Happy Right Now

September 15, 2019
A young child learns to reach for happiness. The young narrator, a black child with cornrows and afro puffs, thinks of many acquisitions and happenings that would bring happiness. The glum kid will be happy after getting "a puppy, / a unicorn, / an ice-cream sundae." Or when "everyone adores me." But each time, the narrator adds, "Or, I can be happy right now." As the difficulties standing in the way of happiness grow harder to bear--sickness, sadness, and sorrows--the narrator more actively counteracts them. The kid can "snuggle down for a sleepy snooze" or "breathe right now / ... / Feel my body relax... // ...Know that happy will find me again soon." The final spread shows the child balancing on a branch, reaching toward a cat, knowing that "I'll be happy when / I'm hopeful, / cheerful, / helpful, / thankful. / Reaching for happy / until I can grab it." While most children (and adults) can relate to negative thought patterns, this book may be most helpful for those who experience mild forms of anxiety and depression, the text incorporating cognitive, physiological, and action-based tools to improve mood and combat negativity. The illustrations convey only two emotions--sad and happy--and an embodied "worry monkey" (whose fur is unfortunately reminiscent of the narrator's afro puffs) scampers about on two spreads. Despite its visual flaws, this book will help a small, deserving readership. (Picture book. 4-8)

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November 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-A young black child practices mindfulness and tries to find happiness in the present. The girl sits on her bed and dreams of how happy she'll be one day when she gets a puppy, and a unicorn, and a castle with a friendly dragon. With each scenario that unfolds the young narrator gives some conditions for her happiness: she'll be happy when everyone thinks she is popular and amazing, or when all the chores are done. But after each of these statements, she considers how to be happy right now. The text reminds readers to breathe in and out, to, "borrow an old smile from a brighter day," and rest in the knowledge that they will be happy again soon. What contributes most to the story's success is the necessary and reassuring reminder that sadness is inevitable and fleeting, and that it's okay to be sad in the moment while still striving for happiness. The collage and mixed media illustrations aren't very dynamic, but convey the story's message adequately and are filled with a diverse cast of children and animals. The occasionally rhyming, alliterative text is conversational, with hesitancy and apprehension communicated through staggered text and italics. VERDICT An excellent picture book about emotional intelligence that is perfect for one-on-one sharing.-Laken Hottle, Providence Community Library, RI

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