"Your Happy Heart"- a bookwrap

Unwrapping

Your Happy Heart: How Helping Others Helps You, Too

Authored by Amie Dean

Illustrated by Susan Keeter

* Age Range:  5-8

* Grade Level:  4-6

* Paperback:  32 pages

* Publisher:  National Center for Youth Issues

* Pub. Date:  February 19, 2019

* Language:  English 

The inside flap

Fifth-grader Javon has the big responsibility of being a Book Buddy to a kindergartener named Richard. But when he meets Richard for the first time, he isn't so sure he's up for the challenge. Both boys learn a lot that year, but most importantly, Javon learns that helping someone find their happiness can make his heart happy, too.

Unwrapping some wonderful illustrations for you

Unveiling the story

This is a story that will touch your heart.  Javon, a boy in fifth grade becomes a Book Buddy to Richard, a little kindergartener.  He is chosen specifically by Ms. Sammons, a teacher he loves and respects.  She carefully pairs Javon up with a specific special little boy in her class and of course he is happy to oblige.  

"Ms. Sammons was really nice to me when I had all my troubles.  She helped me get control of my anger, so I knew she was going to be proud to see I had been picked to be a Book Buddy."  

When he firsts meets Richard and tries to introduce himself and  break the ice,  Richard barely turns his head around to acknowledge Javon's presence.  He keeps his head down and is unresponsive.  Was Javon up to the task of being an effective Book Buddy to Richard?

After much reflection Javon comes to the conclusion that Richard is acting very similar to how he used to behave and how kind and patient Ms. Sammons had helped him feel good about himself.  Javon comes up with a plan to make this work and to turn this sad little boy into one that is happy and full of life.  Will his strategies work?  Can he do it? 

 The book teaches kids about empathy and friendship and encourages them to use the gift inside of them to help others. Everyone has a gift unique to them to share. The illustrations are beautiful and visually bring the text's message to life.  This inspiring book is one of hope for all ages.  It will be a lovely asset in a classroom or elementary school library.  

A line from The Beatles song sums it up perfectly....  'And in the end, the love you get is equal to the love you give,' which is a very cosmic, philosophical line.  Pay it forward everyone and make the world a better place in which to live. I highly recommend this book. 

Storywraps Rating - 5 +++ HUGS!!!!!

From the author

For Teachers, School Counselors, & Parents:

All behavior is an attempt to communicate a need, but many children have learned to communicate in ways that lead them into trouble.  Your Happy Heart was written to help children who struggle with behavior, confidence, and/or self-regulation of emotions.  This book is intended to teach children it is okay to be mad and sad, but we need to find ways to calm ourselves.  We want them to know even if they have struggled with behavior in the past, they can overcome and improve.  It will help teach ALL children that kindness and helping others is a way to heal one’s heart. Win-win.  Be sure to check out the Parent/Teacher Tips at the end of the story!

About the illustrator

Both fine artist and illustrator, with degrees in each from Syracuse University, Susan has had her paintings shown in both juried group shows and several one-person shows. She has had illustration commissions from numerous children's book publishers, both educational and trade. Susan lives in Syracuse with her husband Seth and their young daughters, Sara and Emma. As an involved inner city resident, she devotes time to neighbourhood children and has donated her artwork to support causes that benefit them.

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