Layla's Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin Webb

Happiness is eating spaghetti without a fork.

The illustrations in this book are exuberant, lively, colourful, engaging and totally fun! 

"My name is Layla. I am seven years old. Layla means 'night beauty' and I love the night."

Click this review in Seven Impossible things before Breakfast to see more art from this book. Here is a quote from this review: One thing that makes this book sing is its specificity. Readers learn a great deal about Layla’s likes, desires, and quirks.

Here is a video (its a bit rushed) of the whole book.

Awards for Layla's Happiness:

★ 2020 Ezra Jack Keats Award, for illustration

★ 2020 Ezra Jack Keats Honor, for writing

★ A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of 2020

Well-illustrated poetry of the best kind that will leave sunshine in its wake. Kirkus Star review

A celebration of community, but also individualism, what Layla loves and what makes her happy is so specific to her and her family’s experience. In uncertain or challenging times, books like Layla’s Happiness are bright spots of inspiration. They carry us through and remind us of the gifts we have. The gifts of people in our lives or small moments in nature or even a favourite color. Carle Museum

Handwritten with one entry per page, like a particularly well-made journal or bucket list ...  School Library Journal