Children's Book Notes: The Happy Jar

I'm always happy to review children's books. I may not be reading them along with (or ahead of) my kids anymore, but since I volunteer in the school library, I spend a few hours each week surrounded by children's books and children asking for book recommendations.

Jake Frost's new picture book, The Happy Jar, is one I'll definitely recommend to young readers, but I think it's most effective as a read-aloud. That's because The Happy Jar, as the back-cover blurb indicates, is "about life's little moments and the love that transforms them into memories for a lifetime." Jake's inspiration for this book was an idea his oldest child came up with when she was only four years old. In the book, the little girl explains,

"Every night when we say our prayers, we also say something from the day that goes in our Happy Jar, and we thank Jesus for it."

What a wonderful bedtime-prayer ritual, and what a great story of the daddy-daughter bond. Then again, the bond between father and child is the signature topic for Jake Frost, and one he explores with great humor and tenderness.

[tweet "Children's book celebrates the daddy-daughter bond. Review by @franciscanmom"]

The illustrations in this book stand apart from many of the children's books that are published today. While these illustrations are brightly-colored, they're not garish or glaring. They're simple and engaging, just right for a bedtime-story book.

When you read The Happy Jar with your young child, you'll be reminded that the best memories don't have to cost a lot of money. Many of the best memories don't cost any money: they're just based on time spent together, having fun, letting children use their imaginations and enjoying the world around you.

After you read The Happy Jar with your young child, ask what they would like to add to their "happy jar" that day.

I know it's early to be thinking about Father's Day already, but this book is a perfect gift for a small child to give to Daddy on Father's Day.