My Happy Life

A New York Times Notable book and first in the acclaimed series for beginning readers.


Dani is probably the happiest person she knows. She's happy because she's going to start school. Dani has been waiting to go to school her whole life. Then things get even better—she meets Ella Frida by the swings. After that, Dani and Ella Frida do everything together and become best friends. But then something happens that Dani isn't prepared for…

A perfect first chapter book for children aged five and up, full of social-emotional learning and sweet and funny illustrations, from one of the world's greatest illustrators, Eva Eriksson.

Young independent readers who like Kate DiCamillo or the Ivy & Bean series will be hooked on the 7-book series once they start.

"If only all early chapter books were this beautifully conceived."—The New York Times

Rose Lagercrantz is a popular Swedish author of books for children as well as for adults. She has received many of the top Swedish literary awards, including the August Prize and the Astrid Lindgren Prize.

Praise for My Happy Life

"Working beautifully with the text and usually given more space on the page, these sensitive ink drawings feature clean lines that express emotions through every character's stance, gesture, and expression. A quietly compelling book for young readers."—Booklist, Starred

"Sweet and salty – umami for the emerging reader."—The Horn Book

Read all the My Happy Life series:
My Heart is Laughing

When I Am Happiest

Life According to Dani

See You When I See You

Where Dani Goes, Happy Follows

All's Happy That Ends Happy