Gavin Discovers the Secret to Happiness
A book enjoyable and beneficial for all ages, Gavin Discovers the Secret to Happiness has much to teach us about true happiness and creating deeper meaning and satisfaction in our lives.
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About the book
Gavin Discovers the Secret to Happiness introduces us to an energetic puppy who believes that true happiness comes from having many cool toys and chasing cats. Developing a friendship with Bodhi, a wise, older dog offers Gavin opportunities to grow his appreciation and concern for others. When he finds out that Bodhi is suffering with a serious illness, Gavin is given a precious gift. With kindness and care, Bodhi teaches Gavin the secret to happiness.
Written by Albert Ramos, illustrated by Miguel Rivero, and edited by Venerable Thubten Chodron.
A book enjoyable and beneficial for all ages, Gavin Discovers the Secret to Happiness has much to teach us about creating deeper meaning and satisfaction in our lives.
Awards
2021 Story Monsters Approved winner. Story Monsters® is home to the award-winning Story Monsters Ink® magazine, a literary resource for teachers, librarians, and parents. The award showcases “books worth devouring.” Selected books must inspire, inform, teach or entertain, and adhere to rigorous standards of excellence.
The story behind the book
Media coverage
“The Secret to Happiness: An Interview with Albert Ramos,” in Eastern Horizon, January 2022
Translations
- Available in Bahasa Indonesia (free distribution book and ebook). See a short video about the book (in English with subtitles).
Excerpt
After they finished their snack, Gavin, Bodhi, and Julie gathered in the living room to curl up on some comfy pillows. Quinn uploaded one of Bodhi’s all-time favorite movies, The Fast and the Furriest. Bodhi couldn’t believe that Gavin had never even heard of the movie, especially since it had won the Golden Fire Hydrant award at the Academy of Doggie Awards.
While relaxing in front of the television, Gavin said, “Bodhi, I didn’t know you had cancer. You’re always so happy and look out for everyone. I would be so scared if I had cancer.” After saying this, he felt embarrassed like he wasn’t being considerate of Bodhi. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that,” he apologized.
“It’s okay; I completely understand why you’d be scared to have cancer. The chemotherapy slows me down from time to time. Also, I’m not a young pup like you anymore.”
“Do you ever get scared?” Gavin asked, “I don’t mean to be nosey but you’re my friend and I’m concerned. Plus, I look up to you.”
Bodhi shared a warm smile, “Of course I get scared. It’s normal to be scared in a situation like this. But I can’t allow my spirit or my attitude to be controlled by anything negative. We have a choice, Gavin. Our attitude is a choice we make. We are here for one another and we should help each other whether the sea is calm or a storm is gathering on the horizon. There are animals and people around the world going through far more tough times than you or I. Let’s be mindful of this.
“We have the choice to live every day like it’s the best day of the year. You may not realize it, but you are being here for me in my storm, and I am thankful to you.”
Reviews
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“Gavin Discovers the Secret to Happiness” gracefully shows what one needs to change in one’s life to become a good human being. Grounded in Buddhist teachings, the book instructs readers to discard the mind that wants whatever they want, whenever they want it. It proposes a profound alternative: kindness for those we come into contact with in everyday life, even if we consider them to be hostile, and even if they have more than us. “Gavin Discovers the Secret to Happiness” inspires the reader to learn from those who have more peaceful minds. It also shows us the realities of life – there is suffering in the world, but, as the book explains, we can make life meaningful by being kind. This book is a gem, regardless of one’s religion, age, or nationality.
Bodhi is a wise character, who others can learn from. He is a great teacher. Bigger isn’t always better. True happiness comes from the simple things in life and being humble. I really enjoyed the illustrations. There’s something special about them.
“Gavin Discovers the Secret to Happiness”, by talented author Albert Ramos, brought tears to my eyes. The story of how Gavin learns the true meaning of happiness is beautiful and I certainly wasn’t prepared for how much it affected me. The book is jam-packed with important life lessons that have been written extremely well and backed up by an adorable storyline. Read more…
“Gavin Discovers the Secret to Happiness” is a beautifully crafted tale that inspires children to move away from the power of the material world in their quest for happiness. In this journey to find happiness we, along with Gavin, a playful pup, discover that lasting happiness is right here with us all along. A splendid gift.
Told through the characters of pets and neighboring animals that just about all of us love and care for, Albert Ramos is skillful in getting the readers’ attention to his own hard-earned practical insights into happiness.
In a world that all too often tells us the road to happiness leads through a store or online retailer, this beautiful story invites us to follow Gavin, Bodhi, and a delightful cast of friends as they show us the true path to a meaningful life— kindness, love, and compassion.
“Gavin Discovers the Secret to Happiness” is a sweet children’s tale that highlights the beauty of a compassionate life. As a parent, I would love to have more books like Ramos’ that illustrate the value of being grateful for what we have, open to new ways of being and doing, and having empathy and loving kindness for all fellow creatures. The insights shared in this story are a gift to us all!
Albert Ramos effectively takes on important topics such as adversity, perspective taking, and compassion-based responses in a manner that is playful, fun, and child-centered.