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The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley
Human beings live for quite a long time and for a lot of that time we are not happy. We want to be taller, shorter, fatter, thinner, older and younger. We want our straight hair to be curly, our curly hair to be straight and our brown eyes to be blue. We hate our parents, children, teachers, students and everybody. We want to be somewhere else with someone else, eating something else and wearing something fantastic no one else can afford, and we want to splash them as we drive by in our big red car.Rats live for quite a short time and for most of that time they are very, very happy...This laugh-out-loud picture book will appeal to people - and rats - of all ages. A truly unique picture book by Thompson and Lissiat presents life lessons with gentle humor and satire.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
3 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Colin Thompson
123 books123 followersSince he started writing and illustrating children's books in 1990, Colin Thompson has had more than 50 books published. He has received several awards, including an Aurealis Award for the novel HOW TO LIVE FOREVER and the CBC Picture Book of the Year in 2006 for THE SHORT AND INCREDIBLY HAPPY LIFE OF RILEY. He has been shortlisted for many other awards, including the Astrid Lindgren Award - the most prestigious children's literature prize in the world.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Colin lives in Bellingen, Australia. His books with Random House Australia include HOW TO LIVE FOREVER, numerous picture books, THE FLOODS series, THE DRAGONS series, THE BIG LITTLE BOOK OF HAPPY SADNESS picture book, which has been shortlisted for the 2009 Children’s Book Council Award for Best Picture Book, and FREE TO A GOOD HOME.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Colin lives in Bellingen, Australia. His books with Random House Australia include HOW TO LIVE FOREVER, numerous picture books, THE FLOODS series, THE DRAGONS series, THE BIG LITTLE BOOK OF HAPPY SADNESS picture book, which has been shortlisted for the 2009 Children’s Book Council Award for Best Picture Book, and FREE TO A GOOD HOME.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 27, 2012
This book came to me as an award-winner in the Children's Book Council of Australia awards. It's the tale of a rat juxtaposed with the lives of the men and women around him: Riley leads a perfectly happy and easy life while his human counterparts struggle through feeling too fat, too thin, too poor, too rich, etc.
The illustrations are quite grotesque and I don't think I would like them very much if I were young again. There's just a bit too much realism in them but doled out in dirt and technicolour. The story itself though is a good one and has an excellent message although the execution tends to get a bit heavy – chastisements aplenty for wanting more than you need, for never being satisfied with what you have. The irony, according to Thompson, is that people who spend their lives living unhappily in this cycle of fulfilling ever-growing wants usually live a long time, whereas Riley, perfectly happy with his simple existence, only lives for a very short time. Thompson's social agenda comes through clearly with his last line: "And the answer is very simple, really – you just have to be happy with a lot less." That's fine by me but I wouldn't want a young child to read this and feel guilty for living by a different philosophy. You can lead a horse to water, but …
The book appeals to me because I'm already part of the live-with-less congregation, but I think its message may well be lost on its target readers. Because, really, after reading such profound words and being amused by the crazy colours and textures of the pictures, kids will probably still jump at the chance to go get ice-cream and go shopping for a new toy. Unfortunately, one picture book can't change a social mindset.
The illustrations are quite grotesque and I don't think I would like them very much if I were young again. There's just a bit too much realism in them but doled out in dirt and technicolour. The story itself though is a good one and has an excellent message although the execution tends to get a bit heavy – chastisements aplenty for wanting more than you need, for never being satisfied with what you have. The irony, according to Thompson, is that people who spend their lives living unhappily in this cycle of fulfilling ever-growing wants usually live a long time, whereas Riley, perfectly happy with his simple existence, only lives for a very short time. Thompson's social agenda comes through clearly with his last line: "And the answer is very simple, really – you just have to be happy with a lot less." That's fine by me but I wouldn't want a young child to read this and feel guilty for living by a different philosophy. You can lead a horse to water, but …
The book appeals to me because I'm already part of the live-with-less congregation, but I think its message may well be lost on its target readers. Because, really, after reading such profound words and being amused by the crazy colours and textures of the pictures, kids will probably still jump at the chance to go get ice-cream and go shopping for a new toy. Unfortunately, one picture book can't change a social mindset.
November 11, 2020
This story could be the funniest way to say that less is MORE.
July 27, 2007
I immediately fell in love with this book (and Riley) when I first read it. I am pleased to learn that others have as well.
It's a laugh-out-loud picture book that uses Photoshop techniques along with quirky illustrations to explore the idea of how materialistic our society is by comparing the lives of humans to the lives of a rat.
This book cannot be described - at least by me - which means that you will all have to go out and buy a copy. Actually, once you read it, you may need to buy multiple copies for your family and friends.
I know I will.
Release Your Inner Riley!
It's a laugh-out-loud picture book that uses Photoshop techniques along with quirky illustrations to explore the idea of how materialistic our society is by comparing the lives of humans to the lives of a rat.
This book cannot be described - at least by me - which means that you will all have to go out and buy a copy. Actually, once you read it, you may need to buy multiple copies for your family and friends.
I know I will.
Release Your Inner Riley!
August 30, 2011
I think this book is a guide to happy living. Everyone should read it.
December 20, 2011
This is billed as a children's book, but I was very moved by the very adult message enough to ask for it for my birthday. My kids like it too, but on a different level than I do.
April 13, 2024
1 star
not appropriate for picture book age category
I found this book at my school library in the early fiction section.
The illustrations are gross and inappropriate for young readers. There's nudity and smoking.
It has a good story but again it's not appropriate for younger readers. The message is to appreciate life with less and talks about depression. Again, too dark and inappropriate for younger readers.
This story has not been delivered at an appropriate age level for early fiction or even junior fiction, leaving confusion as to who the target audience is. However, even if I was to find this in the adult section, the illustrations really didn't do it for me.
not appropriate for picture book age category
I found this book at my school library in the early fiction section.
The illustrations are gross and inappropriate for young readers. There's nudity and smoking.
It has a good story but again it's not appropriate for younger readers. The message is to appreciate life with less and talks about depression. Again, too dark and inappropriate for younger readers.
This story has not been delivered at an appropriate age level for early fiction or even junior fiction, leaving confusion as to who the target audience is. However, even if I was to find this in the adult section, the illustrations really didn't do it for me.
February 3, 2023
"Because realizing that rats have a better life than you do is really, really sad. . . Release your inner Riley."
I really don't feel that this is a kid's book. Nothing wrong with hopes and goals and dreams. But the adult message that so much of what we chase is superficial and feeds our self-absorption is a very good reminder.
I love this book.
I really don't feel that this is a kid's book. Nothing wrong with hopes and goals and dreams. But the adult message that so much of what we chase is superficial and feeds our self-absorption is a very good reminder.
I love this book.
July 1, 2017
Best. Picture. Book. Ever.
October 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. You can imagine yourself performing this and engaging the class. The message is very poignant and rings true in our current world.
April 29, 2020
The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley was interesting.
February 24, 2022
My favourite kids book!!!
September 17, 2023
Such an adorable read and a great lesson'
December 4, 2023
Great book! Great advice. Dislike the child angel smoking. Otherwise, pretty great.
December 30, 2019
Love it except for the fat shaming.
March 2, 2009
An Australian author and artist joined forces to bring us a book for our economically pinched times. In Colin Thompson and Amy Lissiat’s “The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley” we learn that rats have short but happy lives, they have everything they want, and more importantly they want everything they have. In contrast, people’s long lives are spent yearning for other, better things, places, and people. “…Realizing that rats have a better life than you do is really, really sad,” but reading this book is really, really funny. Adults may enjoy this picture book more than kids, but kids will definitely learn a lesson and laugh all the while. The illustrations are a bit gross, a little cheeky and quite hilarious, but beware; a naked tush is shown, as well as a cherub smoking a cigarette.
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October 3, 2010To be honest I had no idea how to rate or describe this book. It was crazy and defiantly did not seem like it was a children book! The pictures were weird and kinda bizarre. The story itself was a little nutty and the overall idea that it was presenting was very odd. It was basically saying that a rats like is better than a humans life. The book did of course show us some things that humans do tend to worry about that maybe they don't necessarily need to worry about. IT just has some very adults views about the world and situations but not particularly in a good way. It was just really weird. The first time I read it I laughed really hard at some parts, wanted to cry at others and then was was either weird ed out or mad at others. It brought out lots of emotions and once again not in a good way.
September 17, 2013
The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley by Colin Thompson is a reality check for adults and a great life lesson for kids. Less is more is the theme of the story. It's about a very happy, content rat named Riley who is just perfectly content with what he has, which is only what he needs. The story then contrasts the life of humans who are never happy and always want more, more, more.
The illustrations are unique, done in photoshop on an Apple Macintosh. The images of Riley are very bright and simple, whereas the images if humans are darker and they seem dirtier and rather unpleasant, which reflects the message conveyed by the text.
I
This book was a reality check for me- it just screamed "you have a great life so just be happy and stop worrying a out the small things". Read this to your kids. Just do it.
The illustrations are unique, done in photoshop on an Apple Macintosh. The images of Riley are very bright and simple, whereas the images if humans are darker and they seem dirtier and rather unpleasant, which reflects the message conveyed by the text.
I
This book was a reality check for me- it just screamed "you have a great life so just be happy and stop worrying a out the small things". Read this to your kids. Just do it.
May 1, 2009
I am not entirely sure this is really a children's book but....
The story line truly gets one thinking- too philosophical for kids (I think) and the pictures are not really appropriate for children (from my opinion).
However- from this adults perspective....the illustrations were GREAT!
it's sort of funny that I read this and am reading the Geography of happiness at the same time. In the geography of Happiness the author is trying to figure out what constitutes happiness for humans by visiting places around the world where people are supposed to be the happiest. In The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley it is clear that "human beings, on the other hand, are never happy." HUMMMMM...
This human being is going to vote.... happiness reigns suppreme! ;)
The story line truly gets one thinking- too philosophical for kids (I think) and the pictures are not really appropriate for children (from my opinion).
However- from this adults perspective....the illustrations were GREAT!
it's sort of funny that I read this and am reading the Geography of happiness at the same time. In the geography of Happiness the author is trying to figure out what constitutes happiness for humans by visiting places around the world where people are supposed to be the happiest. In The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley it is clear that "human beings, on the other hand, are never happy." HUMMMMM...
This human being is going to vote.... happiness reigns suppreme! ;)
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September 5, 2011I didn't particularly care for the author's editorial thoughts on "MSG" as I felt the book had a good message going and was enjoyable without his personal diatribe. Really, a beginning reader trying to pronounce MSG, give me a break and edit. I like the vermin idea, and kids like mice, rats,etc. just don't push the political message off on young minds, save it for your adult rant and raves with like-minded individuals. Some of these kids are glad to have food to eat, eat all their meals at school, and have no dinner at home. Think about that, they are grateful for food, even with MSG.
April 4, 2012
My ma gave me this book as a joke, but I do read it to my daughter because I love the life lessons in it. Learn to be happy with enough, with yourself as you are, and stop wasting your life yearning for what you don't have and who you aren't. If rats can do it, so can you.
The illustrations are kind of wonky, not my normal pick for a children's style of illustration but I feel like this book is more aimed at and more helpful for adults than children. If you are a parent, read it for yourself - it WILL help you to be a better parent!
The illustrations are kind of wonky, not my normal pick for a children's style of illustration but I feel like this book is more aimed at and more helpful for adults than children. If you are a parent, read it for yourself - it WILL help you to be a better parent!
May 19, 2010
Basically, the moral of the story is: be happy with less. A great picture book to read to children aged 5 or 6 and up who have been struck with the I-want-this-he-has-that-why-can't-I-have-life-is-no-fair-I-never-get-to-do-anything-fun. Also a great book for adults who have been struck by the-grass-is-greener phenomena and the she-has-it-so-I-must-have-it-because-it-will-finally-make-me-happy.
Read it. Read it now.
Read it. Read it now.
August 12, 2016
I first read this book when I was in high school. I loved it!! I agree with others in saying that the realism and undertones of the book would go right over a child's head but as a teenager this book spoke to me. I immediately loved Riley and the illustrations. I think that it has a great message and really causes the reader to think about how short life really is. Ten years later and I still remember this book fondly
September 21, 2012
I can't tell you how much I love this book! The essential message of this book is to be happy with what you have, and I think it's something a lot of people could learn (including me). I've used it in my classroom with my year 4's, but the message is quite complicated for them so requires some stopping and discussion. This is not a bad thing! The kids love the illustrations (particularly the one where you can see the guy's butt).
April 11, 2014
Really enjoyed reading this one to grade 5/6 today. They were really engaged in the story and started to become quite philosophical about why humans are perpetually discontented. This book compares the short, happy life of Riley the rat to the long, and often unhappy, lives of humans. As usual, the illustrations were marvellous - and a little cheeky. It made us think, 'what have we got to complain about'? I continue to love Colin Thompson...
January 26, 2008
If you have five minutes, and need a quick reminder of what some of the most basic virtues in life are, this is the book for you. Supposedly a young child's book, I think that adults caught up in the American "rat race" can benefit the most from this book.
Riley the rat has it all figured out and can help you see the beauty in a simple life can ironically pay a great bit in happiness.
Riley the rat has it all figured out and can help you see the beauty in a simple life can ironically pay a great bit in happiness.
October 14, 2011
This book is about being content. My kids were a little confused about this book. Maybe for upper elementary students it would make more sense. Rats do not have high expectations so rats are happy. Humans have high expectations and are often disappointed and saddened by their disappointments. If we were more content, we could be happier.
August 28, 2011
Wouldn't it be nice to be as easily pleased with life as Riley? The book incorporates the facimilies of famous art to illustrate our disconent which adds an interesting twist. I am not sure I would read this to a younger audience.
May 3, 2016
Another book like "A Rat in a Stripy Sock". It has the same message but is a little bit darker, and more critical of human beings. Still, it is true. There are rats that have happier lives than some humans.
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October 31, 2007Life is better simple...no news there, but a really fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews