Happy Together

by Chloe Douglass

Fox was beyond excited! Fifi, FrouFrou, and Fluffy were part of the coolest, wildest, most famous band EVER!So when Fox stumbled upon a chance to play with them,how could he not? They had MILLIONS of followers, and everyone loved them! When a mishap during the show exposes The Bad Apples for who they really are, Fox was left to sing and play alone, realizing then, that fame is not all it's cracked up to be. Fox is so much happier with his band and his real friends, their voices joined in cool harmony.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Music

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming story for kids 5-9 with colorful illustrations about learning to be oneself while managing conflict with friends. A gem!

[Kiera Beddes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fox and his friends are at a big music festival where his favorite band is playing. He wants to be as cool as the Bad Apples band. However, when a musical mixup exposes the Bad Apples as lip syncing frauds, Fox realizes he is happiest when he is playing with his friends.

This is part of a series of books that the American Psychological Association publishes as a way to help young children navigate tricky social situations and cope with emotional upheavals. As someone who didn’t read the other ones in the series, I was a little lost, but I did think it was a good overall message for young students. The illustrations are simple and engaging, and young students will enjoy both the story and the moral lesson.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fox! What are you doing? A great follow up to the other book. As well as an important lesson, not everything looks like it does from the outside. I love this groups dynamic. Now I need to try and dig up the other book!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this day and age when musicians rely so heavily on technology, maybe the old way isn't so bad.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wordplay on band and music back the perception of what makes a group more desirable than another and perhaps making one change who they appear to be. There is also an aspect of conflict management showing how differences of opinion can be dealt with.
The illustrations by the author are intricate, brilliantly colorful, and FUN!
Well suited for reading WITH someone aged 8 and up, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected eGalley on Adobe Digital Editions from American Psychological Association | Magination Press via NetGalley.
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#picturebook #illustration #childrensbooks #theband #fox #bear #seagull #duck

[SOYAMRG · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this colorful picture book, Fox and his friends are going to be playing at a music festival as The Band. Fox is more excited to see his favorite band, the Bad Apples, play. He worms his way onto the stage with them, and then realizes that they use pre-recorded music and lip-synch. Fox realizes how special his band is, and is now grateful for them.

This is a simple story about being yourself and not falling for the glamour of others. Lots of white around illustrations with animals in bright clothing.

For ages 4-6.

D.B.
Retired YS Librarian

[Marah | Gracefully Distracted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Chloe's team and Netgalley for allowing me an advanced copy of this book.

Happy Together is a wonderful children's book that follows a group of friends throughout their journeys as a band of friends with differing opinions. But ultimately shows the importance of being yourself, the power of friendship and forgiveness.

Huge fan of incorporating plays of modern music influences and mental health.

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations were cute and I loved the different band names. But I felt like the whole idea of a backtrack was over my kids head. It also really bothered them that the band mates had names like Fox and Bear but the Bad Apples got real names. It’s a great message but missed the mark a little with my kids.

Thank you to NetGalley and Magination press for the eARC!