Brill Kid 2 Written by Andy Cope. Reviewed by Ivan, Age 10

This is the first non-fiction book I have ever reviewed fas part of Reading2Smile and it is one of my favourites. I have never read a self-help book before but it really helped me to feel a bit happier.

What I liked most about this book is how the chapters all have the same theme (happiness) but always find a different way to represent it. I like how there are quotes by famous fictional characters such as Olaf, Merida and Superman.

The chapters are not called chapters; they are called dollops (I found that hilarious!). My favourite dollop is dollop 4: Lego 4 life because at the start it has a fact about a boy who got a lego brick up his nose! And that’s always funny!

As well as advice to read, this book also has activities to do such as making lists of things you want to get really great at or imagining what Future You might be like. My favourite activity was making up spells to do with things you like.

I enjoyed how bright and colourful the illustrations are; they are very cheerful. I think this book would be very helpful for people who have trouble feeling good about themselves, have low self esteem or just aren’t in a very good mood. Just before I received this book I was feeling a bit gloomy and the moment I started reading it I immediately felt better and couldn’t put it down. I haven’t read the first Brill Kid book but I think I might buy it.

I would say that this book is aimed at ages 6-11, but any age will enjoy it. If you are having trouble feeling happy and need some tips on how to cheer up whilst having a laugh, then try reading this book and the one that comes before it too.

Andy kindly answered some interesting questions from Ivan

Question 1 – Did you ever have trouble feeling happy when you were a child and what did you do to feel better?

I did struggle sometimes. Everyone does. There isn’t a human being on the planet who’s happy ALL the time. My happy place was playing football so if I was feeling a bit low, I’d gather a few mates and have a kick about. Not sure of it was the fresh air, or the exercise or the friendship… but it always cheered me up

Question 2 – How do you make yourself feel happier now you are a grown up?

Same as above! Plus I have a gratitude list. I write 3 things I’m grateful for every day. It has to be a different 3 things every single day, so it keeps me on my toes. I have to be alert to happiness

Question 3 – What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you on self esteem?

Stop trying to be perfect and start being awesome

Question 4 – Have you ever had a friend who has had very low self esteem and how did you deal with it?

Self esteem is short for ‘self-estimation’. Basically, everyone else’s life seems better than ours! I’ve learned to compare me with me. If I’m a little bit of a better person that I was yesterday, I’m heading in the right direction. I’d share that with my friend.

Question 5 – What is the worst thing that has never happened to you and have you ever had Lego stuck up your nose? Once my sister ate Lego and it never came out!

Tell your sister that she really shouldn’t be eating LEGO for breakfast! Worst thing ever, for me, is that I once trod on a mouse trap. In bare feet! Oh, and even more painful, I got badly stung by a jelly fish and someone had to wee on me to take the sting away. Which didn’t work btw…