Its emotionally resonant story is universal
My Heart is Laughing
The standalone sequel to the acclaimed illustrated chapter book, My Happy Life (a New York Times Notable Children’s Book).
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
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Description
My Heart is Laughing is a standalone sequel to the acclaimed illustrated chapter book My Happy Life (a New York Times Notable Children’s Book). Rose Lagercrantz explores themes of school, bullying and friendship
Dani’s been trying her best to stay happy ever since her best friend Ella moved away. But when some girls in Dani’s class start being cruel to her, it starts a chain of rather unhappy events… It would all be okay if only Ella would move back.
This is an early chapter book with line drawings by Eva Eriksson on every page. It is the second book in the My Happy Life series but can be read on its own.
The second book in the My Happy Life series
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Book Details
Country of Origin Sweden Reader Age 6-8 year Book Size ISBN
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Reviews
Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.
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Kiss the Book Jnr –
This book has all the charm of a great story and extremely relatable to a kid.
Through The Looking Glass Book Reviews (US) –
This wonderful book takes us into the life of a little girl who is struggling. She is trying very hard to hold onto the one thing that makes her feel happy; the memories of a precious friendship. Though Dani is lonely, she ends up learning that she is not alone. She has allies who believe in her and who love her.
Reviewer’s Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review (USA), November 2014 –
A story of rare depth that acknowledges the complexities of elementary school life. It sweeps across a thorny spectrum of emotions – anger, sadness, loneliness, jealousy, disappointment, despair, hope and contentment … Beautiful and relevant.
Page and Blackmore Booksellers (NZ), November 2014 –
A delightful story about being sad and happy, best friends and hopefulness.
Poetry Box (NZ), November 2014 –
The sentences are diamonds and pearls and emeralds on the page … shining and lovely. An altogether gorgeous, moving story.
Starred Review, Booklist (US), October 2014 –
Its emotionally resonant story is universal … Keep this volume in mind as an accessible chapter book for younger children and a riveting readaloud choice for the classroom.
Starred Review, The Horn Book Magazine (US), November/December 2014 –
Lagercrantz’s text is funny, real, and full of fresh, convincing detail. Eriksson’s line drawings brilliantly portray facial expressions and body language … Salty and sweet, this is umami for the emerging reader.
BookDragon Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (US), September 2014 –
Oh, what delight … long-time Swedish collaborators Rose Lagercrantz (who writes with such open clarity) and Eva Eriksson (who draws with such vibrant whimsy) bring another Dani-adventure to the page … [a] story of transforming a difficult situation with optimism and laughter.
Fully Booked (Australia), September 2014 –
Eriksson’s black-and-white sketches complement Lagercrantz’s simple, yet engaging writing, effortlessly pulling you into Dani’s world.
Emily Smith (age 11), Gisborne Herald (NZ), July 2014 –
If you like funny books, and books that are a little bit sad, this book is for you … Go and buy this book, what are you doing just sitting around, it’s the holidays, go and read this book!
Waikato Times (NZ), July 2014 –
Simply told in easy language and short sentences, with Eva Erikson’s illustrations enhancing the friendship between Dani and Ella and showing the seriousness of the bullying. Writer and illustrator in perfect harmony.
Create a Kids Book (AUS), August 2014 –
A delightful book for both beginning readers, and those, like me, who are a little further on in their literary journey.
Reading Today Online (US), July 2014 –
Readers’ hearts may swell with joy at Dani’s positive outlook … This short chapter book with its lovely sketches of Dani’s world is perfect for sharing through a read aloud.
Kiwi Families (NZ), July 2014 –
Full of nuance and subtlety and there’s plenty to talk about with your child. This book is perfect as a first `chapter’ book for early readers and was a lovely reading book for my daughter.
Kirkus Reviews (US), July 2014 –
A forthright early chapter book about resilience. This deeply respectful book validates and celebrates the daily challenges of being a child in today’s world.
Starred Review, School Library Journal (US), July 2014 –
Eriksson’s plentiful black-and-white line drawings expressively show joy and distress and perfectly complement the story. Lagercrantz has the ability to develop her characters fully, while keeping the story approachable for young readers just wanting to tackle chapter books.
Little Ones Read (US), July 2014 –
A beautifully illustrated children’s book … Dani was a really sweet character and convincing in her actions … The illustrations were absolutely beautiful and captured the text perfectly.
Your Weekend, The Dominion Post (NZ), July 2014 –
An impressive early chapter book, with plenty of depth … Simply told in easy language and short sentences … Writer and illustrator in perfect harmony.
Bookrapt (NZ), June 2014 –
This sensitive tale gives a perceptive insight into a child’s thoughts and experiences … The characters’ expressions and body language convey the classmates’ moods to perfection … Early readers will enjoy this quality chapter book.
Booksellers NZ, June 2014 –
Delightful humour and a wonderful sense of adventure surrounds Dani and Ella’s relationship … particularly good for a small group/classroom reading and discussion situation … a good read for any child struggling with life issues and would also suit a situation where a concerned parent needs a discussion opener.
Around the Bookshops, May 2014 –
Dani loses none of her charm and exuberance in this new title … a wonderfully easily accessed story with really charming illustrations.
The Children’s Bookshop Newsletter, May 2014 –
Handles issues of bullying, friendship and optimism with real understanding of children’s emotions. [It] will captivate readers aged 5 plus.
Book Trailers for Kids and YA (NZ), May 2014 –
This is a delightful follow-up to My Happy Life but also a great stand alone. I think this is ideal for 5 -7 year old readers looking for a first chapter book.
The Source (Australia/NZ), April 2014 –
My Heart is Laughing is a perfect chapter book, the ideal bridge between picture books and novels. It is also a very funny story, with a strong appeal for young readers.
Page and Blackmore Booksellers, April 2014 –
Another adorable book from the author and illustrator of My Happy Life. These books are just the best … perfect as a read-aloud for 4-up and a read-alone for 6-8yrs.