Where'd My Giggle Go?

by Max Lucado, Sarah Jennings (Illustrator)

Een jongetje wordt wakker en is zijn lach kwijt. Kan hij zijn lach weer terugvinden?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Spanish Literature, Emotion

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 13, 2021

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about a boy who wakes up one morning without his smile on his face. He searches everywhere, and asks all around, but to no avail. Eventually, he figures out the way to find his giggle back.
The story is told in rhythmic verse, so early readers will definitely enjoy reading this book aloud. The illustrations are very cute. Overall, it’s an enjoyable book with a nice moral.

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.


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[Chandra Sundeep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where'd My Giggle Go? is a wonderful picture book for children in the 4-8 years age group.

A young boy wakes up to find his giggle missing. He spends the entire day searching for it but doesn’t find it/ he feels cranky, sad and even mad. Then he comes up with a simple solution, and it helps him find his missing giggle.

This is a lovely book to help children learn valuable life lessons– the joy of helping others and dealing with negative emotions.

Where’d my Giggle Go has all the components which would attract young readers - simple words, rhyming verses, easy-to-read sentences, bright illustrations, and a beautiful message.

Early readers will enjoy reading it out loud. It’s a fun, cheerful read.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Ancillar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found my giggle

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A amusing look at when we are cranky or sad. If your child is feeling that way and you know that they will, you can ask Where did your giggle go? A little boy and dog look all over for that giggle. The joy is found in serving others and what a great lesson to learn. They will giggle and forget why they were sad in the first place. A enjoyable time with your young reader!

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a wonderfully written and brightly illustrated book about how everyone can feel sad and "lose their giggle". I loved the rhyme and the helpful suggestions on things kids can do to help themselves feel better. It doesn't demonize having sad days and provides hope for getting through them. It's a good resource for early readers.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, colorful, cheerful read!

[Mehsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In het begin nog wel een leuk boek, al werd het wel een tikje langdradig, maar ik vond de boodschap aan het einde iets te prekerig. Weet je, je mag ook best een dag of meer even niet blij te zijn. Het is niet erg als je even geen lach hebt. Iedereen heeft up en down dagen. Ik ben helemaal OK hoor met andere mensen helpen en hen te laten lachen, maar het zou niet DE manier moeten zijn om zelf je lach weer te vinden + up en down dagen mensen. Maar de illustraties waren leuk en ik geef ook wat extra punten omdat er een leuke hond in zat!

[Josh Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado’s words to adults are inspirational, heart-warming, comforting, and wise. But did you know that he’s also written forty-three books for children and teens? Where’d My Giggle Go? is a whimsical, sing-songy exploration of happiness written especially for our littlest ones. Its simple language and easy rhymes make it perfect for pre-readers and young readers, and its message—that happiness is more than an emotion—is an important one for people of all ages to learn.

Where’d My Giggle Go? begins with a young child who has lost their giggle. They want to be happy. They aren’t sure why they are not happy. So, they go on a search for their giggle. It’s not with the clown, or with grandpop, or in the bakery. Nowhere they look has their happiness! Slowly, they come to a conclusion: They’ll help make others happy. And as they do so, they find their happiness coming back to them. Lucado concludes:

Your giggle may go. If it does, that’s okay.
It’s never too far to come back your way.
Just help others be happy, and little by little,
You’ll soon have it back.
You’ll soon have your giggle.

Sarah Jennings’ illustrations are bright, bold, and fun. In a book about emotions, it’s important that the illustrator captures facial expressions and that’s something Jennings does superbly. The text also highlights emphasized words with a slightly bigger font and in color, making them stand out. It’s a great book to read aloud and act out dramatically with your little one. (Maybe not a good bedtime book, because it’s going to end in giggles…which have the tendency to wind up rather than down—ask me how I know.)

The only criticism that I might find with this is its simplistic view of happiness. Which…it’s a children’s book…so that’s probably warranted. There are times when you help people and help people and help people and your own internal emotions never change. Mother Teresa spoke of the “dark night of the soul” that plagued her for years. Lucado accurately speaks of happiness as more than an emotion, but the solution of “help others and then you’ll feel happy” isn’t always a guaranteed corollary. I’m okay with it, given the desired age range this book is directed toward, so mostly this paragraph is simply a reminder that our view of grief and happiness must grow as we do—and that our good works do not always result in our personal happiness.

Where’d My Giggle Go? is both fun and conversation starting. It’s a great way to interact with your child, teach them about their feelings, and introduce them to a love of literature. Absolutely brilliant.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent early years resource for educating about emotions and feelings.

We follow a boy's story as he wakes up grumpy, not understanding why, and goes on a search for his giggle.

Children can find words and names for their feelings within the text, as well as learn about how to process emotions and feelings.

The boy decides that whilst he is unable to find his giggle that he will help others, which in turn brings about feelings of happiness & pride in himself.

Children learn that it's okay to not feel ok, not to worry about it, it's normal. And some things, like helping others, can bring about change in themselves.

Gradually he finds his giggle again.

Alongside the wonderful illustrations, this is a fun book to read, while having some brilliant learning points along the way.

Thank you Edelweiss+ and Thomas Nelson for the e-arc to review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brother has a 2 year old and almost 5 year old. This book would be perfect for that age group! My brother really enjoys books that rhyme. The verses in this book rhyme and are very lyrical. This is the type of book that I'm looking for to purchase for them! I think they would enjoy this one very much. The illustrations are bright and happy, well done and fun. The book has a great message. Its on my list to purchase when available.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (Tommy Nelson, Tommy Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc), the author Max Lucado and the illustrator Sarah Jennings. Publication date is April 13, 2021.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute children's picture book. A boy wakes up with a frown and searches for his giggle. Told with colorful illustrations and rhyming verse the boy figures out that when he can't find his giggle he can still help others be happy. And when he and his dog help others, surprisingly he finds his giggle. This is a sweet book with a nice moral. I thought from the description it might talk a bit more about how it is okay to be sad or down. Good for younger aged children and I could see myself reading to Kindergarten and 1st graders in my school library. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson: Children's division for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true test will be when my wife or I try to read this with our 5-year-old granddaughter. She hardly sits still enough to be able to read to her, but she is always talking, singing and giggling which make this book a perfect match (but we will see). The illustrations are very cute especially with all the animals and the faithful doggie along for the adventure. I am curious why they illustrated a boy when Max dedicated the book to their granddaughter. Interesting! But I do think crafting a children's book is one of the hardest things to accomplished and our famous author has done it in an excellent way with an inspiring message for all ages.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Thomas Nelson: CHILDRENS through NetGalley.
Readers will relate to this young boy who wakes up without his giggles. He searches everywhere for them and can't find them. Finally, he decides to help others find their giggles, and, no surprise, he finds his own too.
A gentle story about working through emotions and finding ways to feel better when feeling glum. The illustrations are colorful and the character expressions capture the changes in emotions clearly.
Great read for a family with toddlers and preschoolers to introduce feelings.

[Katherina Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

We (my 5 year old grandson and I) absolutely loved this book. It is a book that I would happily buy for the children of friends. It was perfect for a 5 year old. It opened up conversations about finding happiness by giving happiness; doing unto others, etc. it is a book that can be enjoyed over and over by a child. I especially love asking my grandson, when he starts to pout “where did your giggle go?” You can see the whole ah-ha moment come to his face. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended.

[SKP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Max Lucado’s books for adults, so every now and then I have to also read some of his children’s books, especially since I am a retired children’s librarian. This is actually a book I could have used in a storytime because it is about kindness with no mention of Christianity. I often did kindness themes with the kids, and this would have worked really well for a group. The illustrations are very well done and the story is cute. It also has some really good advice —to cheer yourself up, start helping others. I definitely would recommend this.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story about a young boy who wakes up in a bad mood and spends a considerable amount of time and energy looking for his giggle. Eventually he realizes that he can find it by helping others. Although it's a bit didactic, the target audience won't realize that and will enjoy the bright, vivid illustrations and the fun ideas about where his giggle could be. A good group read aloud. (you might need to skip a few spreads for toddlers, but they'll enjoy the story anyway).

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whimsical, rhyming tale about a little boy who loses his giggle. He goes on a quest to find it. Unfortunately the giggle doesn’t seem to be in any hiding spots.

It’s funny and offers advice for how to regain your giggle. (Note, the little boy has lost his giggle due to a minor (bad dream?) related reason, and not because of a traumatic life event.)

Published by Tommy Nelson, a trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

[Robin Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reminder for young and old that taking the focus off of ourselves helps us find our joy again. Snuggle close with a child you love (focus 2-10 yrs) and let them know that we are not always going to be happy and that's okay. It also shows us a way back to our joy.

Great for kids everywhere; home, grandparents house, public school, counseling office, doctor's office.

Not a "Christian" book per se, like Lucado's other books. A cute feel good book for everyone!

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

what i love about this book ...the "zoom in feature", i am sure it has more proper name but that is what i call it ...when you are reading through KU ...and using your kindle FIRE ... not sure if other kindles do this ...but the ability to zoom in and get up close and personal with the illustrations and text ...it is a must ...so needed. fun illustrations and text. can't imagine losing your "giggle" ... be sure to find it ...go on. cute read.

[Tristann Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book. It is wonderfully written with bright and fun illustrations. The book shares how everyone can feel sad and "lose their giggle." We loved the rhyming and the helpful, practical suggestions on ways children can help themselves feel better. It doesn't demonize having bad or sad days. It provides true and useful advice for getting through sad and back to the happy. It's nice to see how we can change our perception and not just make excuses blaming the world around us.

[Michele Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very engaging. My 5 and 3 year olds enjoyed the story and found it silly. I did notice a typo, but didn’t notice a page number, however typo said funDfun, I believe. The illustrations fit the story and the rhyming helped keep my children interested, while also making the story funny and showing ways you can help get yourself out of a bad mood.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where’d My Giggle Go? by Max Lucado is a cute story that encourages kids and people of all ages to keep their spirits up and to help and encourage others along the way. The book is beautifully illustrated. This book would be great to read at any story time. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. (This review is also on GoodReads.)

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple book yet meaningful. Kids sometimes feel sad without knowing why. We woke up sad. But this book can give you a cure to it, and how to find your giggles. A book fit for parents with small kids, or parents with kids, or even an adult like me, we are reminded how easy to find our giggle. In fact, you cannot really be happy by being alone, you will always need someone else to make you happy.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I just do a social-emotional book in storytime?
Why yes I did!

Did I also just use a Christian author (even though the book did not have Christian doctrine)?
Why yes I did!

I'm quite pleased with myself. And parents and caregivers enjoyed the book. Having the kids repeat the phrase "where'd my giggle go" helped in aiding this subject become "on their level!" It's a great one!

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Children's for a free digital copy.

What a fun and helpful story about how when you lose your giggle, how to find it again. The story is clever, the illustrations are fun, and the message is a great one.

[Darcie Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic social-emotional book for children. Using the loss of a giggle rather than the concept of sadness helps make this book much more accessible for young children still learning about their own emotions.

[Stefanie Bevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute book. I read it to my 2 year old son. I think he enjoyed how it rhymed and the pictures. It has a good message for young kids that helping others can bring happiness and joy. I definitely recommend it.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deep-ish message concealed in an upbeat picture book (not surprising, as it's Max Lucado). When you're in a slump, try helping others and that may make you feel better. A great book for Kindness week.

[Shelbi Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because of all the emotions that the kid is going through to find this giggle inside of him. Him doing all of these things and thinking so hard about where it is at. Then once he started doing things that he enjoyed his giggle started to come back.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm clawing my way through the "feelings" section of picture books at my library, and I am not enjoying it. A boy has lost his giggle and goes looking for it. I think that would confuse children to go looking for something that is figurative. And I didn't care for the ending.