Kirsten Forgione (text) and Anna Panchuk (illustrator), Happiness — A Feeling That Is Bright, Little Pages, April 2024, 32 pp., RRP $66.25 (hbk), ISBN 9780645815412
Happiness — A Feeling That Is Bright is a beautifully designed picture book that explores what happiness means and how we can nurture it. Following two Italian Greyhounds, Bam-Bam and Pep on a journey across the world, children will gain simple, evidence-based ideas to spark their happiness and companionship.
One of the great features to this book is its formatting. The double spacing in the text makes it more accessible for diverse readers. In addition, the white glossy pages and square design provides readers a mood for visiting a ‘favourite memories’ album, reinforcing the message of happiness.
I appreciate that the book includes conversation starters, encouraging deeper discussions between children and adults about the feeling of happiness. The valuable tool helps young readers develop emotional intelligence.
Overall, Happiness — A Feeling That Is Bright, is a warm and inviting book generally for children aged 4 to 8 years, beautifully enhanced by Anna Panchuk’s charming illustrations that bring the story to life. Probably quite difficult to source in Australia, hence the alarming cost price.
Reviewed by Chantelle Ciccotosto
