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This new addition to Emma Dodd’s much-loved sequence of animal books features a tenderly composed rhyming text, heartwarming illustrations, and flurries of foil throughout. Exploring the loving relationship between one little owl and his mommy, this beautifully designed, padded picture book is certain to become a bedtime favorite.

24 pages, Hardcover

First published December 8, 2015

4 people are currently reading
163 people want to read

About the author

Emma Dodd

311 books143 followers
Emma Dodd Author/Illustrator

Emma was brought up in Guildford, Surrey, in a family of artists and from as far back as she can remember she has wanted to be an illustrator.
Emma studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Central Saint Martin's School of Art and has worked extensively in advertising, editorial and book illustration.
She was nominated for the Booktrust Early Years Award in 2006 for her book "What Pet to Get" and in 2009 for "Miaow said the Cow"
Emma lives in Surrey with her husband and two children, who provide inspiration for her work, and their Jack Russel Terrier, Bart, who keeps her fit. She likes to spend any spare time in North Cornwall, surfing and walking in all weathers.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
230 (38%)
4 stars
239 (40%)
3 stars
115 (19%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Kirstie Ellen.
885 reviews127 followers
August 13, 2021
Happy is a sweet board book that will warm the cockles of your heart. This is a book I've since passed on to my sister who is expecting her first and the lovely message in this book brought tears to our eyes. This cute story about a mamma owl and a baby owl tells the story of how happy it makes the mamma to see her baby happy. This is sure to bring a smile to your face!

Not only that, but the plush pillowing of the front cover and the foiled details make this visually stunning and keep you touching the book and wanting to pick it up!

Thank you so much for Allen & Unwin for a copy of this beautiful edition for review
Profile Image for W. Mike.
12 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2019
Simple rhymes that should make anyone happy. The colored drawing are nice. Young children will love it.
Profile Image for Paul.
996 reviews17 followers
September 30, 2023
A heartwarming little book, perfect for cuddles with Imogen.
Profile Image for winda.
357 reviews14 followers
February 7, 2017
and when you are not happy and the sky seems rather grey. I'll do my very best to chase the gloomy clouds away.
I love it when you cuddle close and whisper, "I love you" and
I am happiest of all..when you are happy too


love the illustrations, soo cuteee especially the last two pages
Profile Image for Sarah.
141 reviews
August 5, 2019
Beautiful gold foil accents add a special touch to the cute pictures of a baby owl and its parent. The story is simple but sweet and has been a lovely bedtime read with my 2.5 year old son over the last couple of weeks.
Profile Image for Tayler K.
999 reviews47 followers
October 13, 2017
This book is GORGEOUS. I saw it during check-in and had to check out to myself so I could take it all in. The story is told in the voice of the momma owl talking to her little chick. The text is beautiful (and for some reason made me a little sad) but the real star is the art. The illustrations are nicely textured and the colors are varied without being overstimulating. The super most exciting part for me though was the gold foil on the front cover and every other spread! It's so stunning. Even the endpapers, a plain solid color, are a lovely shade of forest/pine green that ties in well with rest of the book. I feel the need to buy this. I would love to wallpaper a room in these illustrations. I'm in love.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,422 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2018
This book made me...well...Happy. With beautiful illustrations and shiny gold embellishments, it's a pretty book to look at. But never one to judge a book by it's cover (though exceptions can be made in children's books) the little rhyme about a parent owl and a child owl made me smile. This is a simple sweet book about feelings, but not overly gushing. And I like that it acknowledges that sometimes we just aren't happy and that's okay. This will not be the only book from Emma Dodd we read.
Profile Image for Ashley Adkins.
310 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2018
I bought this board book as a baby shower gift and absolutely love it. The text is short, simple, and accurately portrays how I feel as a parent. The illustrations use warm and inviting colors to show the relationship between parent and child. Good emotional read for adult and baby. Would recommend for a baby gift.
Profile Image for Sandie.
588 reviews14 followers
September 23, 2025
this might be my favorite juvenile book series.

I am continuously delighted with the illustrations and messages that she places in each of these books. Each book is so sweet and beautiful.

I feel like this series sends a strong message on parental figures loving the child no matter what and just very positive vibes throughout.
Profile Image for Kelly.
307 reviews
September 21, 2018
Picture books about owls are one of my favorite kinds of books. I loved this cheery, inspiring book about how a little one's happiness makes their parents happy, too! I also enjoyed the gold-accented illustrations.
Profile Image for Tiffany May Ross.
121 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2019
I think I have this one memorized by now ❤️. Dodd conveys big truths, that every mother can identify with, in a brilliant, poetic, simplicity... which my three year old is able to contemplate. This is not an easy fast. I love reading this aloud at bedtime.
Profile Image for Nadina.
3,209 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2020
This was really simple and also really pretty. I loved the gold that alternated on every page. The text was simple and it was quite a lovely story. I loved the message. Definitely seems like a lovely read aloud for young kids.
It makes me want to check out the rest of the series.
Profile Image for James.
896 reviews22 followers
Read
November 10, 2024
A delightfully illustrated story about a mother owl and her baby and how happy the mother owl is when her baby is happy. The sweet illustrations and message about happiness is sure to delight both parents and child.
Profile Image for L.A. James.
Author 2 books38 followers
February 21, 2017
The foil is what really made the book for me. I think it really adds to the illustrations.
Profile Image for Adrienne.
2,085 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2017
My kids really enjoyed the illustrations and wanted to touch all of the pretty gold parts of each spread. A sweet book.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,197 reviews
May 11, 2018
Cass and Xander's favorite new picture book
Profile Image for Karla.
1,668 reviews15 followers
March 5, 2019
Adorable
Endearing


Loved it
Profile Image for Sarah Newman.
1,292 reviews7 followers
May 22, 2019
This is a very sweet book, with absolutely gorgeous illustrations. I read it six times in a row for the smol this evening.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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