Striped Pears and Polka Dots: The Art of Being Happy

by Kirsten Sevig

A portable “happy place” of whimsical illustrations  Kirsten Sevig’s Instagram fans―100,000 strong and counting―have been clamoring for a book of her art. She paints rainbow-colored rooftops, striped pears, birds in hats, teacups, cats, and more―all drawn to bring joy to anyone who views them. When the weather is rainy and gray, Sevig paints herself some sunshine. When she feels sad, she paints something colorful to cheer herself up; when anxious, something soothing and repetitive; when overwhelmed, she makes a series of small decisions about what to put on the page and begins to feel empowered. In Striped Pears and Polka Dots , Sevig invites readers into her cozy, sunny world of snail mail, patterned socks and knitted sweaters, ice cream and flaky croissants, and dachshunds in sweaters. This perfect gift book will inspire readers to look around and notice all the little happy-makers that surround them in their daily lives. Color illustrations throughout

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Graphic Novels, Inspirational

128 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2017

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is akin to an injection of happiness, particularly if you like whimsical drawings, bright colors, and any combination of llamas, goats, bicycles, flowers, cacti, etc. I've loved following Kirsten Sevig's drawings on Instagram over the years, and was delighted to delve into her tiny new book, featuring not only her drawings on every page but also small, significant insights into her struggles with anxiety and depression and how she copes with them using art and advice from her therapist to find joy in the small things in life. I recommend adding this beautiful little gem of a book to the shelves of anyone who needs a pick-me-up once in a while (and who doesn't?)

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute as a bird in a beret

This is a happy, colorful, whimsical little book that will make you 😃 smile. I loved it and will carry it around so I can crack it open again whenever I have a grumpiness emergency. Striped pears will pull me out of any bad mood.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for watercolor artists looking for inspirational doodles. There’s no techniques explained but a lot of ideas. Author’s color pallet is wonderful. I can’t wait to try and practice some of the fun things she has in this book. Especially love the chicken, cats in chairs, teapots, and all the different flowers. This is a good book to use to practice different watercolor techniques on super fun subjects. Ordering 2 more for my art friends right now!!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing more than what it says it is and it’s inspiring, because It’s a charmingly illustrated collection of things the author finds make her happy. We all should have such a list and devote time to curating it.

[Jocelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute little book. The illustrations were really sweet.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this more stars if I could. This book is full to the brim with beautiful art and genuine sentiment. Absolutely lovely!

[Megsbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are super sick you need something that makes you happy and this little pocket of sunshine is literally The Art of Being Happy! If you need a little happiness @kirstensevig delivers in Striped Pears and Polka Dots!

[Noora · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would've given it a three-star rating if there were more of the advice that worked for her and less of recipes and the scratching the surface stuff. I liked reading all those insightful experiences but alas there were very few of them' in my opinion not enough to make a book. I think it was hurried and premature. I loved all the artwork in the book and consider it the main reason why I gave this "book" an I-like-it rating.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I close a book's back cover and realize that I've underlined numerous passages, marked inspirational quotes and written down my own ways to fulfill a particular insight the book has sparked...I can't wait to share its glory. But I also can't bear to hand over that gem. The pages are adorned with feel-good illustrations and lines of great thought provoking words. If you find a copy of this teeny book...give it a read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsical musings of an artist accompanied by sweet, colorful illustrations are treats to the eye. A few entries are a little more serious but always positive. "It had never occurred to me that I could become more resilient with practice...learning this made me more emboldened to try, because even if I failed, it would help me become more resilient."

[Brittany Van horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this artist and all her little nuggets of truth

[Martha Burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute illustrations.

[Cassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheerful

Beautiful in its simplicity, delightful drawings, kind and warm words. I didn’t want it to end, and know I’ll go back again and again.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kirsten Sevig is a beautiful artist. It is fun to look at her work. In this book, she features some of her work along with various snippets of information and inspiration.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one A LOT, a very cheerful book

[Lastoadri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming book.. i loved it.. I particularly enjoyed the drawings..

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected bookstore find. Such a cute little colorful book! Gave me a reminder to look around appreciate what is & what can be.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cutest little book, filled with delightfully colorful artwork, as well as hedgehogs, dapper dachshunds, lady bugs, rain boots, llamas, hats, goats, and so much more that just makes you feel smile.

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another of those tiny, beautiful inspiration books I love.

[Catherine Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable, cheerful book. I mean to return to it again when I need a boost. Fun art. The recipes weren't to my taste but everything else was lovely.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring book with cute watercolor art. A great little happy read :)

[enyanyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it! A deceptively small, happy book with gorgeous drawings. Loved the bits of advice and the recipes. Off now to make a cup of Kirsten's friend's chai!

[Zuzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, up lifting, funny

[Sharon]

The illustrations are beautiful & it was a whimsical & fun little book to flip through & collect snippets of joy. 🍐

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and every page is a lovely reminder to enjoy the simple things in life.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute book and I loved the art. The written parts of this book were also cute but there wasn’t too much there but all in all it was really enjoyable to read and to look at the art.

[Michelle]

This book is too short to count in my books read this year, honestly not much content but the illustrations are really cute.