A Heart Filled with Happiness

My Heart Fills with Happiness

Gray Smith, Monique. My Heart Fills with Happiness. Victoria, B.C.: Orca, 2016.

A charming boardbook portraying indigenous children telling of small everyday activities that bring joy to life. Illustrated by Julie Flett.

“True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery


What a Wonderful World!


Weiss, George. What a Wonderful World. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1995.

Illustrated by Ashley Bryan, a vivid pictures accompany the words from the famous song.

“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” – Bible, Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

What a Wonderful World

Weiss, George. What a Wonderful World. New York : Henry Holt and Company, 2014.

Another picture book version illustrated by Tim Hopgood.

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”- Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Glory

Carlstrom, Nancy White. Glory. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2001.

Stunning illustrations by Debra Reid Jenkins accompany Carlstrom’s version of Gerard Manley Hopkins’s poem Pied Beauty.

“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” – Joseph Campbell

“If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment.” – Carlos Santana

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Bryan, Ashley. All Things Bright and Beautiful. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010.

Brightly coloured full-page pictures accompany the words of the classic hymn by Cecil F. Alexander.

“Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” – Hans Christian Andersen

Thank You and Good Night

McDonnell, Patrick. Thank You and Good Night. New York: Little, Brown and Co., 2015.

Three friends enjoy a sleep over party and end the evening by listing everything for which they are thankful. A gentle picture book to share with three to seven-year-olds.

“Memory… is the diary that we all carry about with us.” – Oscar Wilde

 

The Stars Will Still Shine

Rylant, Cynthia. The Stars Will Still Shine. New York : HarperCollins, 2005.

A comforting picture book to read before bedtime. 

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Bible, Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)