A delightful amuse - bouche of a book, and an aquatic introduction to everyday emotions * Clear, strong lines and radiant colours, which seem to smile at the reader, characterise Mies van Hout s drawings. In Happy , Mies shows all the emotions a young child encounters. Each double - page spread is devoted to one fish, showing a particular emotion with its name in lettering that expresses the sa me feeling. Swim into Happy , where the dazzling fish sparkle against the dark background and let the i mages spark laughter and empathy.
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.
"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
"It's a delightful amuse-bouche of a book, and an aquatic
introduction to everyday emotions."--Publishers Weekly, Starred
Review
"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
"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
"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
"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
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