Dunne

A 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 Frida by the swings. After that, Dani and Ella Frida 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. Praise for My Happy Life "Working beautifully with the text and usually given more space on the page, these sensitive ink drawings feature clean lines that express emotions through every character's stance, gesture, and expression. A quietly compelling book for young readers."-Booklist, Starred "Sweet and salty – umami for the emerging reader."-The Horn Book 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 "This simply written chapter book tenderly portrays the happiness of a child whose life is in balance, as well as the colossal, unremitting, inconsolable sorrow of one who is suffering loss. . . . The clarity and simplicity of the writing are balanced by the verve and finesse of Eriksson's captivating illustrations. . . . A quietly compelling book for young readers."-starred, Booklist "The illustrations complement the narrative well, and will enable younger readers to feel a sense of accomplishment for tackling a lengthy chapter book....The difficult subjects are handled gracefully, allowing children to realize that happiness comes and goes, and that everyone has hardships to face." -School Library Journal "To understand the true meaning and value of resilience, look no further than the 20 brief chapters of this early reader...beautifully translated into spare, lyrical prose....As Eriksson's emotionally astute and often endearingly funny pencil drawings show, Dani does indeed have much to be happy about." --Publishers Weekly, starred review "For young middle grade readers, a new chapter book, 'My Happy Life,' takes up the subject of resilience in such a natural and powerful way, children won't remotely feel like they're reading a manual....If only all early chapter books were this beautifully conceived."-The New York Times Book Review "A sweet read for both children and their parents, who may be grateful at the reminder of emotional complexity lurking behind their children's smiles." --Kirkus Reviews

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. From the author of the critically acclaimed My Happy Life. "Salty and sweet, this is umami for the emerging reader." -starred, The Horn Book Magazine "Keep this volume in mind as an accessible chapter book for younger children and a riveting readaloud choice for the classroom." -starred, Booklist "Eriksson's plentiful black-and-white line drawings expressively show joy and distress and perfectly complement the story.... Genuine feelings such as humor, honesty, and heartbreak will leave readers yearning for Dani to return once again." -starred, School Library Journal "This deeply respectful book validates and celebrates the daily challenges of being a child in today's world." -Kirkus Reviews

A standalone follow-up to the acclaimed and beloved chapter books My Happy Life and My Heart is Laughing. Dani is very happy-it's the last day of school, and summer is about to start. But then there's a knock on the classroom door, and Dani is told her father has been in an accident. He's in the hospital! How can she possibly be happy now? A warm and heartfelt story about Dani's love for her dad and her ongoing friendship with Ella. It's a story about sorrow and joy-and how life really is. "The genius of these books lies in the simple but original kid details that keep the focus firmly on the young characters. . . . An affecting early chapter book with a hopeful-if not yet altogether happy-ending."-The Horn Book Magazine "The honest portrayal of powerful childhood emotions is the cornerstone of {Lagercrantz's} writing, and it makes this story wholly engaging and ultimately cathartic. . . . A memorable addition to the Dani series."-Booklist "Eriksson's delightful black-and-white drawings help to soften the severity of the subject matter, as their sweetness comes through the characters' expressions. Though this title is more serious than the first two installments, those who are fans of Dani will applaud her resiliency and attitude."-School Library Journal