Happy!

Williams's hit song, a radio fixture since its 2013 release on the soundtrack to the film Despicable Me 2, is recast as a picture book, its earwormy lyrics paired with photos of a multicultural crew of children staged with costumes, cardboard props, chalk drawings, and digital embellishments. The staged scenes can be extremely literal: the line "I'm a hot air balloon that could go to space" is set against a violet-black backdrop dotted with chalk-drawn planets and stars (one girl floats past in a paper hot-air balloon, while another wears sneakers, a silver gown, and an astronaut's helmet as she rockets through space under her own power). Later, there is indeed a "room without a roof" and a child dressed as a judge, since "happiness is the truth." Even so, the expressive outfits and giant smiles the children wear are beyond infectious, and the homespun nature of the props and setups (a group of rockers plays on cardboard instruments, not Fender guitars) make the book feel like a celebration of kids being kids. Ages 3-7. Agent: Mel Berger, William Morris Endeavor. (Oct.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2—Williams's hit song from the movie Despicable Me 2 is put to the page in this lively and fun book. From the tactile neon yellow letters of the title page to the author's note at the end encouraging readers to be "Happy Helpers," the book serves up nothing but joy and whimsy. In full-color spreads, each page features photographs of a diverse group of kids sporting all manner of adorable costumes and hipster apparel. They dance, laugh, and pose with cardboard cutouts and chalk drawings, that allow them to appear in space, on the beach, or, in a literal interpretation of the songs lyrics, "a room without a roof." The lyrics work best when read or sung by readers who are familiar with the song; otherwise the rhythm and rhyme do not make much sense. Because of this, the work may not have as much lasting power as a book based on a more traditional song or nursery rhyme, but for the time being, it will be a big hit with those familiar with the chart-topper. VERDICT A music video put to the pages of a children's book, this fun interpretation of a popular song will make kids and adults alike want to "clap along."—Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Happy!

"The expressive outfits and giant smiles the children wear are beyond infectious, and the homespun nature of the props and setups (a group of rockers plays on cardboard instruments, not Fender guitars) make the book feel like a celebration of kids being kids."—Publishers Weekly

"It's a perfect addition to any child's bookshelf and any classroom library. We should all spread some of the happiness that can be found between the covers of this special picture book."—Examiner.com