Happy Right Now is one of those books you need to be “in the mood” for. Its sweet sentiment can actually be overly sweet or just the right amount of sweet depending on how you are feeling. If you are in a “bad mood” this book could make things better by helping you practice the “live in the moment” message. And your mood will improve, and you should become a big fan of the story. However, if you are in that “nothing can make it better mood” (that is mentioned at the end) then this is really over-the-top and could probably make you not a fan.
Julie Berry’s story is fairly straight forward because of this little wiggle room format. Our heroine dancing about the pages, poetically saying how they could be “sad”, or how they could be “happy” instead. It is all how you look at it when you just take a break and breathe.
The illustrations are connected, but they do not flow in a traditional connection manner. This works well for the theme. Each page is its own affirmation of sorts. Holly Hatam keeps with the sweet theme with colors that are bright, lines that are strong, but also not boxy. It is a cozy look on each page. We move along with our narrator effortlessly, learning the lessons they provide. They also allow themselves to be interpreted anyway you wish and make up your own story.
Ages 4 to 8 are probably the best audience, but I could see this as an adult gift (get well, having a rough time, or even just a birthday gift for that person who is a bit perky). Also, mostly likely best read as a one-on-one read and not a larger group.