Choose Happy

Lots of things can make someone happy, like spending time with friends, re-reading a favorite book or taking a walk in nature. But why do those things create happiness? And what exactly is happiness?

Choose Happy: Give a Smile a Try looks at the facts behind happiness, smiling, kindness and more. Explore the history of happiness, the happiest—and saddest—countries in the world and how being happy helps you get more done. Dive into the obstacles to happiness, including climate anxiety, social media and the negativity bias, and why it is sometimes hard to be happy. Readers will also discover scientifically proven ways to be happier that they can incorporate into their lives. Who’s smiling now?

Elizabeth MacLeod has written more than 80 books, including biographies, picture books, cookbooks and other nonfiction titles. Dinosaurs, royal murder, forensic science, horses that changed history—she’s written about them all. Liz is a Member of the Order of Canada and has won the Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction, the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction and the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile or Young Adult Crime Book. She has also won children’s choice awards across the country, including the Hackmatack, Red Cedar, Red Maple and Silver Birch. Liz's most recent books include How to Become an Accidental Activist and Get Out and Vote!. She lives in Toronto.

Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator of numerous children’s books, including Pride Puppy!; Little Cloud; Breaking News; Fresh Air, Clean Water; Plant Attack! and Why We Live Where We Live, winner of the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. Her work with various editorial, advertising and publishing clients can be seen around the world. Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island.

Elizabeth MacLeod has written more than 80 books, including biographies, picture books, cookbooks and other nonfiction titles. Dinosaurs, royal murder, horses that changed history, forensic science—she’s written about them all. Liz has also won many awards for her writing, including the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction, an Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile or Young Adult Crime Book and Children’s Choice awards across the country, including the Hackmatack, Red Cedar, Red Maple and Silver Birch. Her most recent books include How to Become an Accidental Activist and Get Out and Vote! She lives in Toronto.

Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator of numerous children’s books, including Pride Puppy!; Little Cloud; Breaking News; Fresh Air, Clean Water; Plant Attack! and Why We Live Where We Live, winner of the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. Her work with various editorial, advertising and publishing clients can be seen around the world. Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island.