You Can Live on the Bright Side - by Lucy Bell (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Do you ever wake up in the morning, look out your window to see the sun shining, and just know that today will be a good day? This is called optimism, or positivity, and it's such a nice feeling to have. It's also something that you can learn, practice, and improve, so you can experience it more often! This action-oriented, fun-filled book is designed to teach you some easy activities and strategies tomake you feel lighter, optimistic about the future, and more confident, empowering and inspiring you to live a happy and healthy life. You Can Live on the Bright Side contains tipos, tricks, and tools to help you find the things that make you excited to leap out of bed each morning, ready to do more of what you love, and find even more things that make you uniquely you!"--

Book Synopsis

Change and growth can be challenging, but this practical guide to optimism is full of information and advice to help--highlighting kids around the world who are doing good for themselves and others.

From the author of You Can Change the World comes a book of tips and tricks for kids to help them see the glass half full and live life with a positive outlook. Addressing topics such as mindfulness, meditation, gratitude, goals, and more, Lucy Bell delivers another richly illustrated book full of practical ways to:

• Cook delicious food to power your brain
• Decorate your room and create nice living spaces
• Get outdoors and have fun
• Channel your favorite animals through yoga
• Start a meditation practice
• Find out what your interests are
• Speak positively about yourself and others
• Start growing plants, reading, writing, and drawing

Throughout the book, you'll also find stories of children across the globe who are embracing optimism during times of uncertainty, and you'll learn how to do the same! Along with tips, tricks, and stories, the book contains STEM activities, recipes, ways to do good in your community, and more.

Review Quotes

In a time of uncertainty, this resource book is full of tips for being more optimistic and mindful.

With all the challenges young people face today, mental health has become a priority. This practical resource, full of bright illustrations and recommendations for self-help, starts with information on the mind and body. Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing are discussed early. Bell addresses positive and negative thoughts and cultivating a growth mindset before diving into the benefits of physical activity for an upbeat outlook. Some topics, like keeping a gratitude journal, get brief treatment, while others that are more complex, like yoga, have multiple pages and illustrations. Information is provided via different formats: narrative text, bright artwork, activities, recipes, games, and stories of kids around the world who are making a positive impact in their communities. The second half of the book covers ideas for doing rather than being. Some of the suggestions might be out of reach for those with limited budgets, but the number and variety of options makes the volume inclusive. While the premise of creating an optimistic mindset is strong and valuable, the examples of exceptional children may not have the intended effect. Nevertheless, suggestions that help readers experience the pleasure of having a positive influence on others include more modest and accessible ideas.

An inviting guide covering internal and external pathways to optimism. (resources, author's note) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
(Kirkus Reviews, Kirkus Reviews)

About the Author

Lucy Bell is a book editor and music teacher on a journey to live a more ethical, sustainable, and mindful life. After earning degrees in English, ancient history, and publishing, she now works for a social-purpose publishing house making big differences and helping fund nonprofits and charities to close the literacy gap. Lucy grew up on the Central Coast of Australia surrounded by four siblings, a cat, two dogs, two sheep, a lizard, lots of guinea pigs, and thirteen chickens. She now lives in Sydney and while watering her balcony garden, dreams of one day owning her own country farmhouse.