- Leslie Tetreault
- Sunday, March 28, 2021
In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, meet Dani, a young girl who has faced sadness but still looks for happiness in her life.
My Happy Life Series
by Rose Lagercrantz | illustrated by Eva Eriksson
translated by Julia Marshall
This charming, sparsely written, beautifully illustrated series introduces beginning chapter book readers to first-grader Dani who reaches second grade by the sixth book. Expertly translated from the Swedish by Julia Marshall.
Lagercrantz presents a little girl who faces grief and loss, but bravely and optimistically moves through life with courage and hope.
Dani’s mother died when she was young, and she misses her. Her father and extended family, specifically her maternal grandmother, take care of her with love and compassion. But they have challenges like everyone else. Her father ends up in the hospital due to a bicycle accident, recovers, and falls in love with a nurse from the hospital. Dani’s not enthusiastic about the new girlfriend, and neither is her grandmother, a theme that rings true. Her best friend Ella moves away, but not so far that Dani cannot visit. Despite her grandmother not being able to drive her due to a previous commitment with her bridge ladies, she gives second grader Dani permission take the short train ride alone. Things go awry, and Ella is not there to meet her, but simple explanations and new plans are made. Through her lovely teacher, her other friends, and her family’s love, Dani faces life with optimism and hope, even if things don’t always pan out exactly the way she had planned.
Honesty and life’s everyday challenges abound in this series about a little girl who’s easy to love and who children and parents will admire.
Book One: My Happy Life
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available as an ebook through Hoopla
Book Two: My Heart is Laughing
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available as an ebook through Hoopla
Book Three: When I Am Happiest
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available as an ebook through Hoopla
Book Four: Life According to Dani
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available as an ebook through Hoopla
Book Five: See You When I See You
available as an ebook through Hoopla
Book Six: Where Dani Goes, Happy Follows
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Book Seven: All's Happy That Ends Happy
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Want more great stories starring brave and brilliant young girls? Check out our list below.
Request or download some of these great titles today. All you need is your Richland Library card (apply here), a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access or you can request a physical copy online or by phone (803-799-9084).