Where Happiness Begins by Eva Eland
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on August 25, 2020
ISBN: 0593127706
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Sometimes it’s easy to feel happy. Other times, happiness can be a bit elusive. This book reassures kids that even as happiness comes and goes in life, it’s never too far away.

The simple line drawing illustrations are offset by bold color choices. Throughout the book, happiness is depicted as a neon orange anthropomorphized blob (not sure how else to describe it!). The bright color allows readers to find happiness throughout the book, but there are many other aspects of the book that are neon as well. It’s nice that happiness is described as something that isn’t always there. The end of the book focuses on happiness being something that originates from within. This could be reassuring for some but also worrisome for children battling depression. Overall, however, the message and presentation of the book are good. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME