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A profound shift in attitudes is underway all over the world. People are now recognising that 'progress' should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy at all costs. That's why all 193 United Nations member states have adopted a resolution calling for happiness to be given greater priority and March 20 has been declared as the International Day of Happiness - a day to inspire action for a happier world.

Patricia Zimmerman Johnson, Happy Humanitarian Helpers (Bloomington: XLIBRIS, 2012). Age Level: 7 and up Publisher Description: Happy Humanitarian Helpers is a story of six students from different backgrounds. They form a bond through their desire to help people. This compassionate group of children devotes their time and talents to making a difference in the lives of others. These inspirational individuals developed a mission statement: Whatever we do, we choose to do it with kindness; for it is in giving that we receive. The Happy Humanitarian Helpers hope their acts of kindness inspire others.

Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Something Beautiful (New York: Dragonfly Books, 2002). Age Level: 3-7 Publisher Description: A little girl longs to see beyond the scary sights on the sidewalk and the angry scribbling in the halls of her building. When her teacher writes the word beautiful on the blackboard, the girl decides to look for something beautiful in her neighborhood. Her neighbors tell her about their own beautiful things. Miss Delphine serves her a "beautiful" fried fish sandwich at her diner. At Mr. Lee's "beautiful" fruit store, he offers her an apple. Old Mr. Sims invites her to touch a smooth stone he always carries. Beautiful means "something that when you have it, your heart is happy," the girl thinks. Her search for "something beautiful" leaves her feeling much happier. She has experienced the beauty of friendship and the power of hope.

Helen Recorvits, My Name is Yoon (Canada: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003). Age Level: 4-8 Publisher Description: Yoon's name means Shining Wisdom, and when she writes it in Korean, it looks happy, like dancing figures. But her father tells her that she must learn to write it in English. In English, all the lines and circles stand alone, which is just how Yoon feels in the United States. Yoon isn't sure that she wants to be YOON. At her new school, she tries out different names - maybe CAT or BIRD. Maybe CUPCAKE!