Books For Keeps
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Articles
  • Past Issues
  • Latest Issue
  • Authors and Artists
  • Latest News
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
January 1, 2019/in Information Book 8-10 Junior/Middle /by Ellie
BfK Rating:
BfK 234 January 2019
Reviewer: Elizabeth Schlenther
ISBN: 978-0008301217
Price: £9.99
Publisher: Collins
Genre: Information Book
Age Range: 8-10 Junior/Middle
Length: 160pp
Buy the Book

Create Your Own Happy

Authors: Becky Goddard-Hill, Penny AlexanderIllustrator: Clare Forrest

This ‘meaty’ and quite long book has multitudinous suggestions about how to make yourself and others happier.  If one is in need of such, then it must follow that one is not cheerful nor contented, and the creative suggestions here could well go a long way to helping children (adults too) find their own road to being happier, fulfilled individuals.  Divided into three sections, almost half the book is concerned with making oneself happier (18 individual recommendations), and the other half is used for suggestions as to how to make others happy and, finally, how to help make a happier world.  In the long first section, we learn about such things as personality strengths, using exercise, making a ‘happy jar’ to remind oneself of all the good times, and decluttering – as well as many other ideas. The second section tells us about saying please and thank you and complimenting others, being kind, handling cyberbullying (and ordinary bullying), being a good friend, etc. and the final section covers such things as recycling, growing your own food, upcycling, making your garden a good place for creatures of all sorts, etc.  It is emphasised in the book that you can start anywhere you like and that it isn’t necessary to do everything suggested.  Most pages are full of colourful illustrations that add lots of ‘happiness’ to the whole, and there are explanations too of the scientific reasons as to why these things should help. Creative activities abound, and I like the idea of a whole family using the book to update their expectations of happiness.  A world of happiness waits for those using the book with serious intent!

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png 0 0 Ellie http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png Ellie2019-01-01 14:43:272021-03-23 14:46:45Create Your Own Happy

Search for a specific review

Author Search

Search







Generic filters




Filter by Member Types


Book Author

Download BfK Issue Bfk 272 May 2025
Skip to an Issue:

About Us

Launched in 1980, we’ve reviewed hundreds of new children’s books each year and published articles on every aspect of writing for children.

Read More

Follow Us

Latest News

Choice and reading relevant to their interests = reading for pleasure

June 11, 2025

Ross Montgomery wins the 2025 FCBG Children’s Book Award

June 7, 2025

Michael Rosen and Emily Gravett IBBY UK nominations for Hans Christian Andersen Awards 2026

June 4, 2025

Contact Us

Books for Keeps,
30 Winton Avenue,
London,
N11 2AT

Telephone: 0780 789 3369

ISSN: 0143-909X (this is our International Standard Serial Number).

© Copyright 2025 - Books For Keeps | Proudly Built by Lemongrass Media - Web Design Buckinghamshire
Shiny Pippin and the Broken Forest Young Heroes
Scroll to top