That's When I'm Happy

by Beth Shoshan

This classic picture book tells the story of a little bear and his family and the heartwarming adventures they have together. Little readers will love this gentle story with charming pictures, soothing text, and imaginative plot, and parents will love reading along with their children. Ideal for children just learning to read.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Fiction, Animals

28 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

Beth Shoshan was born in Brighton. She never seemed destined to be 
a children's writer, after all she 
had failed English Composition.
 But everything changed when she
 was challenged by Meadowside 
to write the most inappropriate
 children's book imaginable - it
 should contain sweets, explosions 
and arcane English words. She 
did, and Smidge became an instant 
best-seller. Now with over 30 titles 
to her name, Beth has become one
 of the most successful children's
 authors of the past few years.

- excerpted from Meadowside Children's Books

Reviews

[SaraKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely, cozy book about how a bad mood/ day can be salvaged by thinking of good times. This is very up-to-date with today's thinking about positive thinking and gratitude. The illustrations are soft and gentle and there is repetition in the "then I am happy" that the youngest listeners will be able to recognize and participate in.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Bear is happy most of the time, but when she feels a little bit sad she finds her way back to happy by thinking of all the things that make her happy. Things like playing soccer or counting stars with Daddy, or cuddling and reading books with Mommy.

Teaching points: family, SEL, personal narratives

Grade level: K-1

Location: LES library

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[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very important idea that is discussed in an age appropriate way for young readers. Reassuring and positive, a great resource for home/work. The only down side is the lack of rhyme and rhythm to the sentence structure which may disengage newly independent readers who lack confidence. 4/5

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bookaday #29. Sweet family bedtime story, look carefully at the pages toward the end to see what book mama is reading.

[Adrianne Rosal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy with this book!!

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read German edition, titled "Wenn ich gluecklich bist". Sweet.

[Zoe Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Steven Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

In tears over bears.

[Alyssa Edgley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely in love with this book. After all I chose it for my story book showcase. It has realistic expectations and a happy vibe. It allows children to relate and express what makes them happy in life.

Beth Shoshan was born in Brighton. She never seemed destined to be a children's writer, after all she had failed English Composition. But everything changed when she was challenged by Meadowside to write the most inappropriate children's book imaginable - it should contain sweets, explosions and arcane English words. She did, and Smidge became an instant best-seller. Now with over 30 titles to her name, Beth has become one of the most successful children's authors of the past few years.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: "This classic picture book tells the story of a little bear and his family and the heartwarming adventures they have together. Little readers will love this gentle story with charming pictures, soothing text, and imaginative plot, and parents will love reading along with their children. Ideal for children just learning to read."

My Review: This is a really cute book. I particularly loved how what made the bear happy was nothing special, just simple things like a leaf, looking at the stars or reading a book, there were no TV shows, extravagant toys, etc. Munchkin immediately latched onto this book and would give me a big bear hug or kiss when I read those lines. The lines of the story don't always flow but the story as a whole is a great one.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells of things a little bear enjoys doing with his parents. The activities are simple and sweet and the illustrations are cute and fuzzy--but I can't figure out how the first page fits with the rest of the book. (It states that some days the bear is happy and other days s/he's not--but s/he tries to find that happiness back. The rest of the book says nothing about overcoming sad days or trying to change one's outlook, however, so that intro seems rather out-of-place.)

[Bethann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book read to a pre-school classroom. All the students loved the book. They really were interested in what made the bear happy. I enjoyed hearing all the ways that made the bear happy. He was always happy when he was with his parents. I think this shows children how we can be happy with our families, and that is something important.

[Cc Fortenberry]

This book is about a little bear and his parents. Throughout the book, he lists things that make him happy that he does with his parents.

I liked this book because it made me feel all warm and squishy inside. It reminded me of the simple, non-materialistic things that can make a person happy.

I don't think I would use this book in therapy, but I would definitely read it to my own kids one day

[Aragon]

That it's ok to feel happy or sad sometimes and that everyone has moments they can think about when they were either happy or sad and can relate what made them feel that way and how they felt after receiving something special from a love one.

[Darrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Share this book with young readers in pre-k to 3rd grade to open up conversation about time spent with their families. The book is simple in text and a young bear tell the moments when he is most happy is when he spends time with his father.

[Faith Bart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This classic picture book tells the story of a little bear and his family and the heartwarming adventures they have together. This is a great text for children that are learning to read, and is a great text to read with a mom or a dad!

[Sem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations.

[Callie Risse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a young bear and all of the ways his mommy and daddy make him happy. I probably wouldn't use it as a read aloud, but I think students would enjoy reading it.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable story with beyond adorable illustrations.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely poetry like story with a Fall theme. It highlights the little (everyday) things that could make little ones happy and teaches appreciation of life.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

2009 For my Lincoln's 3rd birthday.

10/23/23 Read with Charlotte
9/24/24 Read with Naomi B
10/18/25 Read with Harper who makes me happy