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The Emotion Books #1
The Happiest Book Ever
This highly interactive read-aloud for fans of The Book with No Pictures and other books that break the fourth wall is "wacky, zany, and downright fun." -- Kirkus Reviews
What could be happier than a book with a dancing cake, a candy parade, and a hug monster? A book with all those things (and more) plus YOU! Your happy, happy thoughts will make this book super happy happy! But something seems off. Could it be that frowny frog? Perhaps we could shake some sense into him, or slap a Post-it over his face. No? Well then, maybe its time for that frog to SCRAM! Hooray! He's gone! Time for a happy dance! Wait, what's wrong? Now NO ONE seems happy! Let's see if we can't do something to truly make this the happiest book ever. In his most interactive book yet, Bob Shea proves that happiness is more than just a piece of chocolate cake. (Though that comes pretty close!)
Don't miss The Scariest Book Ever , also by Bob Shea!
What could be happier than a book with a dancing cake, a candy parade, and a hug monster? A book with all those things (and more) plus YOU! Your happy, happy thoughts will make this book super happy happy! But something seems off. Could it be that frowny frog? Perhaps we could shake some sense into him, or slap a Post-it over his face. No? Well then, maybe its time for that frog to SCRAM! Hooray! He's gone! Time for a happy dance! Wait, what's wrong? Now NO ONE seems happy! Let's see if we can't do something to truly make this the happiest book ever. In his most interactive book yet, Bob Shea proves that happiness is more than just a piece of chocolate cake. (Though that comes pretty close!)
Don't miss The Scariest Book Ever , also by Bob Shea!
40 pages, Hardcover
Published October 11, 2016
1 person is currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Bob Shea
63 books352 followersBob Shea has written and illustrated over a dozen picture books including the popular Dinosaur vs. Bedtime and the cult favorite Big Plans illustrated by Lane Smith.
His characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr, Playhouse Disney and PBS Kids.
Bob spends his days writing, drawing and having “conversations” with NPR.
His characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr, Playhouse Disney and PBS Kids.
Bob spends his days writing, drawing and having “conversations” with NPR.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
September 16, 2016
I find the frog to be the most personally relatable character.
February 27, 2020
No. Not another meta-fiction. And no, carrot cake is not "fake cake." And no, this book did not make me giggle or put me in a better mood. And no, I don't think we need another book about being nice to others. But then, I'm not the target audience.
Reread, cuz I saw it at the library and didn't remember it. Turns out, not worth remembering. Still two stars. It feels imposed... we're just watching Shea show & tell all this, whereas in a book like *Press Here* we actually are involved... which of course is much more effective at making us happy.
Press Here for the link. I still highly recommend this book as it does make me giggle every time I pull it out of my 'keep forever' bin.
Reread, cuz I saw it at the library and didn't remember it. Turns out, not worth remembering. Still two stars. It feels imposed... we're just watching Shea show & tell all this, whereas in a book like *Press Here* we actually are involved... which of course is much more effective at making us happy.
Press Here for the link. I still highly recommend this book as it does make me giggle every time I pull it out of my 'keep forever' bin.
August 14, 2017
Hilarious interactive picture book about what can constitute happiness. I just love Bob Shea, and this book strengthens my readerly affection!
April 24, 2022
There is a note on the inside front flap of the jacket that says "Need even more happy? Check out the inside of the jacket!"?
Is that referring to something printed on the inside of the book jacket that I'm not seeing, because I love when publishers do that? Or is that meaning the book itself? Or something else entirely?
Library copy, so that's why I'm saying there may have been something that didn't make it into the dust-jacket-protected version I hold in my hands. Sometimes there is really cool stuff on the endpapers that you don't get to see in a library book. But still, free books. According to the library receipts, which I usually don't bother to have printed, but which are routinely printed and given to me if an actual librarian checks out my books, I save somewhere between $100 and $200 pretty much every time I go. I go at least every two weeks, weekly when there were kids to take. And this is one of only three libraries I use. Also, I make heavy use of Libby and Hoopla. So, easily $4000 a year in books that I can fritter away on health care instead! Thank you libraries! I look on these reviews as a sort of repayment. Actually, I looked on library fees as repayment until they stopped charging them, so now I look on reviews...never mind.
Pick up this amusing book from a bookstore or library.
Is that referring to something printed on the inside of the book jacket that I'm not seeing, because I love when publishers do that? Or is that meaning the book itself? Or something else entirely?
Library copy, so that's why I'm saying there may have been something that didn't make it into the dust-jacket-protected version I hold in my hands. Sometimes there is really cool stuff on the endpapers that you don't get to see in a library book. But still, free books. According to the library receipts, which I usually don't bother to have printed, but which are routinely printed and given to me if an actual librarian checks out my books, I save somewhere between $100 and $200 pretty much every time I go. I go at least every two weeks, weekly when there were kids to take. And this is one of only three libraries I use. Also, I make heavy use of Libby and Hoopla. So, easily $4000 a year in books that I can fritter away on health care instead! Thank you libraries! I look on these reviews as a sort of repayment. Actually, I looked on library fees as repayment until they stopped charging them, so now I look on reviews...never mind.
Pick up this amusing book from a bookstore or library.
July 7, 2023
Silly fun that is a delightful read aloud. The characters’ expressions and activities change along with the story’s tone and there’s a moral about not being mean. Also, silly frog jokes!
Illustrations look mid-century, they’re colorful and cute with simple gold pages serving as the backgrounds (until the tone changes) . The frog appears as a photo, different than everything else. Expressions, activity, and color all convey mood in ways that are fun to see investigate with children.
Illustrations look mid-century, they’re colorful and cute with simple gold pages serving as the backgrounds (until the tone changes) . The frog appears as a photo, different than everything else. Expressions, activity, and color all convey mood in ways that are fun to see investigate with children.
June 21, 2017
A glut of reader participation books of this kind has developed recently, but I'd rather see lots of these instead of l more books that are clearly being written by adults for other adults though marketed to children. And Bob Shea can always be counted on to play to the kids. I have to differ from those who are thinking of using this for story times though--the art work is just not conducive to group use. Read it to a kid or two who can sit close to you, and enjoy it together.
October 10, 2018
I will keep this one in mind for a feelings-themed storytime. Spoiler alert: not everyone has to be happy all the time and trying to force them act happy to make yourself more comfortable is mean! There's some good interactive bits, though the pages full of teeny tiny details might be a drawback for reading to a crowd.
July 5, 2017
An interactive picture book that invites the audience to help create the happiest book ever. The busy and enthusiastic art and text encourage energetic participation. However, there is a serious side to this story that gently reminds the reader that kindness is part of the happiness equation.
October 4, 2016
I'm not totally sure what to think of this one. The message is good, but the book is a little out there. Would like to see how kids react.
December 4, 2016
I love using interactive books in storytime! Can't wait to try this one out!
December 17, 2017
Super cute!
November 3, 2016
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Although, my niece probably thinks I'm weird... er since I read it out loud for her, and the whole library to hear, but hey, it was ridiculous and I laughed. That's something :)
... and that frog. Haha! I believe we may be kindred spirits.
Although, my niece probably thinks I'm weird... er since I read it out loud for her, and the whole library to hear, but hey, it was ridiculous and I laughed. That's something :)
... and that frog. Haha! I believe we may be kindred spirits.
March 2, 2020
Very strange.
I suppose it has a good message, but I'm not sure if it will get through to its intended audience.
The illustration are quite busy and are incredibly random.
I suppose it has a good message, but I'm not sure if it will get through to its intended audience.
The illustration are quite busy and are incredibly random.
January 9, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, everybody! JJ was a bit under the weather today, so we really needed a good book to cheer us up! Fortunately, our book today was The Happiest Book Ever! by Bob Shea, a wonderfully fun interactive book guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
This book is determined to be the happiest book EVER! So it’s filled itself with things that everybody loves: delicious cake, smiling clouds, hugs, a flyin’ lion, even a candy parade! Still, it feels like the book could be happier. What’s holding it back? Oh, maybe that frowny frog has something to do with it…
This was a fantastic book – not only did it have a lot of fun ways to interact, but it also had a great lesson about kindness and not losing one’s temper, which was unexpected and nice (most interactive books don’t really have a message, they’re just all in good fun). JJ got a lot of laughs out of the different activities, emotions, and ultra-bright, mega-colorful illustrations. The length was good, and it was a blast to read. We would absolutely recommend this one! Baby Bookworm approved!
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
November 7, 2023
The Happiest Book Ever by Bob Shea is about a smiling character trying to make everyone happy. There is only one problem: Frog. No matter what he does, the frog still won't smile. After the smiling character kicks the frog out of the book everything gets sad. This forces the smiling character to think about the words he uses. This book is a fantastic read for anyone of any age. The bright colors and interactive sections of the book make it an excellent choice for young listeners and readers. I thought that is book was fabulous!
November 3, 2016
This book most definitely accomplished its mission - I smiled and giggled as I read it. Very cute, bright, and fun little book, and even includes a nice message about not being mean to others. It also has some interactive elements, like when the reader is asked to shake the book, that I think would make it extra fun for young readers. This adult(ish) reader certainly enjoyed it!
November 14, 2016
First and most important: carrot cake is TOTALLY real cake, how dare you?
Second: I'm very glad this book went where it did, because I spent the whole first half going "Geez, not everybody smiles all the time what is your DAMAGE?" and then the book caught up with me.
Second: I'm very glad this book went where it did, because I spent the whole first half going "Geez, not everybody smiles all the time what is your DAMAGE?" and then the book caught up with me.
November 29, 2016
Seems like it would be a great read-aloud. This book begs the audience to be happy, answer questions, give the book a little shake, and oh did I mention how much toddlers and preschoolers will love the grumpy frog????
January 29, 2017
Nope. This just didn't do it for me. I am a fan of Shea's other books but this one seemed so frenetic. While the anti-meanness message was good, it otherwise lacked much story structure. Perhaps I am having a grumpy frog reaction to this book.
November 16, 2016
There was a lot going on in this book, but it was really fun. And there are terrible jokes in the back. Terrible! Just the way I like them.
December 30, 2016
A funny picture book with a gentle lesson. And frog jokes! Great for four- to- six-year-olds.
January 10, 2017
Cute, but the gag got old by the end. That frog is my spirit animal.
February 7, 2017
what a fun book! similar to the book with no pictures, interactive and fun illustrations
February 26, 2017
I feel awful being the frog in this scenario but I really didn't think this book was that inspiring or funny. I love Bob Shea's other books but just not this one.
February 23, 2019
Too weird in the wrong ways, in my humble opinion.
May 9, 2019
I found it boring and a bit plotless. Maybe a very small child would enjoy but even the art was lacking in my opinion.
April 20, 2018
Interactive books are one of those popular trends that are such a challenge for storytime. This one did well in a storytime on feelings, but there was a lot that the kids missed in the group setting. A one-on-one read would let them see all the silly details in the pictures. The group still had fun, though. Silly pictures, some interaction with the book to keep them engaged, plus all the silly voice and over-emoting that I did (it's a really good book for that!). The kids got a kick out of him still being the same throughout the whole book - though they did admit that balloons are indeed happy.
PS - Love the frog.
PPS - Carrot cake is totally real cake. You will never convince me otherwise. Unless it has raisins. Then it's a waste.
PS - Love the frog.
PPS - Carrot cake is totally real cake. You will never convince me otherwise. Unless it has raisins. Then it's a waste.
May 2, 2024
This book while simple is still effective at being entertaining. The book's interaction style captures children's interests paired with the bright-colored pages and mix of realism and cartoon-style imagery. Many moments reading the book I found myself thinking, "My class would laugh at this. My class would love this part". The language used, especially paired with the interactive nature of the book, is developmentally appropriate for young children. The book is written in a similar style to another classic, The Book Without Any Pictures. Due to the book being more audience-based and interactive, there isn't a defined protagonist or antagonist. This, however, does not take away from the story, as the reader feels like a character in the story instead. While the book is for entertainment, there is a theme of being kind to one another also in the story. The visuals and imagery of the book, specifically, light and color, also help tell the story as well. The use of gray and black in comparison with yellow, helps show the emotions of the narrator of the story.
Ultimately, this was a very fun, abstract book that will definitely capture the attention of many children.
Ultimately, this was a very fun, abstract book that will definitely capture the attention of many children.
October 20, 2025
Fun silly art of cutesy things meant to cheer you up. Like when you are feeling down or trying to mentally go away from a bad situation and think of something cute like a cute hopping bunny.
Narrated by a happy face with no outline. All the little characters are happy and cute except for the photo of a frog who just looks like frogs do. The narrator mistakes him as unhappy but then realized it was mean to throw him out for just looking like frogs look.
I agree- carrot cake isn't really cake. Lol
The cutesy things are things like hugs, good news, a present, napping cute kittys, and candy parade! All things in life that can cheer you up.
I especially liked the textured sparkly marshmallows that found a ladybug, and textured sparkly icing on the cake on the front cover.
Narrated by a happy face with no outline. All the little characters are happy and cute except for the photo of a frog who just looks like frogs do. The narrator mistakes him as unhappy but then realized it was mean to throw him out for just looking like frogs look.
I agree- carrot cake isn't really cake. Lol
The cutesy things are things like hugs, good news, a present, napping cute kittys, and candy parade! All things in life that can cheer you up.
I especially liked the textured sparkly marshmallows that found a ladybug, and textured sparkly icing on the cake on the front cover.
July 14, 2017
What a great book! I love the happy friends. And I really love that meanness is not rewarded, and that frog can be accepted just the way he is! Be sure to look for ALL of the happy things in the book, including on the jacket art!
This might be more enjoyable one-on-one or with a small group rather than a large story time, just because of the tiny illustrations and their tiny labels. However, the text is fun enough and can be read with so much enthusiasm that it can be fun for a big group. I could actually hear the giggles in my head... :)
This might be more enjoyable one-on-one or with a small group rather than a large story time, just because of the tiny illustrations and their tiny labels. However, the text is fun enough and can be read with so much enthusiasm that it can be fun for a big group. I could actually hear the giggles in my head... :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews