SPONSOR ‘A Search for Happiness’ children’s book to support children’s literacy and wellbeing

For more information, click to watch our video below (please note this takes you to an external website, Youtube)

Zob is a grumpy alien on a visit to earth.

Can you help his new friends Jen and James show Zob how to find happiness by following the clues?

This colourful, rhyming activity book is ideal for introducing ideas and conversations about happiness and wellbeing – including beautiful artwork by Rosie Johnson (@rosiejohnsonillustrates), it’s perfect as a gift for 4-8 year olds.

The fun, interactive style encourages children to share their ideas, thoughts and feelings to start conversations about what matters whilst supporting emotional and social learning.

Why read a story based on happiness and wellbeing ideas?

Because studies link happiness or wellbeing with improved:

* relationships * health * creativity * productivity * optimism * success * problem solving *

What will I find inside?

Themes include:

*Spending time in nature * Enjoying fun hobbies * Acting kindly * Sharing time together * Helping others * Keeping fit and practising skills * Resting and sleeping * Feeling thankful *

Why should I read this story picture book?

* Enjoy an interactive story * Share positive ideas * Start important conversations * Empower with knowledge * Talk about feelings * Nurture connection * Promote emotional literacy * Talk about feelings * Support lifelong benefits of literacy *

With opportunities to recall positive moments and make some new happy memories along the way, will we discover happiness is closer than we think?

Reviews:

Thank you to Barbara Phipps of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine for her fantastic book review. The Society was founded by two GPS and a surgeon in 2016 and set up to promote the role of lifestyle medicine in improving people’s health and wellbeing. Members of BSLM come from a wide range of health backgrounds and include clinicians, health professionals, educators and researchers.

Book Review by Barbara Phipps 21st Dec, 2020

Barbara writes, “This is a beautifully illustrated book for 4-8 year olds written by Coral Bowley. Coral explains the thinking behind the book best herself:

“The aim of the story is to engage and remind kids about what’s important to happiness and wellbeing and to help parents start conversations about happy, healthy habits, so that these ideas can be discussed and reflected on in the important, formative early years.
The concept hinges around the idea that habits made in childhood can last a lifetime and providing knowledge around healthy habits at a young age may provide some benefit and perhaps even support some of the wonderful positive outcomes around longevity, health, friendships and success evidenced in wellbeing studies.
I chose a picture story book format to include opportunities for parent / child engagement, to empower parents with information during the shared activity (reading) which in turn supports children’s wellbeing (literacy).”

The book features 2 kids James and Jen and an alien called Zob (I mean really what’s not to like!?) who are searching for happiness. They find it when they engage in healthy positive experiences such as playing in nature, helping each other, being active, being kind and sharing with family and friends. This book not only has a beautiful message presented in a fun way which actively involves the young reader in the search, but it also has an abundance of colourful illustrations which will engage both children and parents.

A great gift for young kids and parents alike.”

Praise for this book:

Dr Daisy Robinson is a GP at College Surgery Partnership, Devon and her interests include clinical education and young people’s health and wellbeing.

Daisy says, ” ‘The most powerful change lies in the art of the conversation’. This clever new illustrated story and activity book has the power to bring parents, carers and children together through inspiring conversations that matter – Where does happiness come from? What’s important for a happy & healthy life? Research into these questions and the field of Positive Psychology is now embedded in many of the public health and workplace initiatives to support our wellbeing but it is rare to find it told from the perspective of our youngest children. In a world of digital, competitive busyness, we often lament that there is no longer time to play and little incentive to read when we know these are crucial to healthy development and emotional wellbeing. Through simple stories and practices that can easily be made part of family life, children and adults alike can learn together how everyone can build lifelong wellbeing, happiness and positivity.”

Reviews from parents

“I love the idea of taking photos of having fun with friends so you can look at them and feel happy again. I also like the Zob sits quietly at the end of the day and considers what he is grateful for.” Anna, mum to Indigo

“Nothing to improve, we really enjoyed sitting down for a cuddle and reading the book. Jessica enjoyed the ryhming and the finding. She liked that you had to find James, Jen and Zob on each page and could anticipate it.” Paula, mum to Jessica (6)