Joy

A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling a little down, or to simply cultivate an appreciation for small wonders and build emotional vocabulary. "Joy" is a vibrant and energetic exploration of what happiness feels like in the body. The story follows a cheerful young girl and her dog as they experience pure, uninhibited joy through everyday activities like splashing in puddles, dancing wildly, and making art. With its exuberant, watercolor illustrations and simple text, it perfectly captures the physical sensation of happiness. For children ages 3 to 6, this book is a fantastic tool for normalizing big, positive emotions and giving them a name. It's not a narrative with a problem to solve, but rather a celebration of feeling good, making it a comforting and uplifting read. It beautifully opens up conversations about what brings us happiness and how we can find it in the world around us.