Patricia J. Murphy

Joanne smiles. Her eyes are bright. She sings and dances around. She is happy.

Happiness makes people feel peaceful and well. Feeling happy adds to people’s lives.

What makes you happy?

No one feels happy all of the time. Sometimes people feel sad, lonely, or afraid. Sometimes people worry.

Sometimes people feel stress. How does stress make you feel?

Excerpt from STAYING HAPPY, Copyright © 2006,
Lerner Publications Company, a division of Lerner Publishing Group.

I interviewed a whole bunch of HAPPY experts (you’ll see their names listed on the dedication and copyright page), read lots of HAPPY research, and surrounded myself with HAPPY people (which I always try to do) to learn as much as I could about the science of being—and staying that way.

The result is a book that weaves happy and not-so-happy experiences, facts, questions, and tips to use—to try to stay happy.

"This straightforward, easy-to-read book discusses what makes us happy as well as the forces that can hinder happiness, such as stress or anxiety. Murphy offers techniques to turn those situations around, including talking to a trusted adult. The photos of happy kids are sometimes obviously posed. Tips on relaxation and on sharing feelings are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind."

--Horn Book, 2006