BEST
SELLER

My Happy Life Gecko Press

If only all early chapter books were this beautifully conceived.

New York Times

My Happy Life

A sweet, funny illustrated chapter book about a young girl with a lot of optimism—even if sometimes life makes it hard to be happy.

Written by Rose Lagercrantz and illustrated by Eva Eriksson

Translated by Julia Marshall

Available as an audiobook and an ebook wherever you buy your audiobooks and ebooks


  • Description

    New York Times Notable book and first in the acclaimed series for beginning readers.

    Dani is probably the happiest person she knows. She’s happy because she’s going to start school. Dani has been waiting to go to school her whole life. Then things get even better—she meets Ella by the swings. After that, Dani and Ella do everything together and become best friends. But then something happens that Dani isn’t prepared for…

    A perfect first chapter book for children aged five and up, full of social-emotional learning and sweet and funny illustrations, from one of the world’s greatest illustrators, Eva Eriksson.

    Young independent readers who like Kate DiCamillo or the Ivy & Bean series will be hooked on the 7-book series once they start.

    “If only all early chapter books were this beautifully conceived.” — The New York Times

    Rose Lagercrantz is a popular Swedish author of books for children as well as for adults. She has received many of the top Swedish literary awards, including the August Prize and the Astrid Lindgren Prize.

    Read all the My Happy Life series:

    My Heart is Laughing

    When I Am Happiest

    Life According to Dani

    See You When I See You

    Where Dani Goes, Happy Follows

    All’s Happy That Ends Happy


  • Book Details

    Country of Origin Sweden
    Reader Age 6-8 year
    Book Size
    ISBN

  • Reviews

    1. Readings (verified owner)

      This is one of our favourite junior fiction titles about friendship and resilience.

    2. The Groove Book Report (verified owner)

      a fast moving, yet empathetic journey of a young girl starting school and setting out on her first adventure of independence…Eriksson’s pictures are quaint and charming and frequent…These books will appeal to tamariki who are preparing for school (whether read to them or starting to read themselves) and those who are transitioning to chapter books. This is a space that Gecko Press operates best in.

    3. A Mighty Girl (verified owner)

      This early chapter book handles difficult subjects with a gentle and optimistic touch, perfect for reassuring kids that they can make it through their own struggles.

    4. Cassie L, Netgalley (verified owner)

      Young readers will recognize the school setting and identify with the situations that Dani encounters there. It is refreshing that while it’s not all sunshine and perfection, it is rather positive.

      The illustrations are a delight! I loved the hearts on the end papers – simple but lovely too.

    5. Book Wagon (UK)

      The subject matter and tone are deeply respectful of younger readers, their needs, concerns and experiences.

    6. Bookwagon (UK)

      This is tender, empathic, empowering and thoughtful early story telling with deft and considered themes. The subject matter and tone are deeply respectful of younger readers, their needs, concerns and
      experiences

    7. New York Times (US)

      The book’s intended readers may not realize they are reading about anything unusually prized, but they will recognize they’re on to something quite splendid. If only all early chapter books were this beautifully conceived


Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.

Subscribe to our newsletter/s

Hear from us about new books, guest recommendations, behind-the-scenes and competitions.

I'd like to sign up to these monthly newsletters

Follow Gecko Press