The Story
Lots of things can make someone happy, like spending time with friends, re-reading a favorite book or taking a walk in nature. But why do those things create happiness? And what exactly is happiness?
Choose Happy: Give a Smile a Try looks at the facts behind happiness, smiling, kindness and more. Explore the history of happiness, the happiest--and saddest--countries in the world and how being happy helps you get more done. Dive into the obstacles to happiness, including climate anxiety, social media and the negativity bias, and why it is sometimes hard to be happy. Readers will also discover scientifically proven ways to be happier that they can incorporate into their lives. Who's smiling now?
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Author: Elizabeth MacLeod
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 04/14/2026
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 9.70h x 8.20w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781459839403
Audience: Ages 9-12
Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/20/2026 pg. 1
About the Author
Elizabeth MacLeod has written more than 80 books, including biographies, picture books, cookbooks and other nonfiction titles. Dinosaurs, royal murder, horses that changed history, forensic science--she's written about them all. Liz has also won many awards for her writing, including the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction, an Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile or Young Adult Crime Book and Children's Choice awards across the country, including the Hackmatack, Red Cedar, Red Maple and Silver Birch. Her most recent books include How to Become an Accidental Activist and Get Out and Vote! She lives in Toronto.
Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator of numerous children's books, including Pride Puppy!; Little Cloud; Breaking News; Fresh Air, Clean Water; Plant Attack! and Why We Live Where We Live, winner of the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction. Her work with various editorial, advertising and publishing clients can be seen around the world. Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island.
Description
Lots of things can make someone happy, like spending time with friends, re-reading a favorite book or taking a walk in nature. But why do those things create happiness? And what exactly is happiness?
Choose Happy: Give a Smile a Try looks at the facts behind happiness, smiling, kindness and more. Explore the history of happiness, the happiest--and saddest--countries in the world and how being happy helps you get more done. Dive into the obstacles to happiness, including climate anxiety, social media and the negativity bias, and why it is sometimes hard to be happy. Readers will also discover scientifically proven ways to be happier that they can incorporate into their lives. Who's smiling now?
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Author: Elizabeth MacLeod
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 04/14/2026
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 9.70h x 8.20w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781459839403
Audience: Ages 9-12
Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/20/2026 pg. 1
About the Author
Elizabeth MacLeod has written more than 80 books, including biographies, picture books, cookbooks and other nonfiction titles. Dinosaurs, royal murder, horses that changed history, forensic science--she's written about them all. Liz has also won many awards for her writing, including the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction, an Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile or Young Adult Crime Book and Children's Choice awards across the country, including the Hackmatack, Red Cedar, Red Maple and Silver Birch. Her most recent books include How to Become an Accidental Activist and Get Out and Vote! She lives in Toronto.
Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator of numerous children's books, including Pride Puppy!; Little Cloud; Breaking News; Fresh Air, Clean Water; Plant Attack! and Why We Live Where We Live, winner of the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction. Her work with various editorial, advertising and publishing clients can be seen around the world. Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island.
