Exploring Lessons in Gratitude and Happiness in Delilah and the Missing Curtains: A Child's Guide to Gratitude and Happiness by David Farkas

Welcome to our exploration of the enchanting children's book, Delilah and the Missing Curtains: A Child's Guide to Gratitude and Happiness, authored by David Farkas and beautifully illustrated by Brittany Farkas. This delightful picture book is designed for children aged 4-8 and serves as a valuable resource for teaching young readers about the importance of gratitude and contentment. In this post, we will delve into the book's captivating synopsis, discuss its themes, and share insights from the author and illustrator. Join us as we uncover how Delilah's whimsical journey can inspire children to appreciate the simple joys in life and foster a mindset of happiness and gratitude.

Book Information

• Title: Delilah and the Missing Curtains: A Child's Guide to Gratitude and Happiness

• Author: David Farkas

• Illustrator: Brittany Farkas

• Genre: Educational, Self-improvement, Fiction

• Format: Picture Book

• Age Category and Range: Children's, 4-8 years

• Publisher: Independently Published

• Publication Date: May 22, 2025

• Format Read in: PDF - eBook

• I would like to express my gratitude to BookSirens and the author for providing an electronic copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in my review are entirely my own, reflecting my personal reading experience with the book.

Book Synopsis

Delilah the Ant has everything she could ever want…except one thing: pink curtains! Will these curtains finally bring her the happiness she seeks, or will they simply lead her to desire something else? Join Delilah on her whimsical journey as she discovers the true meaning of contentment and the importance of appreciating what she already has.

This charming tale, Delilah and the Missing Curtains, is more than just a delightful story; it offers a profound lesson in gratitude and perspective. As the second installment in the Child's Guide Series, it explores fundamental life lessons such as handling loss with grace, celebrating victories with humility, and the vital role of honesty. Children of all ages will be captivated by the engaging humor and playful rhymes, while parents will value the rich character development and moral teachings woven throughout the narrative. Bring the wisdom of the Child's Guide Series into your home today and watch your little ones grow into thoughtful, kind individuals!

Book Rating and Review

Rating:  ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

The characters in this delightful tale are not only well-developed but also exude an undeniable charm that makes them endearing to readers of all ages. The settings are vividly depicted and illustrated, creating an immersive world that draws readers in. The combination of engaging illustrations and descriptive text works harmoniously to transport the reader into the story, making it easy for young minds to visualize the scenes and feel as though they are part of the adventure. The writing style is accessible and straightforward, which is essential for young readers. At times, the text incorporates a lyrical quality, reminiscent of the playful rhymes found in classic animated films such as The Grinch. This musicality adds a delightful rhythm to the reading experience, encouraging children to engage with the text. However, there are moments when the repetition could potentially diminish a child's interest, as the same phrases or ideas are echoed too frequently. To enhance engagement, it might be beneficial to include interactive elements, such as sing-along sections or activities that invite children to participate actively while they read or listen to the story being read to them. The plot is refreshingly straightforward, effectively conveying the important themes of gratitude and mindfulness. It encourages young readers to reflect on the value of appreciating what they have, rather than fixating on what they believe they need or desire. While the narrative does a commendable job of illustrating these concepts, it could be further enriched by providing more concrete examples of how to express gratitude and joy in everyday life. For instance, the inclusion of practical tools such as a gratitude journal or creative activities could inspire children to actively practice thankfulness in their own lives. The book offers valuable lessons on recognizing and appreciating both material possessions—those gifts we receive or purchase for ourselves—and the intangible treasures in life, such as family, friendships, happiness, and love. These themes resonate deeply, as they guide children toward a more thoughtful and appreciative outlook on life. Furthermore, the illustrations throughout the book are not only adorable but also play a crucial role in conveying the story's messages. They beautifully complement the narrative, capturing the essence of the characters and the overall mood of the book, enhancing the reader's experience. "Delilah and the Missing Curtains: A Child's Guide to Gratitude and Happiness," written by David Farkas and illustrated by Brittany Farkas, is a charming and educational addition to any child's bookshelf. It serves as an excellent resource for teaching young readers about the importance of gratitude, making it particularly suitable for those who are learning to read, as well as for little ones who are drawn to stories featuring insect characters. This book not only entertains but also imparts essential life lessons, making it a worthwhile read for children and parents alike.

Discussion Questions and Activities

Before Reading

• Cover Exploration: Look at the cover of the book. What do you think the story will be about based on the illustrations and title? Share your thoughts.

• Personal Connection: Have you ever wanted something that you thought would make you happy? What was it, and how did you feel when you got it or didn’t get it?

• Vocabulary Preview: Introduce key vocabulary words from the book (e.g., gratitude, happiness, contentment). Discuss what these words mean and how they relate to your life.

During Reading

• Character Feelings: As you read, pause to discuss how Delilah feels at different points in the story. What does she want, and how does her perspective change?

• Illustration Observation: Take time to look closely at the illustrations. How do they add to the story? What emotions do they convey?

• Rhyming Fun: Identify the rhyming sections in the text. Can you come up with your own rhymes related to gratitude or happiness?

After Reading

• Gratitude Journal: Create a simple gratitude journal. Write or draw three things you are thankful for today and why.

• Discussion on Contentment: Discuss what contentment means. How can we find happiness in what we already have?

• Creative Expression: Draw a picture of something you are grateful for. Share your artwork with the group and explain why it’s important to you.

• Role Play: In small groups, role-play different scenarios where gratitude can be expressed. How can we show appreciation to friends and family?

About the Author

David Farkas is an accomplished actor, water polo coach, and dedicated father of three young children. His extensive acting career includes notable appearances in popular television shows such as NCIS: Los Angeles, Ghost Whisperer, Days of Our Lives, and Criminal Minds, among many others. Together with his wife, Brittany, who provides the illustrations for their works, David embarked on a mission to create a children's book series aimed at nurturing kindness, honesty, honor, and mental resilience in young readers.

Their Child’s Guide Series addresses significant life lessons through engaging humor and rhythmic storytelling, making it an ideal resource for children of all ages. David is excited to collaborate with Brittany on this project and is committed to producing additional titles that will empower children to lead lives filled with wisdom and grace.

About the Illustrator

Brittany Farkas brings Delilah’s world to life with her vibrant and expressive illustrations. Her artistic style combines bright colors and soft lines, creating images that are both inviting and emotionally resonant. Brittany’s work enhances the story by visually representing the feelings and themes in a way that children can easily understand.

With experience in children’s book illustration and graphic design, Brittany focuses on making stories accessible and enjoyable for young readers. Her illustrations in this book highlight the warmth and curiosity of Delilah’s character, adding depth to the narrative.

Interview with the Author

Q: Could you share what inspired you to write "Delilah and the Missing Curtains"?

A: All of our books so far have come from discussions we've had with our kids. I'll be talking with my daughter, for example, and then at the end my wife will say to me, "there's your next book." If it's something that we're struggling with then, chances are, other parents will find it useful.

Q: In what ways do you envision children engaging with this book?

A: I think kids will enjoy the fact that it's centered around an ant family. There's tons of books about bunnies but not so many about insects so that's a fun aspect that i think kids will enjoy. Ants are so amazing, and we get to show an ant train moving in a family with ten ants balancing on each other's shoulders. We have a lot of fun with the characters.

Q: What key message do you believe children should take away from this story?

A: I want kids to learn that you can have everything from a material aspect like toys and games, and still be miserable. And you can have one half-broken car and be happy. It's not how much you have, because you can never have enough, it's about appreciating what you do have.

Q: Are there any forthcoming projects that you are particularly enthusiastic about?

A: Yes, in fact, we have a book on perseverance called "Can'ts Never Could" coming out in a little bit.

Q: What sparked your passion for writing and reading?

A: My wife and I were musicians and released two albums and many singles and I've always loved song-writing and poetry. Once we became parents, children's books became a natural outlet for that.

Q: Could you elaborate on your experience with the writing and publication process?

A: In many ways the writing part is the easiest part. We chose to release the books ourselves because we wanted to get our ideas out sooner and we have a YouTube platform to help us advertise. It's a great time to be a writer where you can create and have it on Amazon all by yourself.

Q: What guidance or advice would you provide to those interested in careers in writing, reading, publishing, or other creative industries?

A: Find a way to do what you love. If you love writing books then do it. If you need a side job to make money while you do it, then do that and keep your passion alive. We've got one time on this Earth to leave our mark, if you have something to say I would encourage people to say it.

Where to Buy the Book

"Delilah and the Missing Curtains" is available through the channels below:

• Amazon

• Local Libraries and Bookstores: Utilizing library resources not only supports these institutions but also fosters a culture of reading. Purchasing books from local bookstores or directly from authors contributes to the success of independent businesses and creators.

Conclusion

Delilah and the Missing Curtains: A Child's Guide to Gratitude and Happiness is a delightful and insightful addition to children's literature that encourages young readers to embrace gratitude and find joy in their everyday lives. Through Delilah's whimsical journey, children are not only entertained but also taught valuable lessons about contentment and appreciation. With its engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this book serves as an excellent tool for parents and educators alike, fostering meaningful discussions about happiness and gratitude. As part of the Child's Guide Series, it stands out as a resource that can help shape thoughtful and kind individuals. We encourage you to introduce this charming tale to your little ones and watch as they learn to appreciate the simple joys that life has to offer.