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150 Happy Facts by The Happy Broadcast
From the creators of the incredibly popular social channel, The Happy Broadcast , comes an illustrated book packed with 150 wholesome, positive facts for kids to learn from and enjoy.
Did you know that giraffe populations in Africa have rebounded by 20 percent since 2015? Or that researchers are looking into a mustard-based fuel (yes, like the stuff on hamburgers!) for airplanes? And have you ever heard of something called "pee-cycling?"
With so much negative news in the mainstream media, it is often easy to forget that there are countless amazingly positive things happening in our world. That is why Mauro Gatti, an Emmy award-winning creator and illustrator, started The Happy Broadcast in 2018 as an Instagram channel focused on surfacing some of the positive actors in our world who are driving change in areas like the environment, animal rights, social justice, and more. Science shows that a positive outlook greatly improves mental health, and The Happy Broadcast has become a movement to ensure that in the world of news, positivity wins out! The book includes over 150 illustrated news items that kids are sure to enjoy.
In 150 Happy Facts by The Happy Broadcast, you'll read all about 150 happy and anxiety-free facts like the ones above. Topics include animals, mental health, sports, and more! Each happy fact is illustrated by award-winning artist Mauro Gatti and accompanied by informative text that has been vetted by experts. This is a great nonfiction book for kids, or anyone who needs a little good news in their life.
Did you know that giraffe populations in Africa have rebounded by 20 percent since 2015? Or that researchers are looking into a mustard-based fuel (yes, like the stuff on hamburgers!) for airplanes? And have you ever heard of something called "pee-cycling?"
With so much negative news in the mainstream media, it is often easy to forget that there are countless amazingly positive things happening in our world. That is why Mauro Gatti, an Emmy award-winning creator and illustrator, started The Happy Broadcast in 2018 as an Instagram channel focused on surfacing some of the positive actors in our world who are driving change in areas like the environment, animal rights, social justice, and more. Science shows that a positive outlook greatly improves mental health, and The Happy Broadcast has become a movement to ensure that in the world of news, positivity wins out! The book includes over 150 illustrated news items that kids are sure to enjoy.
In 150 Happy Facts by The Happy Broadcast, you'll read all about 150 happy and anxiety-free facts like the ones above. Topics include animals, mental health, sports, and more! Each happy fact is illustrated by award-winning artist Mauro Gatti and accompanied by informative text that has been vetted by experts. This is a great nonfiction book for kids, or anyone who needs a little good news in their life.
- GenresNonfictionJuvenile
176 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 19, 2022
In a Nutshell: A happy and hopeful book for kids (and adults) who want to have more cheer in their lives. Fab intent, good quality content.
All of us know that the media (traditional or digital) likes to bombard us with panic-inducing news and clickbait headlines. In this day and age, where mental health also gets affected due to our being constantly surrounded by negativity, even little efforts to spread more happiness in people’s lives are necessary and worth appreciating. That’s where such books come in. As the title indicates, this is a compilation of 150 happy facts from the last few years.
Illustrator Mauro Gatti created ‘The Happy Broadcast’ (THB) in 2018 after being fed up of the media focus being only on worrisome events. He began to draw good news and share it on social media. The reach and impact of his little attempt was much beyond his dreams. One of his fans, Keith Bonnici, collaborated with Gatti to enhance the scope of THB even further. This book is a result of both their efforts.
The 150 facts in this book range from environment-friendly laws, to animal conservation efforts, to acknowledgment of previously ignored issues such as mental health or menstrual pain, to reduction of garbage, and a lot more. Each fact is presented in a fixed format – a cute illustration at the top of the page, the fact in a brief headline-style snippet, and 1-2 paragraphs detailing the fact. After having recently read 'The Forest Keeper– The True Story of Jadav Payeng', I was happy to see his story mentioned in this book too, though I was not satisfied with the illustration that accompanied it – Jadav wasn’t a hat-and-trousers-wearing westerner.
The facts are definitely as wholesome as the book promises, and will surely be mood-enhancers for kids. (The book is aimed at readers aged 7-12 years.) Adults will also enjoy the content. After all, we too have a great need for a glimmer of hope in our lives. Of course, some adults (such as grumpy moi) might be a bit too picky about some of the inclusions. It was a stretch to call them ‘happy facts’ because they were only stating plans and intentions than what has already taken place. If only intentions were good enough, the planet wouldn’t be in the dire situation it is right now. Some of the details in the explanation even ended up shocking me. Like, it mentioned that in the US, up to 40% of the food ends up in landfills. What?!?!!? Why?!??!
My Indian heart was amused to see that some of the happy changes are related to what we have been following in India since ages. We hardly ever waste food, we don’t rush to buy new electronics the minute our current device/appliance has stopped working, we repair things until they can no longer be salvaged, we’ve always been more plant-oriented in our diets, and we’ve recycled since even before the trend became popular. Of course, globalisation has resulted in the younger generation turning towards the Western use-and-throw culture. I hope we return to our roots because our ways were and are (with a few exceptions) among the safest for the planet.
(Let me also add that we have our own version of THB. 'The Better India' was founded in 2009—nine years before THB!—to focus on positive stories springing from our country.)
Enough of India. Back to this book!
The illustrations are really cute and the vibrant colours serve well to add a further pop of happiness to the content.
Overall, this book does achieve what it set out to do – spread hope and positivity in the hearts of its readers. I hope it spurs not just happiness but also a willingness to change habits for the betterment of the earth. A happy planet leads to happy people – not the other way around.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “150 Happy Facts by The Happy Broadcast”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
All of us know that the media (traditional or digital) likes to bombard us with panic-inducing news and clickbait headlines. In this day and age, where mental health also gets affected due to our being constantly surrounded by negativity, even little efforts to spread more happiness in people’s lives are necessary and worth appreciating. That’s where such books come in. As the title indicates, this is a compilation of 150 happy facts from the last few years.
Illustrator Mauro Gatti created ‘The Happy Broadcast’ (THB) in 2018 after being fed up of the media focus being only on worrisome events. He began to draw good news and share it on social media. The reach and impact of his little attempt was much beyond his dreams. One of his fans, Keith Bonnici, collaborated with Gatti to enhance the scope of THB even further. This book is a result of both their efforts.
The 150 facts in this book range from environment-friendly laws, to animal conservation efforts, to acknowledgment of previously ignored issues such as mental health or menstrual pain, to reduction of garbage, and a lot more. Each fact is presented in a fixed format – a cute illustration at the top of the page, the fact in a brief headline-style snippet, and 1-2 paragraphs detailing the fact. After having recently read 'The Forest Keeper– The True Story of Jadav Payeng', I was happy to see his story mentioned in this book too, though I was not satisfied with the illustration that accompanied it – Jadav wasn’t a hat-and-trousers-wearing westerner.
The facts are definitely as wholesome as the book promises, and will surely be mood-enhancers for kids. (The book is aimed at readers aged 7-12 years.) Adults will also enjoy the content. After all, we too have a great need for a glimmer of hope in our lives. Of course, some adults (such as grumpy moi) might be a bit too picky about some of the inclusions. It was a stretch to call them ‘happy facts’ because they were only stating plans and intentions than what has already taken place. If only intentions were good enough, the planet wouldn’t be in the dire situation it is right now. Some of the details in the explanation even ended up shocking me. Like, it mentioned that in the US, up to 40% of the food ends up in landfills. What?!?!!? Why?!??!
My Indian heart was amused to see that some of the happy changes are related to what we have been following in India since ages. We hardly ever waste food, we don’t rush to buy new electronics the minute our current device/appliance has stopped working, we repair things until they can no longer be salvaged, we’ve always been more plant-oriented in our diets, and we’ve recycled since even before the trend became popular. Of course, globalisation has resulted in the younger generation turning towards the Western use-and-throw culture. I hope we return to our roots because our ways were and are (with a few exceptions) among the safest for the planet.
(Let me also add that we have our own version of THB. 'The Better India' was founded in 2009—nine years before THB!—to focus on positive stories springing from our country.)
Enough of India. Back to this book!
The illustrations are really cute and the vibrant colours serve well to add a further pop of happiness to the content.
Overall, this book does achieve what it set out to do – spread hope and positivity in the hearts of its readers. I hope it spurs not just happiness but also a willingness to change habits for the betterment of the earth. A happy planet leads to happy people – not the other way around.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “150 Happy Facts by The Happy Broadcast”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
April 16, 2023
Lol this book didn't make me happy.
I've never heard of The Happy Broadcast but was drawn by the cute (and misleading?) cover. I was expecting a feel-good read but it just felt like lots of dull facts being shoved down my throat. Most of the facts are environmental in nature but I wanted human-interest stories about people, everyday acts of kindness and the like. If I wanted to read about climate change and global warning, I would visit news websites.
I suppose, in a way, this book is like a collection of news headlines but many of the facts feel paper-thin. They are nice to know but I don't find them particularly relevant, especially for where I live. Nothing fantastic about the art either.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for the Netgalley ARC.
I've never heard of The Happy Broadcast but was drawn by the cute (and misleading?) cover. I was expecting a feel-good read but it just felt like lots of dull facts being shoved down my throat. Most of the facts are environmental in nature but I wanted human-interest stories about people, everyday acts of kindness and the like. If I wanted to read about climate change and global warning, I would visit news websites.
I suppose, in a way, this book is like a collection of news headlines but many of the facts feel paper-thin. They are nice to know but I don't find them particularly relevant, especially for where I live. Nothing fantastic about the art either.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for the Netgalley ARC.
September 29, 2022
This is a brightly colored and fun filled fact book that channels positivity and a desire to seek more about the various subjects it covers. This would make for a great book to have at the dinner table and read an encouraging fact or two that also could spur new conversations and learning.
October 3, 2022
A hundred and fifty things for the young mind to find edifying, positive, forward-looking and/or charming. It's not the frivolous, man-up-a-tree-saved-by-cat flummery of the "and finally…" brigade, rather it's concerned with our well-being, our green tech being a success, things that turn our current thinking on the head, and so on. The bad news is that any adult will get to scoff at this and doubt too much about it.
Yes, we get a decent cartoon image, and a headline, and two paragraphs about the good news, for each of the entries. A drone service toting defibs across Scandinavia is stunningly welcome, if you're ten minutes away from both a drone and a defib operator, that is. But where is the source for all of this – and how current is it? Scotland will get this carbon sink – when? Is one good year for the Great Barrier Reef really enough to counter three bad years? And how can we keep a straight face when the idea behind cat yoga is that they share the classroom to "absorb negative energy"?! (Is that why they lift their tail and stick their you-know-whats in the air?)
I'm on board for a lot of this – given something that verifies and sources it all. I can do without the more snowflake ideas, like kids having meditation instead of a slap when they play up, and Scottish kids being reassured by Janette Krankie that Santa will be exempt from Covid lockdown rules when doing his night of work. Part of me loves the way forest bathing and prescribing public park use (Canada, no less) or wetland visits (in London) is just a step away from Nazi ideas of the sanatorium.
What I'm not on board with is the wokeness here, and when "people with a uterus" turned up, well – larger hills have been climbed, but not many. To be fair this is nowhere near as cringeworthy as I feared, and browsed in short chunks is going to be a positive little article, for all its language-mangling.
Yes, we get a decent cartoon image, and a headline, and two paragraphs about the good news, for each of the entries. A drone service toting defibs across Scandinavia is stunningly welcome, if you're ten minutes away from both a drone and a defib operator, that is. But where is the source for all of this – and how current is it? Scotland will get this carbon sink – when? Is one good year for the Great Barrier Reef really enough to counter three bad years? And how can we keep a straight face when the idea behind cat yoga is that they share the classroom to "absorb negative energy"?! (Is that why they lift their tail and stick their you-know-whats in the air?)
I'm on board for a lot of this – given something that verifies and sources it all. I can do without the more snowflake ideas, like kids having meditation instead of a slap when they play up, and Scottish kids being reassured by Janette Krankie that Santa will be exempt from Covid lockdown rules when doing his night of work. Part of me loves the way forest bathing and prescribing public park use (Canada, no less) or wetland visits (in London) is just a step away from Nazi ideas of the sanatorium.
What I'm not on board with is the wokeness here, and when "people with a uterus" turned up, well – larger hills have been climbed, but not many. To be fair this is nowhere near as cringeworthy as I feared, and browsed in short chunks is going to be a positive little article, for all its language-mangling.
September 25, 2022
In 150 happy facts they have… Well happy facts. So many things in this book made me smile with the exception of the fact that 10 minor countries use reusable fuel in America still uses the same old or KX system. I did love the pet dating app and thought that was so cute I also love the story of the 16-year-old boy in India who planted a tree every day and now has a forest 40 years later. I also thought the guy in Tuscany who wanted to stop fisherman using nets close to the coast made a marble statue museum underwater that was brilliant! There’s so many great things in this book I could go on and on but the best thing I learned is not only is happy fax a podcast they also have an app called Whole which science backed games that improve your mood and they also have the website at www. GetWhole.com with more great stories on it. I think my favorite thing in the book though was that whales play it’s a tree for every baby born and give them a certificate for helping the world. I thought that was not only adorable but helpful to the environment and a great contribution. I absolutely loved this book and have started downloading episodes of the happy podcast and can’t wait to listen. I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
September 18, 2022
*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest review :) *
this book made me smile on the inside.
for the perfect pick me up or if you want to gift someone something that will make your day, “150 facts by The Happy Broadcast” is the perfect solution <3
this book is for those days when you feel stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated and just overall down with either the world or your current reality—this book provides you with facts that are happening RIGHT NOW or has already happened that is making or currently made the world a better place.
it has facts that shows that our progressive efforts haven’t gone to waste and that the world is fixing itself and moving towards a better future! our future is bright but our present isn’t too dull either (thanks for the reminder)!
eat your blueberries, read more and spend some time in nature y'all (thank me later lol)
5/5 stars (the illustrations are cute and beautiful)
this book made me smile on the inside.
for the perfect pick me up or if you want to gift someone something that will make your day, “150 facts by The Happy Broadcast” is the perfect solution <3
this book is for those days when you feel stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated and just overall down with either the world or your current reality—this book provides you with facts that are happening RIGHT NOW or has already happened that is making or currently made the world a better place.
it has facts that shows that our progressive efforts haven’t gone to waste and that the world is fixing itself and moving towards a better future! our future is bright but our present isn’t too dull either (thanks for the reminder)!
eat your blueberries, read more and spend some time in nature y'all (thank me later lol)
5/5 stars (the illustrations are cute and beautiful)
January 12, 2023
This book is one adorable hit of happy hormones after another. I defy anyone to look through this book and not walk away with a massive hit of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
Everything from the environment to health to animals and more gets included in this listing of good news and positivity. It was a delight to read about the things being done worldwide to help heal the world and the people in it, not to mention the cute illustrations that accompany each happy fact.
My one tiny gripe would be that I would have loved a way to get some more information on the organizations and people discussed. I get why it's not included in the brief summaries, but maybe a quick list of URLs or a QR code that takes you to a website with those URLs. I get that I can just look things up online, but making it easier would have been the pièce de résistance to make this book perfect.
Everything from the environment to health to animals and more gets included in this listing of good news and positivity. It was a delight to read about the things being done worldwide to help heal the world and the people in it, not to mention the cute illustrations that accompany each happy fact.
My one tiny gripe would be that I would have loved a way to get some more information on the organizations and people discussed. I get why it's not included in the brief summaries, but maybe a quick list of URLs or a QR code that takes you to a website with those URLs. I get that I can just look things up online, but making it easier would have been the pièce de résistance to make this book perfect.
March 15, 2023
This book features 150 happy and inspiring facts that celebrate the best of humanity and the natural world. These facts are presented in a fun and engaging way that will captivate young readers and encourage them to think positively about the world around them. The colorful and playful illustrations by Keith Bonnici complement the content perfectly. It's a great resource for parents and educators looking to introduce young children to positive news and inspiring stories.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 14, 2022
These really are some happy facts! I feel myself grinning wider and wider as I flip the pages. Being from a country riddled with war, famine, pestilence and death right now (AKA Myanmar) I get so down in the dumps even when I'm doing nothing. Of course, you don't need to check the news to see how awful things are. This book was an escape for me and yet it is non fiction so it brought me joy in a way that reassures me: somewhere, somehow, things are still going pretty great. I'll be taking some time to immerse myself in this in another re-read. Thanks for the arc, Netgalley.
September 23, 2022
An informative and endearing book!
I believe that 150 Happy Facts is not just a children's book, but that it is perfect for all ages. It reminds us that there are good people doing great things in the world, that nature helps us heal and feel better, and that we all have something to contribute to make our world a better place.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC copy, read in exchange for an honest review.
I believe that 150 Happy Facts is not just a children's book, but that it is perfect for all ages. It reminds us that there are good people doing great things in the world, that nature helps us heal and feel better, and that we all have something to contribute to make our world a better place.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC copy, read in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2022
Such a happy book! This is a fun book full of very interesting fact and tidbits. I am using it for my daily think at school and my students are enjoying it. If you are on the fence about this book, don’t be. Get it. You.l be happy you did. I was given this ARC by #NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 12, 2022
Love, love all the bright colours! The happy facts weren't exactly what I was expecting - it feels very political and agenda-esk - I was expecting more generalised facts, rather than current events (I hadn't heard of the authors and didn't know their line of work).. still a nice book. The pages really pop.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
150 Facts by The Happy Broadcast is a heartwarming book that reminds us of the good in the world. I downloaded the app after finishing the book to continue the good vibes.
The book did it's job and I do feel better about our future and planet
150 Facts by The Happy Broadcast is a heartwarming book that reminds us of the good in the world. I downloaded the app after finishing the book to continue the good vibes.
The book did it's job and I do feel better about our future and planet
January 10, 2023
Thanks to Edelwiess+ for providing an ARC of this book.
150 Happy Facts delivers positivity in a fun, engaging way for both adults and children! Adorable illustrations accompany each fact about happy and exciting things that are happening (or have happened) around the world. What a fun read!
150 Happy Facts delivers positivity in a fun, engaging way for both adults and children! Adorable illustrations accompany each fact about happy and exciting things that are happening (or have happened) around the world. What a fun read!
December 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this, I keep going back to this book. The artwork and content is everything I needed.
February 25, 2023
I found myself smiling (even though I had been in quite a foul mood) while reading this book. What a wonderful collection of happy facts! I hope there are many more books like this!
March 13, 2023
Read with my sisters children and they love it
June 24, 2023
Interesting book, not sure kid would enjoy it but an older kid like me did like it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews