Wednesday, 9 March 2011

World of Happy by Giles Andreae book reviews Part 1

The reviews I'm doing for Claire here, until the end of April will be about the World of Happy books. These books will be published in April. Egmont very kindly set me the whole set (that was a huge surprise!). They are such wonderful books, full of messages that readers of all ages can relate to. It's aimed at children 3 years and older, but I think deceptively simple messages are ones that everyone should know about. I've decided to review these in parts because the messages in all of them are really important and valuable. I love the simple and uplifting illustrations with their funky colours. I didn't realise that these books were short animations on CBBC channel! How cool is that!

The Little Penguin


4th April 2011, Egmont
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Children's

Summary from Egmont 
There was once a little penguin who was FRIGHTENED of the water.
"This is no way for PENGUINS to behave,' said his father.
"Be gentle," said his mother, "for ALL of us have fears that others may find hard to understand... Come, Little Penguin. Come into the WATER with me".
And so begins a story about BRAVERY and TRUST - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.
World of Happy... because life is FUN!
Life isn't easy. There are so many things which are frightening, which other people do without thinking twice. I could understand the Little Penguin's fears - they are ones I'd have if I was him. His mother points out the happier side of the water, focusing on the positive which always outweigh the negative. It's hard to be brave on our own, but with someone supporting us, just as the Little Penguin had his mother, we can take those scary first steps and be successful. 

What I like about all the books is that at the front it says what the book is about, and then gives space for the reader to write about the theme of the book. I'll give the example for each book

'A story about being brave. My name is ...............  and I did something really brave when..........' 

Two Monkeys


4th April 2011, Egmont
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Children's

Summary from Egmont
There were two monkeys who grew up TOGETHER. One was a prince, and one his servant boy.
But, as the Prince grew older, the Queen decided that he should keep more PRINCELY company.
"I love you MORE," the lady said right back.
And soon the Prince FORGOT his first and TRUEST friend.
And so begins a story about TRUE FRIENDSHIP - a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.
World of Happy... because life is FUN!
They say love makes the world go round - so does friendship! Without friends, well, life is a very dark place, as the Prince finds out when the Queen gives a command which makes his so called friends disappear. True friends will always be there for each other, even if they get ignored for a while or treated badly. 

A story about True Friendship. My name is............ and my best friends are called .........................

The Elephant and The Spider


4th April 2011, Egmont 
32 pages, Paperback 
Review copy 

Children's 

Summary from Egmont
There was once an elephant who was most TERRIFIED of spiders.
If she even came NEAR a spider, she would shriek and HOP in a most UNBECOMING manner.
"This will not DO," said the ELEPHANT one day. So she took a JOURNEY into HERSELF.
And so begins a story about COURAGE and HOPE – a joyous little treasure for the whole family to share.
World of Happy... because life is FUN!
Fears. All of us fear something. Some of us fear more things than others (my list is rather long!). It can be a fear of a creature, an object, or an event/circumstance. To others the fear may seem irrational, but to the person it is a huge deal. Fears can't always be conquered, but when they are faced there's a wonderful sense of achievement. 

A story about Overcoming Your Fears. My name is .............and hard things I am proud of doing are...........

Come back in two weeks time, when on 23rd March I'll be reviewing Planet of the Bears, Cow Party & The Knitting Gorilla!

5 comments:

Amy said...

Very cute!

Nayuleska said...

:D Thank you!

Claire (Cem) said...

I think I want these books for me...lol Looking forward to your reviews of the rest Nayu!!

Anonymous said...

Aww they sound lovely. I bet my little boy would love those.

Children's books said...

Sounds like some very lovely books you have there!