Happy

 Happy

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       September 26, 2015

 

Author  Emma Dodd

Distributor:     
ISBN:                 9780857634573
Publisher:         Nosy Crow
Release Date:    

Website:    http://www.allenandunwin.com 

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Because Emma writes and illustrates her own work, the cohesiveness is marvellous. The text and the illustrations complete the story together. The title is simply “Happy”with the text repeated on many of the pages. “I know that you are happy…”

The story involves a mother owl and her baby drawn in a simplistic style but conveying a definite range of emotions. The mother knows the things that show her baby is happy, “When you hop and skip along” is one. The things that make mother owl the happiest is when she knows her owlet is happy too. This does invite discussions about what makes us happy.

The illustrations are in subdued colours, showing grey landscapes, muted blue sky and brown trees. The whole scene is lifted by the use of gold paint. It fills the full moon and puddles on the ground. Sometimes just a few leaves are outlined in gold, but at other times, it is used lavishly. The gold paint evokes a very tactile response and it will be irresistible for little fingers not to touch and stroke the colour.

The book is a smaller size than the large picture book and sturdily constructed for small hands and fingers. The word Happy is repeated and in bold print on each page. There is no doubt about the author’s message and this book should be read with a smile.

Childrens