job is until Mr. Bing takes him home to eat.
In shock, Arnie asks Mr. Bing what he was doing. As anyone who eats doughnuts knows...he was trying to eat him. But Mr. Bing is just as shocked to find himself talking to Arnie. This is a picture book with colorful pictures and thought-bubbles will keep the reader engaged and laughing.
In the second ATD book, the reader has graduated to reading a chapter book. You are re-introduced to how Arnie came to be in Mr. Bing's life, just in case you haven't been fortunate enough to peruse the first book.
By Chapter 2 you are placed in the heart of the story...a bowling alley. Mr. Bing is on a bowling league called the Bingbats and Arnie loves bowling night. With an adventure around every corner, the pages are filled with funny graphics both boys and girls will enjoy. In Arnie's world, not only do doughnuts talk, but also bowling balls and pizza slices.
There is a mystery element to the story...who is the Bowling Alley bandit? You will have to read to find out.
