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Ripple's Effect by Shawn Achor
It takes big actions to make big changes. Or does it? In Ripple’s Effect, residents of an aquarium learn that sometimes a smile is all it takes to make a world of difference. Awash with charming illustrations, this delightful tale will show children that happiness is a choice they get to make for themselves.
Hardcover
First published October 12, 2012
11 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Amy Blankson
8 books25 followersAmy Blankson is the only person to be named a Point of Light by two Presidents (President Bush and President Clinton). She received a Presidential appointment to serve a five-year term on the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National Service, and was one of the youngest delegates to the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future. Amy received her BA from Harvard and MBA from Yale School of Management. In 2007, Amy co-founded GoodThink to bring the science of happiness to life for organizations and individuals. Amy brings both passion and practicality to GoodThink. She is currently doing research in partnership with Google to determine how to make positive psychology strategies stick and create sustainable positive change. She serves as a Visioneer for the Xprize Foundation for Personal Health, and was a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course. Amy is the author of two books: Ripple’s Effect and The Future of Happiness: 5 Modern Strategies to Balance Productivity and Well-being in the Digital Era (Spring, 2017).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 15, 2019
3.5
Ripple's Effect (or How To Make a Shark Smile as listed on Edelweiss) is a fun read for kids. I think the appropriate age group is 2-5 as this story deals with trying to change a negative mindset into a positive one. The illustrations were great and the message behind the story is an important one.
I think the "happiness exercises" at the end are the best part. A good reminder to kids and adults alike, that we cannot control what happens, but we can choose to control how we react and what our mindset is.
Thanks to Edelweiss, Little Pickle Press and Shawn Achor for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
Review Date: 10/15/19
Publication Date: 02/04/20
Ripple's Effect (or How To Make a Shark Smile as listed on Edelweiss) is a fun read for kids. I think the appropriate age group is 2-5 as this story deals with trying to change a negative mindset into a positive one. The illustrations were great and the message behind the story is an important one.
I think the "happiness exercises" at the end are the best part. A good reminder to kids and adults alike, that we cannot control what happens, but we can choose to control how we react and what our mindset is.
Thanks to Edelweiss, Little Pickle Press and Shawn Achor for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
Review Date: 10/15/19
Publication Date: 02/04/20
October 14, 2019
My feelings about this book are a bit conflicted. On the one hand, it has adorable illustrations and an overall good message about gratitude and being positive. On the other hand, the way the book glosses over bullying and encourages children to put themselves in dangerous situations while simultaneously ignoring actual mental illness makes this a potentially problematic read.
As someone who has dealt with mental illness (and depression in particular), the idea that we can choose to be happy has always felt like a bit of a slap in the face. What happens when a child is told over and over that they could be happy if they just tried a little harder? Their self-esteem takes a hit, that's what. They start to wonder if there's something wrong with them because they seem to be doing all the right things, but they're still under a cloud. This book perpetuates that mindset, and takes it even further by conflating fear with sadness.
The other fish in the tank seem to have a very good reason to be wary and frightened of Snark the shark. He is a shark, after all, and sharks eat fish. When Ripple the dolphin comes along and basically just tells them to get over themselves, I kind of wanted to slap her. The blowfish does point out that Ripple doesn't need to be as afraid because she's bigger and therefore not as vulnerable. But, as good as this observation is, it's not really used. Ripple continues to urge the others to get over their fear, basically telling them to ignore their own instincts. I'm not sure this is the best message... especially when it comes to bullying.
Because Snark could be seen as a bully, the way the blowfish is forced to face him is a bit cringe-worthy. If a child walks up to their own bully and tries the stunt shown in the book, they're liable to get punched in the face. Children need to learn how to discern safe situations from unsafe ones... and books like this--which basically imply that all situations are safe--don't really help.
Like I said, though, the illustrations are really cute. I love the facial expressions on the characters. And the aquarium's world is rendered in colourful detail. There's not much to dislike about the pictures in this book.
But the message is muddled and has the potential to cause more problems than it solves. By all means, search for the good in each day and keep track of the things you're grateful for. But don't expect doing that to be a magical cure for depression, or for it to resolve issues with bullies. Sometimes, kids are right to be afraid; we should let them listen to their gut rather than try to override their instincts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Pickle Press for providing a digital ARC.
As someone who has dealt with mental illness (and depression in particular), the idea that we can choose to be happy has always felt like a bit of a slap in the face. What happens when a child is told over and over that they could be happy if they just tried a little harder? Their self-esteem takes a hit, that's what. They start to wonder if there's something wrong with them because they seem to be doing all the right things, but they're still under a cloud. This book perpetuates that mindset, and takes it even further by conflating fear with sadness.
The other fish in the tank seem to have a very good reason to be wary and frightened of Snark the shark. He is a shark, after all, and sharks eat fish. When Ripple the dolphin comes along and basically just tells them to get over themselves, I kind of wanted to slap her. The blowfish does point out that Ripple doesn't need to be as afraid because she's bigger and therefore not as vulnerable. But, as good as this observation is, it's not really used. Ripple continues to urge the others to get over their fear, basically telling them to ignore their own instincts. I'm not sure this is the best message... especially when it comes to bullying.
Because Snark could be seen as a bully, the way the blowfish is forced to face him is a bit cringe-worthy. If a child walks up to their own bully and tries the stunt shown in the book, they're liable to get punched in the face. Children need to learn how to discern safe situations from unsafe ones... and books like this--which basically imply that all situations are safe--don't really help.
Like I said, though, the illustrations are really cute. I love the facial expressions on the characters. And the aquarium's world is rendered in colourful detail. There's not much to dislike about the pictures in this book.
But the message is muddled and has the potential to cause more problems than it solves. By all means, search for the good in each day and keep track of the things you're grateful for. But don't expect doing that to be a magical cure for depression, or for it to resolve issues with bullies. Sometimes, kids are right to be afraid; we should let them listen to their gut rather than try to override their instincts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Pickle Press for providing a digital ARC.
October 17, 2019
Positive mindset and adorable illustrations!
How to Make a Shark Smile is about Ripple, the new dolphin in the aquarium. Ripple is eager to make new friends, but the other inhabitants of the aquarium are hesitant. It turns out that Snark, the shark, has scared everybody to the point that they don't want to play. Ripple's contagious smile and positive mindset begin to change the aquarium for the better. Soon Snark shows up with the intention of ending the fun. Bob the blowfish challenges Snark to a smile challenge. Snark learns that sharks CAN smile and have fun after all.
I love the empowering feel of this book. Although Snark was a total "shark" at the beginning, he learned how to embrace happiness. Alternately, Ripple maintained her positive mindset and persevered to change the mindset of the rest of the tank while empowering others, such as Bob, to participate in the change.
The end of the book includes a section about "making a shark smile" and developing a happy mindset. This section includes tips on how to be mindful of how you're feeling and steps to take to move toward happiness. These simple exercises could be used in either or home or a school setting in order to help children gain control of their own happiness.
This book would be a great addition to school or classroom libraries as well as home libraries. Teachers, librarians, and parents could use this book to spark conversation about the power of perseverance and positivity. The talking points included at the end of the book are a great starting point for these conversations.
I received a free copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley
How to Make a Shark Smile is about Ripple, the new dolphin in the aquarium. Ripple is eager to make new friends, but the other inhabitants of the aquarium are hesitant. It turns out that Snark, the shark, has scared everybody to the point that they don't want to play. Ripple's contagious smile and positive mindset begin to change the aquarium for the better. Soon Snark shows up with the intention of ending the fun. Bob the blowfish challenges Snark to a smile challenge. Snark learns that sharks CAN smile and have fun after all.
I love the empowering feel of this book. Although Snark was a total "shark" at the beginning, he learned how to embrace happiness. Alternately, Ripple maintained her positive mindset and persevered to change the mindset of the rest of the tank while empowering others, such as Bob, to participate in the change.
The end of the book includes a section about "making a shark smile" and developing a happy mindset. This section includes tips on how to be mindful of how you're feeling and steps to take to move toward happiness. These simple exercises could be used in either or home or a school setting in order to help children gain control of their own happiness.
This book would be a great addition to school or classroom libraries as well as home libraries. Teachers, librarians, and parents could use this book to spark conversation about the power of perseverance and positivity. The talking points included at the end of the book are a great starting point for these conversations.
I received a free copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley
October 12, 2019
My Child's Thoughts:
My daughter loved all the water animals. We met neon fish, sea horses, a dolphin, puffer fish, and a shark. She loved their facial expressions in the book and giggled so many times.
My Thoughts:
I loved the idea of making a grumpy person smile. The illustrations were really great, I mean REALLY great. The way the animals smile is just too much! The puffer fish had my daughter and I both laughing out loud. We will absolutely be doing this smile test in our house for a while.
What's this Book About Anyway?
A dolphin is placed into a new aquarium and is so excited to meet new friends. As she swim around though, she finds no happiness. Every animal is missing its special thing, neon fish don't glow, electric eels aren't electric, etc. She meets the puffer fish who explains to her that Shark is scary and not a friend.
Dolphin decides to show everyone how to play a smile game that no one can resist; she says even Shark won't be able to. But will he?
This ARC was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.
My daughter loved all the water animals. We met neon fish, sea horses, a dolphin, puffer fish, and a shark. She loved their facial expressions in the book and giggled so many times.
My Thoughts:
I loved the idea of making a grumpy person smile. The illustrations were really great, I mean REALLY great. The way the animals smile is just too much! The puffer fish had my daughter and I both laughing out loud. We will absolutely be doing this smile test in our house for a while.
What's this Book About Anyway?
A dolphin is placed into a new aquarium and is so excited to meet new friends. As she swim around though, she finds no happiness. Every animal is missing its special thing, neon fish don't glow, electric eels aren't electric, etc. She meets the puffer fish who explains to her that Shark is scary and not a friend.
Dolphin decides to show everyone how to play a smile game that no one can resist; she says even Shark won't be able to. But will he?
This ARC was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.
April 18, 2020
This fun picture book helps young readers develop a positive mindset and choose not to live in fear and unhappiness. Perfect for these stressful days of social isolation, this is the story of Ripple, a dolphin who moves to a new aquarium. All the other fish in the place are miserable and frightened of Snark, a nasty shark. Ripple teaches all the fish, including Snark, how to develop a positive mindset. Soon all the fish are smiling and laughing. The book includes tips on developing a positive mindset, which appears to be very helpful for such a time as this!
July 17, 2020
Cute cartoonish illustrations will be engaging and well-received, but the story is weak. Could be an additional purchase for use in a SEL lesson (especially the exercises to try at the end), but would not be a choice for most collections. Will not be purchasing at this time.
February 9, 2021
Oh, what a wonderful message of how having a positive mindset can ripple out to others! Fantastic illustrations, too. A+
February 19, 2020
The book communications the theme that happiness is a choice and that positivity can impact everyone, including a "mean" shark.
The illustrations have vivid, bold color. The featured sea creatures show clear expressions of the emotions in the story.
The resources in the end notes also provide multiple ideas for how the book could be used to help readers have a positive mindset. Activities like "track your gratitudes" and "keep a journal" are highlighted, among others. This book would be great for use in a character education lesson or in the guidance classroom.
The only critique would be in the plot development itself- the story feel a little flat in that the topic of a "happiness mindset" drove the story. It would be nice to have seen a little more depth in how the characters' personalities were revealed/developed. This theme might be better absorbed if more inferencing was utilized.
The illustrations have vivid, bold color. The featured sea creatures show clear expressions of the emotions in the story.
The resources in the end notes also provide multiple ideas for how the book could be used to help readers have a positive mindset. Activities like "track your gratitudes" and "keep a journal" are highlighted, among others. This book would be great for use in a character education lesson or in the guidance classroom.
The only critique would be in the plot development itself- the story feel a little flat in that the topic of a "happiness mindset" drove the story. It would be nice to have seen a little more depth in how the characters' personalities were revealed/developed. This theme might be better absorbed if more inferencing was utilized.
December 2, 2019
How to Make a Shark Smile
How a positive mindset spreads happiness
by Shawn Achor; Amy Blankson
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky
Little Pickle Press
Children's Fiction
Pub Date :Feb 1, 2020
Reading level 4-8 years
40 pages
Description: A story about choosing happiness and the ripple effect of a positive mindset.Ripple the dolphin just moved to a new aquarium and is excited to make some friends! But as she swims around, she notices the water is still and quiet. The eels have no zing. The neon fishes don't glow. The seahorses aren't horsing around. Everyone's too afraid of a mean shark named Snark!Ripple is determined to show her new friends that they shouldn't be afraid―it's all about mindset. They can choose to be happy!But just as the aquarium begins to liven up, Snark the shark shows up ready to prove Ripple wrong. Can Ripple get Snark to smile too?
⭐🐟🐡MY REVIEW🐠🦈⭐
The illustrations were beautiful and very colorful and totally amazing. And I do mean AMAZING !!!!!!My youngest two granddaughter's age 1 and 2 and my daughter who is 4 loved the colors and the fish. They laughed throughout the book especially at the faces the fish made. The puffer fish was their favorite. It was short enough yet long enough to hold their attention, It's 40 pages.
I loved the story and the positive attitude it sets. I would say this would be a great book for teachers to have in their classrooms. The only bad thing about the book is the price. It will sell for $17.99 for hard cover which is way to expensive for most family's.
Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.
#Howtomakeasharksmile #netgalley
#ShawnAchorAmyBlankson
♥️About the Author♥️
Shawn Achor spent over a decade at Harvard University studying the principles of happiness before penning the international bestseller, The Happiness Advantage. He is also the founder of Good Think. To teach his happiness principles to younger readers, he collaborated with his sister, Amy Blankson, to write Ripple's Effect.
Amy Blankson is a positive leadership consultant and among her many achievements, has been named a Point of Light by Presidents Bush and Clinton. As a mother of three, she hopes Ripple's Effect will inspire young people to make a positive difference in their world.
How a positive mindset spreads happiness
by Shawn Achor; Amy Blankson
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky
Little Pickle Press
Children's Fiction
Pub Date :Feb 1, 2020
Reading level 4-8 years
40 pages
Description: A story about choosing happiness and the ripple effect of a positive mindset.Ripple the dolphin just moved to a new aquarium and is excited to make some friends! But as she swims around, she notices the water is still and quiet. The eels have no zing. The neon fishes don't glow. The seahorses aren't horsing around. Everyone's too afraid of a mean shark named Snark!Ripple is determined to show her new friends that they shouldn't be afraid―it's all about mindset. They can choose to be happy!But just as the aquarium begins to liven up, Snark the shark shows up ready to prove Ripple wrong. Can Ripple get Snark to smile too?
⭐🐟🐡MY REVIEW🐠🦈⭐
The illustrations were beautiful and very colorful and totally amazing. And I do mean AMAZING !!!!!!My youngest two granddaughter's age 1 and 2 and my daughter who is 4 loved the colors and the fish. They laughed throughout the book especially at the faces the fish made. The puffer fish was their favorite. It was short enough yet long enough to hold their attention, It's 40 pages.
I loved the story and the positive attitude it sets. I would say this would be a great book for teachers to have in their classrooms. The only bad thing about the book is the price. It will sell for $17.99 for hard cover which is way to expensive for most family's.
Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.
#Howtomakeasharksmile #netgalley
#ShawnAchorAmyBlankson
♥️About the Author♥️
Shawn Achor spent over a decade at Harvard University studying the principles of happiness before penning the international bestseller, The Happiness Advantage. He is also the founder of Good Think. To teach his happiness principles to younger readers, he collaborated with his sister, Amy Blankson, to write Ripple's Effect.
Amy Blankson is a positive leadership consultant and among her many achievements, has been named a Point of Light by Presidents Bush and Clinton. As a mother of three, she hopes Ripple's Effect will inspire young people to make a positive difference in their world.
November 14, 2019
A wonderful story on the effect of a positive attitude and mindset on others. The best part is, anyone can learn to do this, if it doesn't come naturally. Just try it and see the positive "ripple" effect it has on those around you! Teaches children about a positive mindset and the importance of it.
#Edelweiss #netgalley
#Edelweiss #netgalley
February 25, 2020
This is one of those books with a very intended moral. It is not preachy. Our story focuses on choosing to be happy and sharing that with those around you.
Ripple is a dolphin who has just moved to a new aquarium and is excited to make some friends! But as she swims around, she notices the place is not so friendly. The eels have no zing, neon fishes don't glow, and seahorses aren't horsing around. Everyone's too afraid of the mean shark named Snark!
Ripple is determined to show her new friends that they shouldn't be afraid--it's all about mindset. The story glosses over the fact that sharks are predators.
Snark gets wind of Ripple’s plan and Snark the decides to prove Ripple wrong.
The message is smile and the whole world smiles with you. Of course that’s not always true, but it’s certainly worth doing.
I’ll read this with my k-4th graders. Then I’ll challenge them to practice kindness
Ripple is a dolphin who has just moved to a new aquarium and is excited to make some friends! But as she swims around, she notices the place is not so friendly. The eels have no zing, neon fishes don't glow, and seahorses aren't horsing around. Everyone's too afraid of the mean shark named Snark!
Ripple is determined to show her new friends that they shouldn't be afraid--it's all about mindset. The story glosses over the fact that sharks are predators.
Snark gets wind of Ripple’s plan and Snark the decides to prove Ripple wrong.
The message is smile and the whole world smiles with you. Of course that’s not always true, but it’s certainly worth doing.
I’ll read this with my k-4th graders. Then I’ll challenge them to practice kindness
February 26, 2020
Ripple is a new dolphin who joins a tank full of frightened fish. They don't make noise and they don't have fun. He doesn't understand why until he has his first encounter with the shark who rules the tank through bullying. Ripple learns to stand up for what he needs/wants and manages to show the shark a different way to interact.
Illustrations are colorful and full of background details.
Illustrations are colorful and full of background details.
May 18, 2015
A book about the power of a smile. Okay for the first read, but I'm not sure how many times I would enjoy reading this book to a two year old.
March 8, 2020
Have you ever met someone who is mean, grumpy, and always seems angry? It Is Ripple's first day In a new aquarium and she can't wait to make friends, but when she looks around everyone looked so unhappy. Ripple finds out that everyone is afraid of the shark that lives in the tank. Ripple does not like to see everyone so down and out so she challenges the Bob, a blowfish, to test. All Bob has to do is stare at Ripple for seven seconds without smiling, easy right? At first Bob was sure he was going to win, until Ripple flashed him a big smile and Bob cracked up laughing. Bob turned around and did this to all the other creatures and everyone was having a great time, that is until Snark the Shark showed up. Ripple makes a deal with him. If Bob can make him smile then they can continue to have fun, but if they can't, they will stop playing. The deal was on and Bob went to work. He had Snark stare at him. Can Bob win the day and make Snark smile? Will all of the aquarium animals be able to go about their day happy and having fun or will they be forced to live miserable for the rest of their days? Read this incredible book to find out!
I love absolutely everything about this book! Ripple has a happy mindset and she won't let anyone bring her down. This is a goal that we all need to have, kids and adults. I love the section at the end of the book where the author gives you several happiness exercises to fit into your everyday life. And besides the amazing message this book gives, the illustrations are precious. You can't help but be happy when you look that these pictures. Do not miss this book!
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I love absolutely everything about this book! Ripple has a happy mindset and she won't let anyone bring her down. This is a goal that we all need to have, kids and adults. I love the section at the end of the book where the author gives you several happiness exercises to fit into your everyday life. And besides the amazing message this book gives, the illustrations are precious. You can't help but be happy when you look that these pictures. Do not miss this book!
Follow me:
Blog - Blazer Tales - https://blazertales.com/
Facebook - Laurie’s Library Place - https://www.facebook.com/LauriesLibra...
Instagram - laurieslibrary - https://www.instagram.com/laurieslibr...
Twitter - @laurieevans27 https://twitter.com/laurieevans27?lan...
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March 9, 2020
We all have some sharks in our lives. You know, those people who always seem to be cranky and no one wants to be around them. Little do a lot of us realize that if we try to spread happiness with those sharks anyway, we could quite possibly make them turn around and be less cranky. That's the message of this story in a nutshell.
Ripple is a dolphin who has just moved to a new aquarium. She kind of reminds me of Pollyanna in her desire to meet new friends and to share the happiness. She makes a conscious choice to be happy and attempts to teach this to the other creatures in the aquarium through a fun game of smiling. You'll actually find this game familiar, as it is a regular favorite to play with kids to get them to smile. It even works on Snark the Shark.
I love the idea of this story, spreading joy and happiness, even to those who seem to be cranky. Sometimes those cranky people just need to be acknowledged! I can see kids playing this game like crazy with each other after reading this book. The authors also provide other activities that kids can do to be happy and to develop a happiness mindset. These exercises are more for the older kids who may be reading this story, though I think the picture book itself could be read to even younger children.
I adore the illustrations in this book. You actually cannot help but smile as you look at Ripple and the other sea creatures. This book could probably also be used for identifying the different sea creatures if you are studying that in your classroom.
My only real criticism of the book is that the print seems a bit too small in the advance review copy that I read. It's especially noticeable on those pages that only have about a line of print. I know we want to emphasize the happiness in the story via the pictures, but the print is just as important!
Overall, I gave this book four stars. It would be a fun addition to both the classroom and home libraries.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advance review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ripple is a dolphin who has just moved to a new aquarium. She kind of reminds me of Pollyanna in her desire to meet new friends and to share the happiness. She makes a conscious choice to be happy and attempts to teach this to the other creatures in the aquarium through a fun game of smiling. You'll actually find this game familiar, as it is a regular favorite to play with kids to get them to smile. It even works on Snark the Shark.
I love the idea of this story, spreading joy and happiness, even to those who seem to be cranky. Sometimes those cranky people just need to be acknowledged! I can see kids playing this game like crazy with each other after reading this book. The authors also provide other activities that kids can do to be happy and to develop a happiness mindset. These exercises are more for the older kids who may be reading this story, though I think the picture book itself could be read to even younger children.
I adore the illustrations in this book. You actually cannot help but smile as you look at Ripple and the other sea creatures. This book could probably also be used for identifying the different sea creatures if you are studying that in your classroom.
My only real criticism of the book is that the print seems a bit too small in the advance review copy that I read. It's especially noticeable on those pages that only have about a line of print. I know we want to emphasize the happiness in the story via the pictures, but the print is just as important!
Overall, I gave this book four stars. It would be a fun addition to both the classroom and home libraries.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advance review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 15, 2020
What a beautiful picture book with a great lesson in being happy and spreading that feeling to others! Brother-sister authors Shawn Achor and Amy Blankson team up with illustrator Claudia Ranucci to bring a huge aquarium tank filled with grumpy aquatic animals to kids ages 4-10. These unsmiling and unhappy creatures have their frowns turned upside down by a dolphin with a real life plan to laugh in spite of yourself. That plan even works on the mean shark who was the reason for all the negative feelings in the first place. Children will be drawn to the gorgeous, realistic Photoshop illustrations of life under the sea and will also enjoy playing the smile game right along with the book’s characters. The authors include practical activities for creating a positive outlook on life and Sourcebooks has an activity guide for teachers of grades K-3 available online. I loved everything about this book...with the tiny exception of the subtitle “How a Positive Mindset Spreads Happiness.” Really? On a children’s picture book? Leave the main title alone and both kids and adults will get the message without having a forehead crinkling extra comment included on the cover. Possible pairing with Ame Dyckman’s wonderful Misunderstood Shark would lead to great compare-contrast conversations as well as further life lessons. Thanks for the terrific ARC, Sourcebooks. I think I will pass this one along to our school guidance counselor.
January 29, 2021
Read this after a very positive webinar led by Amy Blankson, in January 2021 called "Digital Flourishing: Strategies for Fostering Wellness in an Era of Remote Work. Blankson is the CEO of Fearless Positivity and is a very positive woman so grabbed her book from the HPL.
It’s my mindset. I believe that my behaviour matters. And today, I choose to be happy. Happiness is hard to resist. The Ripple Effect: when you believe that you can make a difference, you can change the world around you.
To help develop a happiness mindset: here are some happiness exercises:
1. Watch your breath – pause and take a few deep breaths. Then your brain will begin to settle and you will feel more in control.
2. Track your Gratitude : each day write down 3 things that you are grateful for. Writing them down teaches your brain to look for the good in life. Try not to repeat entries. Get creative. Challenge your family to join in –
3. Choose to be Kind – Do something kind for someone – try do a random act of kindness – say something nice to someone, help out. Acts of kindness bring joy to others and makes you happiness too.
It’s my mindset. I believe that my behaviour matters. And today, I choose to be happy. Happiness is hard to resist. The Ripple Effect: when you believe that you can make a difference, you can change the world around you.
To help develop a happiness mindset: here are some happiness exercises:
1. Watch your breath – pause and take a few deep breaths. Then your brain will begin to settle and you will feel more in control.
2. Track your Gratitude : each day write down 3 things that you are grateful for. Writing them down teaches your brain to look for the good in life. Try not to repeat entries. Get creative. Challenge your family to join in –
3. Choose to be Kind – Do something kind for someone – try do a random act of kindness – say something nice to someone, help out. Acts of kindness bring joy to others and makes you happiness too.
January 13, 2020
Surprisingly good dolphin take. Real dolphins solve the shark problem by head butts into Sharkey's ribs and making them drown. Some dolphins choose not to, living proof that dolphins are truly smart creatures! Ripple the Dolphin is one such case. When Snark the snarky shark tries to bully Ripple from his pool, Ripple uses her wit and her kindness to sway the big guy into having more fun instead of more fury. In real life, such change overs are harder to accomplish. Doesn't mean you have to stop trying. Thus I honor the dolphin! And head back to my lunch of tuna fish sandwich. (Sorry, Charlie! No offense?)
Four stars
Ripple rocks her effect on YOU!
Four stars
Ripple rocks her effect on YOU!
October 18, 2019
Overall I liked this book. The artwork is stunning for a children's book, very well done and so cute. The message is a good one I feel, coming off without being preachy. My little ones ages 3 and 5 liked the colorful fish, the faces on the fish and the 5 yr old got the message. She said all 'fish' should be friends especially living in the same tank and if Ripple makes people smile that is her special gift to help others.
The only negative I have is the writing style. For a children's book I felt it a little too advanced and should have been simplified and less wordy, more playful.
The only negative I have is the writing style. For a children's book I felt it a little too advanced and should have been simplified and less wordy, more playful.
October 15, 2019
Happiness is a state of mind and a choice you make. That is what Ripple the dolphin teaches Bob the Blowfish when he is stressed and afraid of Snark the shark.
A great message to teach kids. You choose happiness and happiness will choose you. It is contagious and it spreads when you offer it to the people around you.
I think the best part of this message is to not give up on unhappy people.
A great message to teach kids. You choose happiness and happiness will choose you. It is contagious and it spreads when you offer it to the people around you.
I think the best part of this message is to not give up on unhappy people.
January 31, 2021
This book is about Ripple, the dophin who is new to the aquarium. Ripple is shunned by others in the aquarium, especially Snark the shark. Soon enough her trainer reminds her that happiness is a choice! We can choose! Eventually Ripple defeats the negativity in the aquarium and spreads happiness despite the negativity of Snark and his posse. This book teaches an important lesson that happiness is a choice, and that you can spread happiness with just a simple smile.
October 21, 2021
A trite and preachy tale of a happy dolphin who teaches others in the aquarium that happiness is a choice.
Toxic positivity anyone? A book to avoid in the new climate of social-emotional learning. We are actively teaching our children to pay attention to how they feel and to be ok with their feelings. As an adult who grew up with major depressive disorder I cannot fathom how a child who's chemical imbalance doesn't allow them to "choose happy" would feel while reading this book.
Toxic positivity anyone? A book to avoid in the new climate of social-emotional learning. We are actively teaching our children to pay attention to how they feel and to be ok with their feelings. As an adult who grew up with major depressive disorder I cannot fathom how a child who's chemical imbalance doesn't allow them to "choose happy" would feel while reading this book.
March 17, 2025
A book filled with bogus mantras. "Happiness is a state of mind." "Choose happiness." You can't always choose to have a different emotion than the one you feel. This book completely neglects mental illness and acts like you can just think negative thoughts away but choosing to do so. Not to mention small sea creatures are afraid of sharks for good reason! Sometimes negative emotions or feelings are trying to tell us something important.
January 24, 2020
4.5 stars
This is a good starting point to use in the classroom to introduce the idea of growth mindset and identifying our fears and thinking of ways to resolve them.
It can also be used for friendship, bullying or inclusion topics.
I would love to use a hard copy of this book in my classroom.
This is a good starting point to use in the classroom to introduce the idea of growth mindset and identifying our fears and thinking of ways to resolve them.
It can also be used for friendship, bullying or inclusion topics.
I would love to use a hard copy of this book in my classroom.
January 28, 2020
How to Make a Shark Smile was a wonderful kids book! It had a wonderful lesson of a positive mindset and kindness. It made me smile, and I'm sure it will make kids smile too! I loved how vibrant and colorful the pictures were! This book is sure to spread happiness and smiles and motivate kids to spread it too!
July 29, 2022
This felt too didactic like a piece of branding for people that tour the school circuit giving assembly presentations on happiness. Tough to ignore that. The story was a method for introducing an exercise and the Ripple Effect, which I know they capitalized because it's probably a big part of their branding. Honestly, I feel like I was being spoon-fed by cute animal characters.
December 5, 2017
A mean shark bullies all of those in the aquarium until one day, a dolphin learns to turn things around. Ripple makes a beat with Snark, the shark, and makes him laugh. The moral goes with find people who aren't smiling and make it your goal to make them smile and see how it changes them.
March 7, 2018
So so book about a dolphin in captivity (wrong topic for these days where we should know better) who learns to smile even in the face of fear and convinces some misguidedly evil sharks to also smile.
March 19, 2020
I am not a fan of dolphins in captivity, so I would not share this book with kids. But that’s just me. The book itself was cute and had a good message. I think it was a little involved (lots of text) but it definitely gets the point across.
Read
March 6, 2021Has longer sentences, so is seems to be more for older grade levels. Enjoyed how the illustrations told the story as well as the words written. I read these a few weeks back and do not remember everything, so not that attention grabbing, but still a nice book to have on hold for older readers.
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