You Make Me Happy

by An Swerts, Jenny Bakker (Illustrator)

Overview

“Readers with romantic butterflies of their own may be emboldened by the girl’s decision to announce her affection to the boy—with a message that reiterates the book’s title.” - Publishers Weekly

“The message is a universal one with broad appeal… The gorgeous artwork and tender storyline provide a good backdrop to talk to children about the angst of young love.” – SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Sofia likes a boy in her class very much. She feels anxious and happy at the same time. She tells Grandma, because Grandma always knows what to do. “You should tell him you like him,” Grandma says. But what should she say? And where? And when? Grandma and Grandpa are happy to share their story with Sofia. And that gives her an idea….

A sweet and tender picture book with beautiful illustrations about loving someone and learning to tell them! For children ages 5 years and up.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781605372044
Publisher:	Clavis
Publication date:	06/09/2015
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.90(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	5 - 11 Years

About the Author

An Swerts grew up in Geel, Belgium. She studied pharmacy and taught sciences at a college, but later realized her true calling was writing and went back to school to receive a degree in journalism. Today An spends most of her time writing. Picture books are her biggest passion.

Jenny Bakker graduated with a major in illustrative design from the Fine Arts Academy. Having worked as a freelance graphic designer for many years, she decided to focus all her energy on her one true passion: illustrating children's books.

Editorial Reviews

06/29/2015
Bakker creates dreamy, windswept backdrops for this story of a girl who confides in her grandmother about her first crush. Sofia explains that she likes the boy because he tells stories about pirates and dragons (Bakker shows the boy squaring off against a giant green dragon), defends her from teasing classmates, and makes funny faces in class. The elderly woman, in turn, tells Sofia about the boy she loved as a child—the girl’s grandfather. Readers with romantic butterflies of their own may be emboldened by the girl’s decision to announce her affection to the boy—with a message that reiterates the book’s title. Ages 5–up. (June)

Publishers Weekly

"Many young children need help, reassurance and a bit of guidance so they aren't fearful and apprehensive. "You Make Me Happy" is a tender story about how to learn to open up and tell friends the truth. Jenny Bakker's gently flowing illustrations are lovely, too." — KIDS' HOME LIBRARY (nationally syndicated column by Lee Littlewood)

"Bakker creates dreamy, windswept backdrops for this story of a girl who confides in her grandmother about her first crush….Readers with romantic butterflies of their own may be emboldened by the girl’s decision to announce her affection to the boy—with a message that reiterates the book’s title." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“The message is a universal one with broad appeal….The gorgeous artwork and tender storyline provide a good backdrop…to talk to children about the angst of young love.” – SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

From the Publisher

11/01/2015
Gr 1–3—A love story for the young at heart. Sofia is dreamily infatuated with a boy from her class and turns to her grandmother for advice. She worries that she loves him too much and feels like she can't breathe. Grandma urges Sofia to let the boy know how she feels. After all, according to Grandma, she won't feel so anxious about it anymore, and Grandma knows from experience that this advice works well. She personally followed it many years ago when she met Grandpa. Illustrations capture the spirit of the book. In one scene, Sofia is gently gliding through the air while hanging on to a large brown feather. In another, the object of her affection, a blond-haired boy, is holding on to the wing of bright green dragon and hoisting his sword. The story ends with Sofia giving her heart's desire a balloon that says, "You make me happy." The message is a universal one with broad appeal. VERDICT The gorgeous artwork and tender story line provide a good backdrop for parents or caregivers to talk to children about the angst of young love or at least an infatuation.—Robin Sofge, Alexandria Library, VA

School Library Journal