Happy

"Van Hout uses fish with varying facial expressions and postures to depict 20 different emotions....This attractive book could be used one-on-one or in a small group to discuss what causes one to feel a particular way and to introduce the vocabulary of emotions."--School Library Journal "Van Hout pairs each of twenty adjectives with a facing-page illustration of a fish embodying the word: the "sad" fish is all blue, the "curious" fish has bulging eyes, etc. The art--striking, brightly colored drawings against black backdrops--is noteworthy..."--The Horn Book "The line, color, and texture make each page a pleasure to return to, and each single word is fully expressed in its corresponding picture. Along with the azure-and-sky-blue ovoid fish at the end, readers will pronounce themselves, in yellow, white and green letters, 'delighted.'"--Kirkus Reviews "Mies van Hout's Happy is a tour de force of underwater awesomeness and emotion, showcasing what an artist can do with a few pastels, black paper and something fundamental to express. I want to hug it and buy a copy for every shorty on my list...On the last page, a gloriously plump whalelike creature surges upward, ending the book with a surprising sense of closure: "delighted." No reader could feel otherwise."--New York Times Book Review "It's a delightful amuse-bouche of a book, and an aquatic introduction to everyday emotions."--Publishers Weekly, Starred Review "Happy presents a cheerful introduction to emotions through the portraits of some very colorful and expressive fish that seem to be swimming in the depths of the dark sea. Author and illustrator Mies Van Hout has expertly captured the feelings behind 20 emotions that can be sometimes difficult for a child, and adult, to explain....the illustrations, simply drawn with pastels, are captivating and will bring a connection and a smile...Happy is a delightful and unique book that brings feelings to the page in a non-traditional but welcoming way."--The Children's Book Review

Mies van Hout (1962) studied at the Arts Academy in Groningen, where she majored in graphic design. She has been working as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer since 1989. Her illustrations are cheerful and witty, painted skillfully and distinctly and include Happy, Surprise, Friends and Pussycat, Pussycat.