This Makes Me Happy

In this addition to the Dealing with Feelings series, an African-American child describes her class field trip to the county fair, illustrated in Kushnir’s cozy, upbeat art. At the fair, she goes on a roller coaster, has her face painted, and visits the petting zoo. Even a happy day has minor setbacks—the girl can’t have any bake sale treats because she is allergic to nuts: “I feel left out. My teacher sits down next to me. She has allergies, too.” On the bus ride back, she reflects on her busy day: “Many thoughts bounce around in my head. I focus on them one at a time. What am I feeling? I am feeling happy.” Carbone models being mindful of all emotions, while suggesting that happiness is not always about what occurs but how one chooses to look at circumstances. Ages 4–6. [em](Apr.) [/em]