Hi guys and gals!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're kicking off another bookish week with a Children's Picture Book that has appeal for all ages. Why? Well, it's the combination of real life pics, uber popular song tie in, and the megastar musician behind the duo. What's that? You didn't know Mr. Williams was more than a one trick pony? Oh come on! I'm not even into his music beyond the song that shares today's title and even I knew that! So without further ado and any further needling on my part, let's get excited, let's get enthused, let's get....
by
Pharrell Williams
9780399176462
G.P. Putnam's Sons
It's pretty much just what it sounds like....another way to visually and literar-ally experience the phenom that is Pharrell Williams' HAPPY song. If you're not already singing it, trust me....you will by book's end and that's a GOOD thing!
Every page is sparsely decorated with the lyrics from this upbeat pop hit which places the children front and center. What children? Why the child having fun and discovering "what happiness means to you" or rather them! With every turn, we are greeted with their smiling little faces as they shoot for the moon, act like royalty, dance in the rain, ballerina twirl in the clouds, or any other thing that makes them HAPPY. It makes for a delightful read for adults and an easily accessible read for the little ones; I mean, who better to identify with than essentially themselves? The message delivered is a great take away for all ages, and reminds us that we should find our happy every day.
My favorite part aside from all I already mentioned? The close. Pharrell has a two page spread where he's standing with all the children pictured throughout the book and delivering a personal message to readers everywhere. He encourages everyone to be a Happy Helper, someone who spreads joy and happiness to all they encounter, in their daily lives and to pass the message on to help it spread throughout the world. It's a call to action I intend to answer....how about you?
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About the author...
Pharrell Williams is a singer, songwriter, producer, philanthropist, fashion designer, and now a coach on NBC'S The Voice. Redefining cool for a new generation, Pharrell Williams is a creative force, using music, fashion, and design to express his distinctive style. Pharrell has earned ten Grammy awards for his work, including "Best Music Video" and "Best Pop Solo Performance" for Happy. His multi-media creative collective "i am OTHER" includes fashion, music, entertainment, and art endeavors. Happy! is his first children's book.
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Special thanks to the publicity team over at Penguin Young Readers for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via Putnam Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.
To add another HAPPY skip to your day, be sure to revisit the Happy music video in either the official version or Despicable Me 2 version.
^_^
Until next time...HAPPY reading!
Not familiar with Happy or indeed Pharrell Williams until I Googled him just now.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely one of those songs that you'll be singing days later. The book sounds wonderful, Happy is a great message to spread and I love the idea of the Happy Helper.