Layla's Happiness

What the Story is About

Layla is seven. And Layla is happy.

She's not just happy because someone told her to be. She notices what makes her happy—splashing in the rain, planting seeds, hearing a poem, seeing the moon, or simply sitting with her mom. Every page in this book is a window into Layla's world. She invites us in, gently, to witness what fills her days with meaning.

Through Layla's eyes, we begin to ask—what makes us feel full and alive?

Why This Book Matters

Do we talk about happiness inside classrooms?

Not as a rule to follow. Not as a reward to earn. But as something real, personal, and worth noticing?

Layla's Happiness reminds us that happiness isn't one big thing. It's found in little, everyday moments. It's made of listening, noticing, and feeling at home in one's skin.

It's also a quiet celebration of voice. Layla speaks with clarity and confidence—without trying to impress or explain. That itself is a powerful lesson. Children reading this story begin to realise: I can speak in my own way. I can name what matters to me.

Talking About the Illustrations

The pictures feel like memories—soft, colourful, textured—like a child's scrapbook of joy. Ashleigh Corrin's art doesn't shout. It's gentle and warm, just like Layla's voice. Each page has a sense of flow and calm—as if the story holds your hand as it walks beside you.

The illustrator, a young Black artist, brings Layla's world to life with dignity and quiet pride.

Reflections for the teacher

Many of the children we teach may not be asked this question often: What brings you joy? Even fewer may be encouraged to answer honestly and in their own words.

This book isn't about teaching happiness as a skill. It's about recognizing it—in oneself, in others, and in everyday life.

It also helps children who struggle to express their feelings realise that their voice matters, even if it's quiet or different. Layla doesn't explain her joy—she shares it.

The book also invites teachers to reflect: How often do we ask children to reflect on their emotional landscapes without rushing them to a 'correct' answer?

A Thoughtful Add-on for the Teacher

Before reading the book, you could try a simple, anonymous poll to gently understand how children feel in the classroom. This can be especially useful in creating a safe space where every child's emotional experience is valued.

For younger children (6–8 years), you could use a checkbox format like this:

1. Do you feel happy in this classroom?

☐ Yes, most of the time

☐ Sometimes

☐ Not really

2. What helps you feel happy here?

(They can tick more than one)

☐ Playing with friends

☐ Teacher's smile or kind words

☐ Learning new things

☐ Art, music, or games

☐ Quiet time or story time

☐ Something else (draw it or share it later)

3. What makes it hard to feel happy sometimes?

☐ Too much noise

☐ Feeling left out

☐ Being scolded or teased

☐ Too much work or pressure

☐ Missing someone at home

☐ Something else (draw it or share it later)

You can also use smiley faces or simple drawings to help children who are not yet confident readers.

Why this matters:

Children's minds are more open to learning when they feel happy and safe. Emotional safety isn't just a nice extra—it's the ground on which attention, curiosity, and trust grow. This small poll isn't about judging the teacher. It's a mirror, offering quiet insights into how the classroom feels to the children who spend so much time in it.

If the answers surprise you, that's okay. It's not about fixing everything at once. It's about noticing. Listening. And letting children know—your feelings matter here.

What research says:

Psychologists who study well-being—like Barbara Fredrickson—have found that paying attention to positive micro-moments (small, everyday feelings of joy, love, or connection) helps build emotional resilience. These small moments are not trivial. They shape how children bounce back from challenges, relate to others, and are open to learning new things. Even noticing one good thing a day can make a difference over time.

In a classroom, helping children pause and reflect on what brings them joy isn't just a soft activity—it's a way of strengthening their emotional core.

Questions to Gently Explore with Children

For 6–8-year-olds

• Layla says, "Happiness is climbing a tree." What is happiness for you?

• What are some small things that made you smile this week?

• Who do you feel happy being around?

• Can you think of a place that makes you feel calm or safe?

• How do you know when you are happy?

For 8–9-year-olds

• Why do you think Layla talks about her happiness and not just general happiness?

• What would your first sentence be if someone asked you to write a book like Layla's?

• Layla's happiness is quiet and thoughtful. Do all kinds of joy look the same?

• Do you think it's okay to feel joy even when things around us are not perfect? Why?

Activities to Try

1. Our Happiness Journal

Give each child a small notebook or a few pages stapled together. Over a week, they can draw or write one moment of happiness each day. No need for complete sentences—just a word or picture is enough.

2. Happiness Tree

Draw a tree on a chart paper. Each child adds a leaf with something that makes them happy. Display it in the room.

3. Happiness Walk

Take a quiet walk around the school. Ask students to notice one thing that brings them joy. Come back and share it in a circle.