The Power of a Single Choice
Every day brings a thousand choices. Some are small — what to wear, what to eat. Others are big — how to live, how to treat others, how to care for yourself.
For children, those choices begin early. That’s why stories that teach decision-making, health, and self-respect are so important. One of my favorites on this subject is my book NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS — a simple story with a powerful message: good choices lead to good results; bad choices lead to bad results.

A Winter Day and a Temptation
The story begins with Billy, a boy walking home from school on an ordinary winter day. Everything is normal — until he turns a corner and sees a group of older kids laughing and smoking.
“Here, kid,” one says. “Take a puff.”
Another shoves a drink in his direction.
Billy hesitates. Then, from behind a bush, a tiny mouse jumps out, waves a finger, and says, “No! No! Tell them no!”
That little mouse, of course, is Mr. Consequences — and he’s about to change the way Billy sees the world.

Meet Mr. Consequences
Mr. Consequences is that wise little voice we all wish we had whispering in our ear. He explains that every choice — big or small — carries a consequence.
Smoking, drinking, and taking drugs may look exciting to some, but each leads down a path of harm.
“Smoking is for chimneys, not for people!” he says.
Chimneys are made of bricks and stone. Our lungs and throats are made of living cells — and smoke damages them over time.
Mr. Consequences goes on to explain that alcohol can hurt the body’s vital organs — the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain. “You need these to live a happy, healthy life,” he tells Billy.
Then, with a piece of cheese in his paw, he shows Billy something shocking — inside the cheese are unhappy, unhealthy people who once made poor choices. “When you lose your health,” he says, “you lose your happiness, too.”

The Lesson About Drugs
Billy asks about drugs.
“Drugs are for doctors,” says Mr. Consequences. “When a doctor gives medicine, it’s to help someone heal. But the drugs used on the street only harm. They damage the brain — the very thing that makes each person special.”
He reminds Billy that everyone is born with the ability to be great at something — maybe art, music, sports, or learning — but drugs can take that away.
Again, Mr. Consequences holds up his cheese. Through one of its holes, Billy sees young people slumped on a street corner, hopeless and joyless.
Billy’s face falls. “Oh, no,” he says. “Why do they do it?”
“Because they don’t understand the consequences,” replies the mouse. “But now you do.”

A Lesson for Every Child
That’s the beauty of this story — it doesn’t scold or lecture. It gently teaches cause and effect in a way children understand.
As a parent or teacher, you can use Billy’s story to open conversations about peer pressure, healthy living, and personal responsibility. Children quickly relate to Billy’s hesitation — that moment when you want to fit in, but something inside says, “Wait. This isn’t right.”
That “something inside” is their own Mr. Consequences.
It’s a way for kids to see that saying “no” isn’t weakness — it’s strength.

Why Educators Love This Story
Teachers often tell me they use NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS in classrooms to start discussions about making good choices.
It fits perfectly with character education programs, health classes, or Red Ribbon Week activities. The rhyming language and cheerful illustrations keep young readers engaged while delivering an important message.
The story makes complex topics like smoking, drinking, and drug use simple, visual, and age-appropriate. It helps children see that health and happiness go hand in hand — and that protecting your body and mind is a lifelong gift to yourself.

The Bridge Back to Happiness
As Billy learns from Mr. Consequences, life is full of choices. The good news is that children can learn to make the right ones early on — through guidance, love, and positive examples.
Good choices bring health, strength, and confidence.
Bad choices bring the opposite.
When Billy thanks the little mouse for his wisdom, Mr. Consequences calls back,
“Good choices lead to good results; bad choices lead to bad results.”
And with that, the story circles back to its most important lesson — one worth repeating in every home and every classroom.

A Message Worth SharingIf you’re a parent, teacher, or counselor looking for books that teach values, decision-making, and health awareness, this is a story to keep on your shelf.
NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS helps children see how their choices today can shape their happiness tomorrow — and it does it with warmth, humor, and heart.
Because, as Mr. Consequences would say, your life depends on the choices you make. 

This book is also available in a Multicultural version. 

We all have something we love — something that makes us smile just thinking about it. For some, it’s chocolate. For others, it’s video games, ice cream, or screen time. And for one very enthusiastic young character in my children’s book I LOVE PIZZA, that something is… you guessed it — pizza!
This fun, rhyming picture book celebrates the joy of loving something a little too much — until the moment we realize that sometimes, less is more.

The Magic of “Just Enough"
The star of I LOVE PIZZA adores pizza morning, noon, and night — with extra cheese, extra toppings, and extra joy! But as the story unfolds, he discovers that too much of a good thing can start to feel… not so good.
That’s when the idea of moderation sneaks into the story — gently, humorously, and deliciously.
Children learn that enjoying something special doesn’t mean having all of it. Sometimes, one slice, one scoop, or one turn is just right.
And that’s the secret to balance — appreciating the moment without overdoing it.

Why Teaching Moderation Matters
Moderation is one of the most valuable life lessons children can learn — and one of the hardest to teach. We live in a world full of more: more treats, more excitement, more screen time, more everything!
That’s why books like I LOVE PIZZA are so important. Through laughter and rhyme, children discover that balance leads to happiness.
This little book helps children:

• Practice self-control (learning when enough is enough)
• Develop gratitude for what they have
• Build healthy habits for eating and playing
• Understand that joy doesn’t come from more, but from enough

Parents and teachers can use the story to start conversations about healthy eating, balance, and the joy of sharing.

Joyful Art, A Happy Message
As with all of my children’s books, I LOVE PIZZA is filled with bright, happy art and playful rhyme. The pictures burst with color — reds, oranges, and gooey cheese yellows — and the rhythm rolls along like a song.
Each page delivers laughter first, then wisdom. The character’s discovery that “maybe a little is better than a lot” comes as a natural and funny conclusion, never as a lecture.
That’s what I call a “happy lesson” — a truth tucked inside a giggle.

Moderation Beyond Pizza
The message of moderation goes far beyond food. It touches everything — screen time, sweets, toys, even talking!
Reading I LOVE PIZZA together opens up wonderful family discussions:

• How do we know when we’ve had “enough”?
• Why do we sometimes feel sick or tired after “too much”?
• What other things are fun in moderation?

These conversations give children tools for self-awareness and lifelong well-being — all through a lighthearted story about pizza!

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, grandparent, or counselor, I LOVE PIZZA is a perfect read-aloud for helping kids understand balance while celebrating life’s little joys.
It reminds us all — young and old — that too much of a good thing might not be so good after all.
“Twice of a good thing is not necessarily twice good.
It might even be half bad.”
So grab a slice, share a story, and remember — life is happiest when we enjoy it one slice at a time.

Where to Find I LOVE PIZZA
You can find I LOVE PIZZA on Amazon It’s one of over 100 joyful picture books I’ve written and illustrated — all designed to help children grow up happy, kind, and wise.

Other popular books that share happy life lessons include:

• Helping Henry — about the joy of being helpful
• Positive Pete — about finding the good in everything
  
• Hands Are for Helping — about kindness in action
  

Each book carries a simple truth — wrapped in rhyme, color, and cheer.

“I’m here to help!”
That’s how Henry begins every day in Helpful Henry, a delightful story that celebrates one of the most beautiful qualities in a child — the desire to be helpful.
Before adults teach lessons on responsibility, kindness, or teamwork, most young children already have the instinct to help. They want to stir the pancake batter, water the flowers, carry groceries, or feed the family dog. Their little hands may not always do things perfectly, but their hearts are in the right place. And that’s where real character begins.

A Child’s Natural Instinct to Help
Helping comes naturally to children because it’s tied to love and belonging. When they contribute, they feel part of something bigger — the family, the classroom, or the world around them. Henry, for example, starts his day by making his bed, helping with breakfast, and washing dishes without being asked. He’s not motivated by reward; he simply wants to make life a little brighter for everyone around him.
In a world that often emphasizes “me first,” Helpful Henry is a refreshing reminder that most children actually want to be of service — if only we give them the chance.

Why Helping Matters
When we let children help, even in small ways, we teach them that their actions matter. It’s one of the most powerful lessons a young person can learn. They begin to understand that they can make a difference — whether it’s setting the table, comforting a friend, or standing up for someone being treated unfairly.
Henry shows that helping goes beyond chores. It’s also about courage. When he encounters a school bully, he doesn’t turn away or fight back with anger. Instead, he stands up calmly, showing the bully a better way. His strength is quiet but steady — the strength of kindness and integrity. And in doing so, he helps the bully see the possibility of change.
This is the kind of “helping” the world needs more of — help that comes from understanding, not superiority; from kindness, not control.

Building Emotional Intelligence Through Helping
Every time a child helps, something remarkable happens inside them. They build empathy. They begin to notice how others feel. They start to read emotions and respond in ways that strengthen relationships.
Teachers often notice that children who enjoy helping tend to cooperate better, handle frustration more calmly, and show greater leadership later on. When they volunteer in class, comfort a crying classmate, or take turns without being asked, they are practicing social-emotional learning in the best way — through action.
Henry models this beautifully. He doesn’t need to be the star student or class leader; his leadership shines quietly through kindness. His example tells children, “You don’t have to be big to make a big difference.”

Encouraging Helping at Home
Parents can nurture this helpful spirit by offering real, meaningful opportunities for children to contribute — not just “pretend help.” Here are a few ways:

• Invite participation: Ask, “Would you like to help set the table?” or “Can you feed the dog today?”
• Acknowledge effort, not perfection: Praise the intention behind the action. “Thank you for helping,” is more powerful than “Good job.”
• Be patient: Helping takes time, especially when little hands are learning.
• Model helpfulness: Children imitate what they see. When parents show kindness, children naturally follow.

Henry’s mother understood this. She didn’t turn away his eagerness to help — she welcomed it. She knew that every act of helpfulness strengthens not just the child’s skills but the child’s heart.

Encouraging Helping at School
Teachers, too, play a vital role. A classroom where helping is valued becomes a community of caring learners. Here are a few ways educators can foster that spirit:

• Assign “helping jobs” — line leader, materials helper, classroom greeter.
• Create a kindness chart to celebrate moments of service.
• Read stories like Helpful Henry to start conversations about what it means to help at school, at home, and in the playground.
• Highlight upstanders. When a child stands up for another, as Henry did, that deserves quiet recognition. It tells others that kindness is courageous.

The Two Natures in Every Child
At the end of Helpful Henry, there’s a gentle reflection for adults — that children, like all of us, have two natures: one that is selfish, fearful, and sometimes unkind, and another that is generous, loving, and strong. Which one grows depends on what we water. When we nurture the higher nature — by inviting children to be kind, responsible, and helpful — we guide them toward joy, confidence, and resilience.
Henry represents that higher nature in action. He doesn’t scold or shame; he simply shows what’s possible when kindness leads the way. Every parent and teacher who helps a child discover that feeling — the joy of helping — is shaping a happier, more harmonious world.

The Gift of Being Helpful
At its heart, Helpful Henry is a love letter to the spirit of helpfulness that lives in every child. It reminds us that when we encourage helpfulness, we’re not just teaching chores or manners — we’re awakening compassion. We’re giving children a sense of purpose that will guide them for life.
As the book so beautifully concludes:
“Children come into the world to help make the world a better place. Give them every opportunity to do so. Once they know they can be helpful, they will never be helpless!”
That’s a lesson worth sharing — in every home, every classroom, and every heart.

f you’d like to inspire a child with the joy of helping, discover Helpful Henry — one of Sally Huss’s many uplifting children’s books that nurture kindness, courage, and joy in young readers.
Find it on Amazon or visit www.sallyhuss.com

If you’ve ever felt just a little bit different — maybe your hair sticks out funny, or you’re shorter, taller, louder, or quieter than everyone else — you’re in very good company! In fact, everyone has something slightly askew. And that’s not just a line from my children’s book — it’s a truth that makes life far more colorful, compassionate, and fun.

A World of Differences
Imagine if we all looked the same, talked the same, and thought the same. Life would be like a row of identical ice cream cones — neat, but terribly boring! The beauty of humanity (and childhood!) lies in our differences. Some are big, some small, some visible, and others hidden deep inside.
In Everyone Has Something Slightly Askew, we meet a cast of delightfully unusual characters — a woman with hair growing from her feet, a man with monkey bars coming out of his ears, a potter with too many arms, and even a pair of Siamese twins who learn to work together thanks to their extra eyes.
It’s all whimsical, of course, but beneath the rhyme and humor lies a gentle truth: being different isn’t bad — it’s just different. And often, what seems odd or challenging can turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

What’s Your “Askew”?
Every child, every adult, has something that makes them feel “askew.” Maybe it’s a physical trait, a medical condition, a learning challenge, or even a quirky personality trait that others don’t always understand.
For many children, those differences can feel like heavy burdens — something to hide or fix. But what if, instead, they were seen as part of what makes each child special? What if the thing that feels like a flaw is actually a spark of originality?
In my story, I use humor to show that what might appear “freaky” or odd can have surprising benefits. The woman with hairy feet can dance and dust at the same time! The man with monkey bars for ears can hang upside down without a care. The potter with extra arms makes dinner and dishes in record time!
It’s all a reminder that our oddities can become our superpowers if we learn to look at them differently.

Real Kids, Real Challenges
Of course, not every “difference” is funny or imaginary. Some children face real-life challenges — like diabetes.
In Everyone Has Something Slightly Askew, I gently touch on this reality. Kids who rely on insulin pumps or monitors might sometimes feel left out or self-conscious. But these children show incredible courage and discipline every single day. The infusion set, pump, and careful monitoring of blood sugar are all part of their unique rhythm of life — one that allows them to stay healthy, strong, and happy.
It’s a lesson in adaptability and gratitude. Just as the whimsical characters in my book find joy in their oddities, children with medical needs can find pride in their resilience. Their strength inspires everyone around them.

Teaching Kids to Celebrate Uniqueness
So how do we help children embrace their “askew” parts — and respect the differences they see in others?
Here are a few simple ideas:

1. Talk Openly: Encourage conversations about differences — whether physical, emotional, or cultural. When kids see that differences are normal, they learn compassion and confidence.
2. Share Stories: Books like Everyone Has Something Slightly Askew help children laugh, question, and accept in gentle, entertaining ways.
   
3. Model Acceptance: Kids notice how adults treat others. When we show kindness to everyone — regardless of their “askew-ness” — children follow our lead.
4. Celebrate Strengths: Help children identify the hidden good in their quirks. Maybe that “too much energy” means a great athlete, or that “quiet nature” means a brilliant listener.
5. Use Humor: Laughter is one of the best teachers. When kids can laugh kindly about the human condition, they relax into being themselves.
   
   

The Deliciousness of Differences
At the end of the book, I compare human variety to flavors of ice cream — and I mean it! Imagine a world where every cone was vanilla. How dull! It’s the swirl of chocolate fudge, the sprinkles, the caramel ribbons, and the surprising little crunches that make it exciting.
Our world works the same way. Every person adds their own flavor — their creativity, kindness, courage, and individuality — to the mix. Together, we create a joyful, delicious variety called humanity.
So, whether you have freckles that pop like stardust across your nose, or hair that can’t quite behave, or a talent for something no one else understands — treasure it. These are not mistakes. They are masterpieces in disguise.

A Message for Parents, Teachers, and Grandparents
As adults, we can help children internalize this idea. When a child points out someone’s difference, that’s a teaching moment. When a child feels embarrassed about their own, that’s a loving moment.
Stories like Everyone Has Something Slightly Askew open doors for these heart-to-heart talks. They remind us all that “askew” is not a flaw; it’s just part of being marvelously, miraculously human.
And sometimes, the very thing we wish away in ourselves turns out to be the gift that makes the biggest difference in the lives of others.

What’s New with You?
If everybody has something slightly askew — and we do — then we can all relax and smile a bit more. Maybe we’ll dance like the lady with hairy feet or laugh at the funny shapes life gives us.
We can remember, as the story says:
“Enjoy your oddities, your differences, your specialness,
Just as you enjoy your sameness.”
And that’s the secret to being happy — learning to love ourselves, just as we are, and letting others do the same.

f you’d like to share this message of joy, kindness, and self-acceptance with the children in your life, you’ll find Everyone Has Something Slightly Askew — and many other happy, heartfelt picture books — at Sally Huss’s website

When it comes to raising compassionate, resilient children, stories are some of the best teachers. I believe that books can gently open conversations about emotions, choices, and values, helping children learn how to navigate their world with kindness and joy. As both educators and parents know, children often absorb lessons best through play, storytelling, and imagination.

That’s where character education and social-emotional learning (SEL) meet children’s literature. Picture books with relatable characters and simple but profound messages can plant seeds that grow into lifelong habits of kindness, empathy, and happiness.

Here are three my books that naturally lend themselves to lessons in character and happiness:

How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon
This playful twist on the classic rhyme reminds children that perseverance and belief in oneself can make the impossible possible. It opens the door for classroom and home discussions about self-confidence, trying again, and celebrating each small success. Children begin to see that happiness often comes from courage and persistence.
SEL Connection: Growth mindset, self-confidence, resilience

The Monkeys Who Tried Kindness
In this story, monkeys discover the surprising power of kindness. Instead of competing or grabbing, they find that helping and sharing brings more joy to everyone. This tale invites children to reflect on their own choices: What happens when I am kind? How does it make me feel?
SEL Connection: Empathy, cooperation, kindness as a daily habit

A Boat Full of Animals
This lively gathering of creatures is more than just fun—it is a way of developing good habits in children. By assigning specific characteristics to each animal (the cat cleans up after herself, the bird makes sweet sounds, etc.) Children see how they can use those same qualities in their own lives. 30 fun games help fill a boat full of animals... within.
SEL Connection: Acceptance, happiness as a habit, self-worth

Why These Stories Matter
Each of these books opens a pathway for teachers and parents to engage children in social-emotional learning in a joyful, accessible way. Rather than “lessons,” they feel like adventures—adventures that leave children smiling while planting important seeds of kindness, confidence, and worthiness.

Whether read aloud in a classroom, shared before bedtime, or used as part of a character education curriculum, these stories make happiness something children can feel, understand, and share.

Takeaway: Stories bridge the gap between lessons and lived experience. Books like How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon, The Monkeys Who Tried Kindness, and A Boat Full of Animals remind us that happiness is not only a feeling—it’s a practice, rooted in kindness, courage, and community.

Every child carries a little “ark” inside them — a place where imagination meets possibility. And aboard that ark, animals of all shapes and sizes can climb aboard to teach valuable lessons. This isn’t just fantasy — it’s how children learn qualities that shape their character and carry them through life.

That’s the playful idea behind my book, A Boat Full of Animals. Instead of simply telling children how to behave, it invites them to play “animal games” that help them practice good habits, positive attitudes, and life skills — all while having fun.

In this blog, I’d like to share why animals are such powerful teachers, give you a peek inside these animal games, and show how this imaginative journey can help children grow strong on the inside.

Why Animals Make the Best Teachers for Kids
Children are naturally drawn to animals. From the tiniest bug to the tallest giraffe, each creature sparks curiosity. But animals do more than fascinate — they also mirror qualities children can imitate and learn from.

• A cat reminds us to stay clean and care for our surroundings.
• A bird shows the joy of making sweet sounds and lifting others’ spirits.
• A dog models loyalty and friendship.
• A giraffe inspires us to stretch toward our greatness.

By giving children animal role models, we bypass the need for lectures. Instead, we tap into play, imagination, and story — the natural language of childhood.

The Magic of Playing "Animal Games"
In A Boat Full of Animals, each animal represents a specific quality. The child plays a little “game” with that animal to earn its place on their imaginary boat. Thirty animals in all climb aboard, and each one brings something special:

• The Cat Game – cleaning up after yourself.
• The Bird Game – making sweet sounds.
• The Dog Game – being a good friend.
• The Monkey Game – learning to laugh and play.
• The Hippopotamus Game – being generous.

And so it goes… thirty animals, thirty lessons, thirty playful ways for children to practice inner strengths.
The idea is simple: by “collecting” animals on their boat, children also collect qualities within themselves. It becomes a joyful, imaginative path toward confidence and character.

Why This Matters for Parents and Teachers
Childhood is when habits are formed. If we can give children playful, positive associations with good habits, they’ll carry them for a lifetime. That’s the deeper goal of A Boat Full of Animals:

• Responsibility through fun – Cleaning up isn’t a chore when it’s “the Cat Game.”
• Self-expression through joy – Singing or speaking kindly becomes “the Bird Game.”
• Confidence through practice – Each animal earned is proof the child can grow stronger.

Instead of nagging or correcting, parents and teachers can say: “Shall we play the Dog Game today?” and suddenly, a lesson becomes a game.

Inside the Pages of A Boat Full of Animals
The book uses simple rhymes, colorful illustrations, and a lighthearted tone to invite children into the world of animal games. Each page introduces an animal, describes the quality it represents, and encourages the child to “earn” that animal by practicing the quality in daily life.

It’s not just a book to read once — it’s an interactive guide children can return to, each time adding another animal to their “boat” inside. Parents often tell me that children love keeping track of their animals and proudly announcing which qualities they’ve “earned.”

This makes the book a tool for:

• Parents at home who want fun ways to reinforce good habits.
• Teachers in classrooms looking for social-emotional learning activities.
• Grandparents who want to give gifts that are both entertaining and meaningful.
  

3 Ways to Use This Book with Children
If you’d like to make the most of A Boat Full of Animals, here are three simple ways to bring it to life:

1. Play One Game at a Time
   Focus on one animal a week. Introduce it, play the game, and let your child practice. At the end of the week, celebrate that the animal has “boarded the boat.”
2. Use the Games as Gentle Reminders
   Instead of saying, “Clean up your toys,” you can say, “Shall we play the Cat Game?” It turns correction into encouragement.
3. Celebrate Progress Together
   Each new animal earned is a milestone. Keep a chart, draw pictures, or let your child tell stories about their growing boat.

These small steps keep the book alive long after the first read.

Get the Book
Click here to get A Boat Full of Animals on amazon.
Want to explore all of my children’s books? Browse my full catalog here.

Final Thought: Building a Strong Boat Inside
Every child faces challenges -- but when they carry kindness, responsibility, joy, and confidence within them, they’re ready to sail through life. A boat full of animals is more than a storybook; it’s a playful way to help children fill their inner boat with qualities that last forever.

And what could be happier than that?

There’s something magical about the first time we try something new. It could be as simple as tasting a new food, stepping into a new class, or taking on a new challenge that once felt impossible. The thrill of discovery, the surprise of success, and the joy of growth are experiences that bring energy to our lives.

But trying something new isn’t always easy. Many of us, like the cow in the delightful story How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon, get stuck in routines. We chew and chew—doing the same things in the same way—until life begins to feel small, repetitive, and uninspired.

This book offers children (and all of us!) a playful reminder: the adventure begins when we’re willing to step out of the familiar and into the unknown.

The Trap of “That’s All I Do”
In the story, the cow has a comfortable life. A big field, endless grass, and a safe routine. But comfort can quickly turn into boredom. She turns away opportunity after opportunity—a frog invites her to hop, a dog to swim, a pig to wallow, a horse to race. Each time, the cow replies, “I chew and chew. I stay in this pasture. That’s all I do.”

How often do we say something similar in our own lives?

• “I don’t dance. That’s not me.”
• “I could never learn to paint.”
• “Technology? Too confusing.”
• “Travel? No, I wouldn’t know how.”

We tell ourselves we don’t know how—and stop before we even start. Just like the cow, we let fear, self-doubt, or habit fence us in. Kids can do the same.

The Power of Encouragement
What makes this story so fun is that every animal encourages the cow to do something new. The frog, the dog, the pig, and the horse all try. But it’s the chicken who finally makes a difference.

Why? Because the chicken shows how. She explains:

1. Want it. You have to first desire the change.
2. Try. Take a step, even if small.
3. Never stop. Keep going until success comes.
   

This simple recipe is the secret to every big achievement, whether it’s learning to play piano, running a marathon, starting a business, or yes—even jumping over the moon.

The cow finally realizes, “If a chicken can do it, I can too.” And so she tries, and tries again, until she succeeds.

The Lesson for Children (and Adults)
One of the best gifts we can give children is the courage to try new things. Whether it’s a new sport, a subject in school, making a friend, or performing on stage, these first attempts can be intimidating. Stories like How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon teach in a lighthearted way that persistence, curiosity, and courage open doors.

And let’s be honest—it’s not only children who need this reminder. Adults too can get stuck in routines and ruts. Sometimes it takes a playful little cow to remind us that life is richer when we allow ourselves to leap.

How Trying Something New Changes Us
Why is it so important to embrace new experiences? Here are just a few ways daring to try something new changes us:

• Builds confidence. Each new success, no matter how small, strengthens belief in ourselves.
• Expands creativity. New experiences fuel imagination and inspire fresh ideas.
• Breaks boredom. Routine is comfortable, but it can become dull. Variety adds sparkle to life.
• Encourages resilience. We learn that failure isn’t final—it’s just another step toward success.
• Opens connections. New hobbies or adventures often lead us to meet new people and form new friendships.
  

The cow’s leap over the moon may be whimsical, but it captures the truth: trying something new can lift us to places we never thought we could reach.

A Story to Inspire
How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon is more than a playful twist on a classic nursery rhyme. It’s an invitation to children (and the child inside us all) to live boldly.

It reminds us that:

• We don’t have to stay stuck in the same field, doing the same things.
  
• 
  
• We can dream bigger, want more, and dare to do the impossible.
• With encouragement, persistence, and belief, even a cow can jump over the moon.
  

And once we’ve succeeded in one daring adventure, the world opens wide. Like the cow, we’re no longer bored. Instead, we begin dreaming up new adventures—then going out and doing them.

Bringing the Lesson Home
Parents and teachers can use this story as a springboard to encourage children to:

• Try a new food at dinner.
• Read a different type of book.
• Join a new game at recess.
  
• Attempt a new art project or sport.
• Share one thing they’d like to try and take the first step toward it.

Even the simple act of asking, “What’s something new you’d like to do today?” can spark fresh energy and growth.

A Leap Toward Joy
At its heart, How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon is about joy. Joy in discovery, in courage, in trying, and in finally succeeding.

It’s a story that children will laugh at, adults will smile over, and everyone will remember when they face their next “No, no, I don’t know how.”

Because deep down, we all want to jump over our own moon.

Discover the Book
If you’d like to share this whimsical, inspiring tale with the children in your life, you can find How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon by Sally Huss by clicking here. 

Browse my whole collection of children's
books:  https://www.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.html


Filled with cheerful illustrations and a timeless message, it’s a book that makes trying new things fun.
Encourage your little ones to dream big, leap high, and never stop trying—because one day, they too may find themselves jumping over the moon.

Long ago I created a book called THE HAPPY BOOK with exercises to promote happiness. Ten-Speed Press Published it. Then, readers of that book requested a children's version. Here is a description of the children's version.

Every child wants to feel capable, confident, and happy — and what better way to grow those qualities than through play? A BOAT FULL OF ANIMALS: 30 Games to Develop Life Skills is a delightful and interactive guide for parents, educators, and children to learn important life skills while having fun.

The book offers 30 creative animal games that help children develop values, morals, and positive character traits. The concept is simple: each game represents an animal and a special quality it embodies. After each game, children “invite” the animal onto their imaginary boat, adding its trait to their personal collection. By the end of the book, kids will have a boat full of skills, traits, and happiness to carry with them throughout life.

How the Games Work
In the book, I encourage children to imagine a boat inside of themselves. This could be a schooner, a speedboat, a cruise ship, a tanker, or even an ark. After playing each game, the animal from that game boards their boat, bringing its unique quality along.

“By the time they finish all 30 games, each child should be a lighthouse of happiness with a boat full of everything that child needs to keep sailing smoothly wherever he or she may go.”

Sample Games
1. The Giraffe Game
The giraffe’s most remarkable feature is its long neck — perfect for reaching leaves on top of the acacia trees. This game encourages children to “stretch themselves” by trying new things, taking chances, and expanding their comfort zones. By the end of the day, children imagine their giraffe on board, carrying its adventurous spirit with them.

Life Skills Learned:

• Courage to try new things
• Overcoming fear of the unknown
  
• Expanding personal limits

2. The Dolphin Game
Dolphins are known for their joyful appearance and friendly nature. Children are encouraged to smile first, last, and always — spreading a positive attitude and kindness wherever they go. By playing this game, kids experience the magic of a simple smile and learn how it can influence themselves and others.
Life Skills Learned:

• Friendliness and empathy
• Understanding the power of positivity
• Practicing joy and mindfulness

Here are the Titles of  all the Games
1. The Giraffe Game – Stretching Your Greatness
Learn to try new things, take chances, and expand personal limits.
2. The Dolphin Game – The Importance of a Smile
Practice friendliness and positivity by smiling throughout the day.
3. The Bird Game – Making Sweet Sounds
Discover how joy and expression can brighten the world around you.
4. The Cat Game – Cleaning Up After Yourself
Learn responsibility and the importance of taking care of your surroundings.

5. The Dog Game – Being a Good Friend
Practice loyalty, kindness, and supporting those around you.
6. The Hippopotamus Game – Being Generous
Experience giving and sharing with joy.
7. The Monkey Game – Being Helpful
Learn to lend a hand and assist others whenever possible.
8. The Bear Game – Going to Sleep Happily
Develop good bedtime routines and relaxation habits.
9. The Anteater Game – Telling the Truth
Build honesty and trustworthiness.
10. The Zebra Game – Appreciating Differences
Celebrate diversity and the unique qualities in others.

11. The Frog Game – The Importance of Sticking to It
Cultivate perseverance and determination.
12. The Beaver Game – Working Happily
Learn to approach tasks with joy and dedication.
13. The Camel Game – The Importance of Love and Kindness
Practice compassion and caring for others.
14. The Octopus Game – Appreciating Others
Recognize and value the people around you.
15. The Pig Game – Building a Strong Body
Encourage healthy habits and physical activity.
16. The Rabbit Game – Listening and Paying Attention
Develop focus and mindfulness.

17. The Penguin Game – The Importance of Good Grooming
Learn self-care and personal responsibility.
18. The Duckling Game – Following Directions
Build listening skills and discipline.
19. The Opossum Game – Learning Patience
Practice waiting, understanding, and self-control.
20. The Horse Game – Appreciating Beauty
Notice and celebrate the beauty in the world.
21. The Turtle Game – Finding a Quiet Place
Learn to reflect, relax, and find inner calm.

22. The Rhinoceros Game – Setting and Accomplishing Goals
Develop goal-setting skills and the drive to achieve them.
23. The Squirrel Game – Saving for the Future
Practice planning, organization, and foresight.
24. The Elephant Game – Knowing Your Own Greatness
Build self-confidence and recognize personal strengths.
25. The Lion Game – Maintaining a Good Attitude
Cultivate optimism and a positive mindset.
26. The Wolf Game – Not Being Fooled
Learn discernment, critical thinking, and awareness.

27. The Moose Game – Appreciating Yourself
Develop self-esteem and self-love.
28. The Ostrich Game – Learning from Mistakes
Understand that mistakes are opportunities to grow.
29. The Kangaroo Game – Giving Support
Practice empathy and helping others succeed.
30. The Turkey Game – Being Thankful
Encourage gratitude and recognizing the blessings in life.

Why This Book Matters
Happy children help create happy families, neighborhoods, and even communities. By teaching life skills and positive character traits in a playful and memorable way, A BOAT FULL OF ANIMALS helps children develop essential tools for life while keeping joy at the forefront.
This book is perfect for:

• Parents looking for meaningful activities to do with their children
• Educators who want to incorporate character development into their curriculum
• Caregivers and group leaders seeking fun, structured games that build life skills

By the end of the book, children will have a boat full of animals and qualities — courage, kindness, joy, and more — ready to guide them as they sail through life.

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What could be more magical than a tea party under the sea? In A Mermaid Tea Party – Kindness from the Heart children are invited into a shimmering underwater classroom where lessons go far beyond how to sip tea properly. This enchanting story, available in both its original and multicultural versions, uses playful mermaids, friendly dolphins, and a wise teacher to show that kindness is the most important ingredient at any gathering.

A Story that Sparkles with Imagination
From the very first page, young readers meet Maggie the Mermaid, who eagerly swims off to school on the day of a very special event. The class will be learning about tea parties. But as Maggie and her friends discover, a tea party is more than cups and cakes—it’s an opportunity to practice kindness, respect, and appreciation.

Children will delight in the whimsical details of this undersea celebration. From seaweed tablecloths and pearl platters to sandwiches, sweets, and the star of the party—the teapot—every page bursts with color and imagination. Yet what makes this book so special is that it teaches something deeper: kindness is the true treasure.

Lessons in Kindness and Care
Miss Crandall, the mermaids’ teacher, guides the party with gentle wisdom. She explains that every cup of tea is not just tea—it’s filled with care, appreciation, and loving thoughts. As each mermaid carefully passes the cup along, she adds her kindness to it, creating a chain of giving.

The lesson goes further when Miss Crandall reminds her students that whenever we offer something to another, it must not be empty. Whether it’s a cup, a bowl, or even a sand bucket, what we give should carry value—whether that’s food, helpfulness, or warm-heartedness. This concept becomes a powerful symbol for children: always give with fullness, never with emptiness.

Everyday Applications for Children
After the party, Maggie takes what she learned back home. She helps her mother with chores, not as tasks to get through, but as opportunities to add kindness and joy. Setting the table, dusting the furniture, and preparing dinner become little celebrations of caring.

This makes the story relatable and practical. Children learn that kindness doesn’t have to wait for special events. It can be practiced every day—whether sharing toys, helping parents, thanking teachers, or treating friends with thoughtfulness.

Why Parents and Teachers Love This Book
Beyond its adorable illustrations and delightful storytelling, A Mermaid Tea Party – Kindness from the Heart gently models:

• Politeness and good manners in everyday situations.
• The importance of gratitude and saying thank you.
• Respect for others’ belongings by handling things with care.
• Consideration for others by not taking more than needed.
• The joy of giving and receiving kindness in small ways.

The multicultural version of the book makes it even more inclusive, allowing children from diverse backgrounds to see themselves in the story while embracing universal values of kindness.

A Gentle Reminder for Us All
At the heart of the story lies a timeless truth: when we treat others with care and appreciation, every day becomes a celebration. The mermaids’ tea party might have ended, but their lesson continues—every act of kindness is like serving tea with love, passing it along, and making the world a more beautiful place.

Whether read at bedtime, in classrooms, or during special storytimes, A Mermaid Tea Party – Kindness from the Heart is a book that leaves children smiling, inspired, and ready to add kindness to their own lives.

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Children love to move, to skip, to twirl, and to dance. Dancing is one of the purest expressions of joy, and sometimes it takes just one free-spirited child to remind everyone of its magic. Meet Allison Rose, a little girl who can’t stop dancing. From the moment she wakes until the stars appear, she’s on her toes — inviting the whole world to join her in the celebration of movement.

The Story of Allison Rose
Allison Rose dances on her toes,
And all she ever wears are dancing clothes.
She dances on her bed when she gets up in the morning,
Donning her clothes, which are never boring.
She dances in the kitchen where she goes to eat.
She dances in the living room, waking her cat from its sleep.

She dances in the garden. She dances at school.
She even dances underwater in the swimming pool.
She dances all day until late at night.
Others thought it was an extraordinary sight.
Anyone could see that Allison Rose
Is a dancer from the bottom of her feet to the tip of her nose.

But why? Why do you dance wherever you go?”
A growing crowd wants to know.
Then she turns and speaks to the baffled collection,
Who are keeping her under their close-eyed inspection.
“Dancing keeps me on my toes.
That’s all I have to say about that,” says Allison Rose.

But then she thinks it would be more fun
If she were not the only one.
“Why not join me?” she asks.
“What kind of dancing would you choose,
If you had on dancing shoes?”
Hmmm, they think,
What a most tantalizing thought.
So, she offers a number of suggestions,
Hoping that they will make some interesting selections.

“There is toe dancing, sometimes called ballet,
And slow dancing in which the dancers sway.
There is square dancing, which requires a group to participate,
And chair dancing in which your arms must hesitate.
In this dance you never leave your seat
And are only allowed to move your feet.

Germans like their polkas and schottische,
And there are jigs for the Irish and Scottish.
There is dancing like Zorba the Greek,
And to do the limbo, the Jamaicans must not be weak.
The proper English prefer tea dancing,
And some at rock concerts swear by free dancing.
There are dances for the bride and groom,
And waltzes that fill a ballroom.

There are rumbas and sambas and tangos,
And even flamboyant fandangos.
The South Americans never stop with just a few.
They are always coming up with something new.
You might like the cha-cha-cha,
Or their delightful cucaracha-cha.
How about a lovely quadrille,
Or a simpler dance in the form of a reel?

In France the ladies do the can-can,
But don’t try it unless you think you can can.
There are some silly dances like belly dances,
Grizzly bear dances, and tarantella dances.
And there are even dances for loafers called clogging,
And dances for loggers on logs called logging.
There is, of course, fox-trotting, bunny hopping,
Jitterbugging, and hip hopping.

Then again you might prefer a line dance,
Every cowboy considers it a fine chance.
Tap dancing was popular long ago.
So was the colorful Caribbean calypso.
You might not be up to the Polish mazurka dance,
And would wish to join in a more peaceful May pole dance.

Keep in mind that there are many dances with dips,
And many others requiring flips,
And still other dances that wiggle hips.
As Allison Rose rattles on,
Her suggestions begin to catch on.

The crowd begins to pick up their feet.
They discover that dancing is indeed a treat.
She calls out, “It doesn’t matter. Choose any style.
Each will lead you to a smile.”
As they boogie-woogie to their hearts’ delight,
They find that even cowgirls love dancing in the moonlight.

Then they all yell, “Thank you, Allison Rose,
For unlocking our dancing toes.”
Now which dance would you choose,
If you had on dancing shoes?

The end… but not the end of dancing.
“Dancing with the feet is one thing.
Dancing with the heart is another.”

Why This Story Matters
Children naturally respond to rhythm and movement, and dancing builds both body and spirit. This story celebrates:

• Self-expression — encouraging children to move in ways that feel natural and joyful.
• Cultural awareness — highlighting many styles of dance from around the world.
• Confidence — showing that one child’s enthusiasm can inspire a whole community.
• Creativity — inviting young readers to imagine what style of dancing they might choose.

Allison Rose shows us that dance is more than movement. It’s joy, connection, and freedom — all rolled into one.

A Closing Thought
Allison Rose reminds us that dancing is more than steps and styles — it is joy in motion. Whether twirling in the kitchen, gliding across a garden, or simply tapping to a tune, dance gives children a way to express themselves freely. Her story is a celebration of imagination, movement, and the happiness that spreads when one child’s delight inspires others to join in.

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Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page. This book is also available in a multicultural version.