Happy Makes Me Happy, by MR B's Books

 

If you've ever been owned by a dog, my hunch is you'll find yourself smiling as you read this book. Illustrated by Blinky, Michael Barnes' story of Happy and his girl made me smile. The colors used add to that soothing, happy sense as they're of the earth with touches of brighter colors and, oh, that beautiful blue sky with the birds and butterflies. In fact, the repetition of the sky art, neatly coupled with the next picture of the action, is somehow soothing, I decided after pondering the why of it. In a rhyming narrative, repetition adds to the sense of peaceful, all is right with the world while preparing us for the next scene. 

Happy the dog appears to be a spaniel type and, yes, he's a smiley, happy dog. Interesting that Happy is the only character named in the narrative, a hint on where our focus should be. Happy is seemingly a gentle, loving dog, always ready for adventure or to share a lick or smile. Oh, that tongue. His girl and her friends are diverse, both male and female, I'll note. When adults/parents enter the scene, the woman/mother is wearing a dress of sunny yellow as the man/father seems to be grilling their meal. The friends and, of course, Happy, remain. One nice, subtle scene shows the children and adults holding hands and forming a circle around Happy, again making that happy dog the focus. Great interaction. 

That night, after her friends have left and it's time for a last cuddle and bedtime, we see Happy without his blue bandana for the first time. It's hanging from the girl's bed's headboard while Happy, well, happily snoozes in his comfy bed beside it. We even get a peek at what he's dreaming about via a thought bubble. I bet you can guess it was a happy dream.

As someone owned by a dog, albeit mine claims whatever percentage of my bed that she so wants, I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely children's book dedicated to the author's own daughter. The message is simple, love others and treat them with gentleness. The illustrations and rhyme of the story makes it a delight to read. Thank you #NetGalley and #MKAuthorMarketingServices for letting me enjoy my lovely day with Happy and friends.