Books About Happiness · 172 titles considered

The Best Happiness Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about happiness? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Happiness

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio, R. J. Palacio · Book #1 in the Wonder series

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2013)Cybils Award (2012)

316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,219,409 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?

Sale price

$1699

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

The Secret Garden

A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden with a mysterious key.

352 pages· 80,729 words· Est. 11 hour read

6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,194,235 ratings

Summary: Mary Lennox, orphaned and alone in her uncle's dreary mansion, discovers a key to a forbidden garden. As she unlocks its secrets, she steps into a magical world that changes everything. What mysteries lie within, and how will they alter her life forever?

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1983

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny

By Marilyn Sadler, Roger Bollen (Illustrator)

A bunny seeks a new identity among other animals but discovers where he truly belongs.

48 pages· 517 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 6,338 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: P.J. Funnybunny is fed up with being a bunny. Tired of his big ears and endless carrots, he sets out to live as a bear, bird, or pig. As he explores life with different animal friends, P.J. faces the challenge of finding where he truly belongs. Will he discover that being himself is the best choice after all? Join P.J. on a delightful journey of self-discovery, filled with humor and heart, perfect for young readers eager to explore the world of possibilities.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$474

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2019

Hello, Crabby!

By Jonathan Fenske · Book #1 in the Crabby series

A crab's day at the beach is filled with interactions with other sea creatures.

48 pages· 724 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 499 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Summary: Crabby is having a bad day—sun in the eyes, salt in the teeth, sand in the shell. Plankton, ever the optimist, tries everything to lift Crabby's spirits, from jokes to cakes. But can Plankton's antics crack Crabby's tough exterior and bring out a smile? Dive into this colorful, laugh-out-loud early reader series where humor meets heart, and discover if Crabby will ever find a reason to be happy. Perfect for young readers eager to explore the joys of friendship and laughter.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1913

Pollyanna

By Eleanor H. Porter, Eleanor H. Porter (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Pollyanna series

Can Pollyanna's optimism survive when tragedy strikes and hope fades?

208 pages· 55,325 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 92,721 ratings

$9.95Save 4%

Summary: Pollyanna, a spirited orphan, moves in with her stern Aunt Polly, spreading joy despite life's hardships. But when a tragic accident leaves her unable to walk, her unwavering optimism is tested. As the community she once uplifted rallies around her, will Pollyanna find the strength to embrace happiness again? Discover how one girl's indomitable spirit transforms lives and faces the ultimate challenge.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 1903

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

By Kate Douglas Wiggin

A spirited girl transforms her strict aunts' lives in rural Maine.

340 pages· 72,541 words· Est. 9.5 hour read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 36,234 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Summary: Ten-year-old Rebecca is sent to live with her stern aunts in Riverboro, Maine. Her vibrant spirit clashes with their strict ways, but as she grows, her infectious joy begins to melt their hearts. Will Rebecca's optimism be enough to change their lives forever? Discover the journey of a young girl who brings light to a somber household.

Sale price

$2025

Chapter Book · Ages 5–7 · 2009

A Happy Day

By Fran Manushkin, Tammie Lyon (Illustrator) · Katie Woo series

Discover why life is so joyful for one little girl.

25 pages· 427 words· Est. 8 min read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 80 ratings

$21.32Save 5%

Summary: Katie Woo is bursting with happiness, and she's eager to share why. From small joys to big dreams, her list of reasons to smile is endless. What makes her world so bright? Dive into Katie's cheerful life and uncover the secrets to her happiness. Could her perspective change yours?

Sale price

$958

Board Book · Ages 0–4 · 2019

You Are My Happy

By Hoda Kotb, Suzie Mason (Illustrator)

A bedtime tale of gratitude and joy shared between a mother bear and her cub.

34 pages

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 809 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: As night falls, a mama bear and her cub snuggle close, reflecting on life's simple joys. Inspired by real bedtime routines, this soothing story invites parents and children to cherish gratitude. With enchanting illustrations, it captures the warmth of shared moments and the happiness found in everyday wonders. What small joys will you discover tonight?

Sale price

$1139

Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2015

Emma

By Jennifer Adams, Alison Oliver (Illustrator) · BabyLit Classic Lit series

A young matchmaker stirs emotions in her village.

22 pages

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 316 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Summary: Emma Woodhouse, a spirited young matchmaker, stirs a whirlwind of emotions in her village. As she meddles in the lives of her friends, Mr. Elton grows angry, Miss Taylor finds happiness, and Jane Fairfax feels weary. Will Emma's matchmaking lead to harmony or chaos? Discover the emotional journey in this charming primer.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2008

The Pout-Pout Fish

By Deborah Diesen, Dan Hanna (Illustrator) · Pout-Pout Fish series

A grumpy fish lives in the ocean and spreads dreary feelings to those around him, until he meets a friendly fish who changes his life.

32 pages· 467 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 17,932 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Mr. Fish swims through the ocean with a perpetual pout, spreading gloom wherever he goes. But when his friends try to cheer him up, he begins to question if his destiny is truly to be glum. Could an unexpected encounter reveal a brighter path? Dive into this colorful, rhyming adventure to discover if Mr. Fish can turn his frown upside down and find joy in the deep blue sea.

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Browse by age

Happiness Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about happiness for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$799

Be Happy!

Ages 2–5 · 2007

Discover the secrets to happiness and embrace your best self.

Sale price

$1999

Olivia

Ages 2–5 · 2000

A lively pig's day of adventures ends with a well-earned rest.

Sale price

$999

Where'd My Giggle Go?

Ages 0–4 · 2021

A boy searches for his lost giggle, discovering joy in spreading happiness to others.

Sale price

$1099

Happy

Ages 0–3 · 2015

A little owl discovers the depth of love with his mommy.

Sale price

$699

What's Wrong, Little Pookie?

Ages 1–5 · 2007

Pookie's mom tries to uncover why Pookie is upset.

Sale price

$799

Pom Pom Panda Gets the Grumps

Ages 0–3 · 2015

A grumpy panda's bad day spirals when he pushes friends away. Can he turn it around?

Sale price

$799

If You're Happy and You Know It

Ages 0–2 · 2006

Join jungle animals in a lively dance party with a twist on a classic song.

Sale price

$899

Happiness with Aristotle

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Discover what truly makes us happy and how to be a good friend.

If You're Happy and You Know It

Ages 2–5 · 2006

Jungle animals sing and move to express joy.

Sale price

$799

Rain!

Ages 0–3 · 2013

A boy's joy clashes with a man's gloom on a rainy day. Can happiness prevail?

Sale price

$899

Baby Happy Baby Sad

Ages 0–3 · 2008

Baby's joy turns to sadness with a dropped ice cream and lost balloon.

Sale price

$1499

The Little Engine That Could

Ages 0–3 · 1930

A little engine faces a daunting mountain with determination and grit.

View all happiness board books

Browse by age

Happiness Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about happiness for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

Bernice Gets Carried Away

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A grumpy cat's bad day turns into an unexpected adventure with balloons and new friends.

Sale price

$1699

Augustus and His Smile

Ages 4–8 · 2001

A tiger embarks on a journey to rediscover his lost smile.

Sale price

$1899

If I Had a Little Dream

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A child discovers joy and beauty in everyday life, realizing the world's wonders.

Sale price

$1699

How to Cheer Up Dad

Ages 3–5 · 2014

Little Jumbo tries to cheer up his dad after a series of mishaps. Can he succeed?

Sale price

$1999

The Breaking News

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl seeks to uplift her community with small acts of kindness amid unsettling news.

Sale price

$1699

Milton & Odie

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Two otters, one optimistic, one pessimistic, discover friendship while ice fishing.

Sale price

$1495

Feeling Grateful

2022

A bear cub's adventures reveal the magic of gratitude in everyday moments.

A Little SPOT of Happiness

2019

Unlock happiness through kindness and creativity.

Sale price

$1699

Positive Ninja

Ages 4–11 · 2019

A ninja battles negativity in a quest for mindfulness.

Sale price

$1699

Where Happiness Lives

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Three mice, three homes. Which holds true happiness?

Sale price

$1795

The Candy Dish

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A child discovers a magical candy dish that challenges their perspective and gratitude.

Sale price

$1899

The Little Book of Joy

Ages 3–6 · 2022

Discover how joy can thrive even in the toughest times.

View all happiness picture books

Browse by age

Happiness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about happiness for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$2199

The Best Bear in All the World

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Join Pooh and friends on new seasonal adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2299

The Little Things in Life (Graphic Novel)

2021

Explore life's simple joys with a bear's gentle wisdom.

Sale price

$1699

The Big Blue Book of Beginner Books

Ages 3–7 · 1994

Discover six timeless tales in one book, sparking young imaginations and a love for reading.

Sale price

$6995

The Power of Vulnerability

2013

Embrace vulnerability to unlock joy, creativity, and true courage.

Sale price

$2295

Things to Look Forward To

2022

Discover everyday joys and create your own moments of delight.

Sale price

$899

The Sandman and the War of Dreams

Ages 7–11 · 2013

A missing girl and a vanished foe challenge the Guardians to recruit a sleepy legend for help.

Sale price

$1800

The Four Agreements

1997

Discover the path to true happiness by breaking free from self-limiting beliefs.

Sale price

$699

Dragon of the Red Dawn

Ages 7–10 · 2007

Two siblings travel back in time to ancient Japan to find a secret of happiness for a wizard.

Sale price

$499

Hope the Happiness Fairy

Ages 7–10 · 2011

Magic tiaras vanish, causing chaos. Can two friends restore joy to the Golden Palace?

This Moment Is Your Life (and So Is This One)

Sale price

$1899

This Moment Is Your Life (and So Is This One)

Ages 10–14 · 2018

Discover mindfulness and find peace in the present moment.

Sale price

$1699

Snow Lane

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A young girl uncovers a dark family secret while battling dyslexia.

Sale price

$1999

Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas

2020

Escape holiday chaos with a minimalist approach to gifts, decor, and traditions.

View all happiness chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about choosing cheeriness Books about feelings and emotions Books about self-acceptance Books about attitude Books about bullying Books about bunnies and rabbits Books about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities Books about empathy

Our 10 Favorite Books About Happiness

Great books, picked for their age.

Happiness Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Happiness Picture Books

Happiness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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