Happy - the book

There are books that are for story tellers.  There are books that are for artists.  There are books that are designed to give a message or idea.  There are books to make us laugh.

And then there are books for the soul.  They touch on everything - but oh, so lightly.  But they leave an indelible imprint.

Happy is one of those books.  

It is perfect for Perfect Picture Book Friday.  




written  and illustrated by Mies Van Hout

published by Lemniscaat, USA (2012)

juvenile non-fiction

suitable for ages 2 - 8, adult

themes  colour, feelings 

opening lines





synopsis 
In Happy, Mies Van Hout shows all the emotions a young child encounters.  Each double page spread is devoted to one fish, showing a particular emotion with its name  in lettering that expresses the same feeling.  from Amazon


I like this book because ... 
I am in awe of how colour and a few squiggles can so effectively communicate emotion.   

resources ...
The connection between colour and emotion that is explored in Happy  caused me to think about how that is explored in other books.


Happy Monster Sad Monster by Ed Emberly


My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss


My Crayon Talks by Patricia Hubbard


A Color of his Own by Leo Lionni 



The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

This week end, I am happy because I get to see my son who moved 4000 miles away to go to university in September.  Someone is going to get a huge mama hug and a bunch of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies to take back to school and get him through the last month before he comes home for Christmas.  

What will make you happy this week end?



            

19 comments

  1. My son and I are going to paint a school for the underprivileged here in Lagos, as part of his Boy Scout community service activity; so paints and colours and being of some help to others is what's going to make us happy this weekend :)

    I am in absolute AWE of this book, Sandi. What an outstanding book, where letters and eyes do most of the talking! Can't tell you how thrilled I am to discover a book like this. And now, to go looking for it :)

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    1. I hope that you and your son have a wonderful time sharing work on an important project. Happy painting.

      sandi

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  2. Oooo, another book about emotions makes this counselor HAPPY! And getting away to the Texas Hill Country for a post-Thanksgiving hike in the State Park later today,

    Happy reunion, Mama!!

    Barbara

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  3. Beautiful book choice, Sandi.
    Have a fabulous weekend with your son:)

    Barbara
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

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    1. Thanks Barb. We are all meeting in Vancouver for the Paul McCartney concert. The icing on the cake is that it is my son's 18th birthday, so I get to see him and take him out to dinner for his birthday.

      sandi

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  4. Beautiful! I envy your visit - I haven't seen my daughter for 3 months, and she is 5,000 miles away. Enjoy it- for the both of us!

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  5. Have a wonderful weekend with your son! This book makes me happy!

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    1. Thanks, Joanna. I am looking forward to seeing my almost all grown up baby.

      sandi

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  6. This book sounds wonderful -- and thank you for sharing all the other titles with us as well. Enjoy your time with your son!

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    1. It is amazing in its simplicity. Thank you. I am looking forward to seeing my boy.

      sandi

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  7. Very unique book. I like the emphasis on helping children identify an emotion they are feeling. Beautiful share with lovely illustrations.

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  8. The illustrations are amazing, I am in awe of talent that can make a few lines and squiggles say so much.

    sandi

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  9. I love the solid coloured backgrounds of each picture, it makes them pop. I'm heading to Vancouver too, to take in some craft sales and hang out with a girl friend - away from thinking about work for 24 hours - enjoy your time.

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  10. What a great cover. I pinned this on my Books To Read on Pinterest. Looks wonderful.

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  11. Thanks for sharing. I've never seen the Happy title before. Its now on my list! Enjoy your time with your son! Im at my sons 1st away hockey tourney. Memories in the making!

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  12. love your book suggestions ~ found you through TBTS :)

    TheJugglingTeacher

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  13. Sandi...wonderful book for PPBF...and I love the others you listed...I've seen a couple of the others...but not 'Happy'...so thank you for helping me find it. I'm always looking for books that encourage kids to express their feelings!

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