Grow Happy helps kids understand that they play an important role in cultivating their own happiness using resources at their disposal.
Grounded in principles of positive psychology and choice theory, Grow Happy helps kids understand that they play an important role in cultivating their own happiness using resources at their disposal.
Kiko is a gardener. She takes care of her garden with seeds, soil, water, and sunshine. In Grow Happy, Kiko also demonstrates how she cultivates happiness, just like she does in her garden. Using positive psychology and choice theory, this book shows children that they have the tools to nurture their own happiness and live resiliently. Just as Kiko possesses the resources needed—seeds, soil, water—to build a thriving garden, she also has the tools to nurture her own happiness—including social support, choices, and problem-solving skills.
Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with information on how our choices and paying attention to our bodies and feelings affects happiness.
Publisher: American Psychological Association
Original Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 32 pages
ISBN-10: 1433823314
Item Weight: 0.8 lbs
Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.4 x 10.3 inches
Customer Reviews: 3 out of 5 stars 101 to 500 ratings
“Creating and caring for a garden serves as an apt metaphor for self-care in this sensitive story from the father-daughter team of Lasser and Foster-Lasser….. Crinkly, textured papers bring pleasing warmth to Lyles’s mixed-media collages, creating an atmosphere of positivity to match the girl’s confident attitude.”—Publishers Weekly
“A charming and to-the-point book for addressing mindfulness with young children, perfect for classrooms and libraries.” —School Library Journal
“Children are learning very early that the world is a tough place in which to grow up. Giving kids the tools to get it done will be a tremendous boost. And these three books contribute to that effort in a delightful way.” —Children’s Books Heal
“Wonderfully entertaining from beginning to end and with an invaluable life affirming message, Grow Happy is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.”—Midwest Book Review
“I love that this book teaches kids that they have the power to make themselves happy.”—Mom’s Radius
“This book should lead to many good discussions around well being and each person’s ability to cultivate their own contentment.”—School Library Connection
“All readers could learn from Grow Happy, but like gardening it’s much more fun when you read it together.”—Plant Talk
Sage Foster-Lasser is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she studies psychology and American studies. Grow Grateful is a follow-up to Grow Happy, her first children's book which she also co-authored with Jon Lasser.
Jon Lasser, PhD, is a psychologist, school psychologist, professor, and associate dean for research in the College of Education at Texas State University. Grow Grateful is a follow up to his first children's book, Grow Happy, also written with Sage Foster-Lasser. Jon Lasser resides in Martindale, Texas. Follow him on Twitter: @JonLasser.
Christopher Lyles has illustrated numerous books for children, including When You Look Out the Window, Grow Happy and Grow Grateful. Inspired by vintage graphics and antique surfaces, he uses collage and mixed media applications to create his art. He lives in Simsbury, CT. Visit him at chrislyles.tumblr.com and follow him on Facebook: @LylesDesigns, Twitter: @ChrisLyles, and Instagram: @ChrisLyles.
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