The Boy Who Illustrated Happiness
In the inspiring picture book The Boy Who Illustrated Happiness, a boy builds a global community based on the shared values of inclusivity, sharing, and connection.
In Victor D. O. Santos’s colorful picture book The Boy Who Illustrated Happiness, a boy creates a happiness club for people of all races, languages, and backgrounds to join and make the world a better place.
Ben loves to draw, regardless of where he is or what he is supposed to be doing. His drawings make him happy; they also bring happiness to the lives of others. This gives him an idea that leads to the creation of the Happiness Club, whose members are dedicated to making at least one club member happy every day.
One member, Tina, spreads happiness through her origami shapes; another, Lucas, shares his love of music to make people happy. The Club soon grows to include millions of members from every country in the world. As Ben grows older, he makes people happy through his work as a children’s book illustrator; he puts a special message on the last page of every book that he illustrates.
The detailed illustrations show Ben’s creative process, art, and daily encounters with his family and friends; these fill the pages with color and activity. Their bright, clear images complement the story well.
With its heartwarming message about individuals’ power to change the world in remarkable ways, the book moves through Ben’s adventures at an engaging pace. It suggests that each person has talent that can be used to bring joy to strangers and friends. Its language is accessible without oversimplifying its sparkling ideas.
In the inspiring picture book The Boy Who Illustrated Happiness, a boy builds a global community based on the shared values of inclusivity, sharing, and connection.
Reviewed by
Klay Dyer
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
