Happy Days: 365 Facts to Brighten Every Day of the Year by Emily Coxhead - #bookreview

 

1st January

When you smile, your body releases chemicals that will make you feel HAPPIER...

***

A wonderfully joyful book bursting with 365 happy facts to brighten every day of the year, from the much-loved creator of The Happy News.

Did you know that otters hold hands when they sleep or that a group of pugs is called a grumble? Discover this and much more in this joyful collection of happy facts, wholesome true stories and uplifting statistics for young readers to learn from and enjoy. Including adorable stories of animals and inspiring stories of humanity, and beautifully complemented by Emily Coxhead’s vibrant artwork, this is the perfect gift to enjoy each and every day for years to come.

***

This is delightful and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

The book is constructed in diary format so begins on the 1st of January and ends on the 31st of December. Each days entry has a happy fact attributed to it. For example todays is:

"the Dead Sea in the Middle East is SO SALTY that you cannot sink in it." 

There is something for both girls and boys in this book which will bring a little happiness to their day. If I had had this book when my children were young I would have shared each days entry with them over breakfast.

I can well imagine early readers enjoying finding these facts for themselves too. 

A few other facts from the book are:

"Cows have best friends.

Scotland has 421 words for snow, including feefle, snaw and skelf.

Some buildings in Hong Kong have large holes in them designed for dragons to fly through."

There really is something to appeal to all ages up to about eight years old in this book. It is beautifully illustrated by the author, and I heartily recommend it.

ISBN: 978 1529520866

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats:  Hardback

No. of Pages:  176 (hardback)

About the Author:

Emily Coxhead is a British designer, illustrator and happy thing maker! She is also a graduate of Manchester School of Art, and the founder, director, creator and promoter of The Happy Newspaper. Based in a small village in Lancashire, the simple aim of this entrepreneur is to make the world a happier place. 

The concept for The Happy Newspaper which was first published in December 2015 began as a small idea when Emily realised the effect that the news was having on her especially whilst she was going through a difficult time herself.

Testament to her success, in September 2018 Emily was featured in The Independent newspaper’s Happy List which acknowledges 50 inspirational heroes who do extraordinary things for others, and who deserve to be celebrated for their kindness, courage and selflessness.

(book courtesy of the publisher)

(author media courtesy of her website https://www.emilycoxhead.com/about)

(all opinions are my own)

The Rescue by S. L. Rosewarne - #BookReview #BlogTour

 

'She's very bright you know,' Pip said to everyone when I was little. He may have been biased, but it was still gratifying to have my intelligence acknowledged.

He still said it now, five years on; most recently on their wedding anniversary, when we had a day out to our favourite beach. A little boy mis-hit a tennis ball which landed nearby and bounced over to me. I stood guard over it, my eyes fixed on the boy as he ran over.

***

When terrier Moll’s owner dies, she is determined to protect his widow, Suki. And that means finding her anew man to care for her.

As Suki navigates grief, dating and men with baggage of their own, Moll tries gently to push her beloved owner to moving on with someone Moll has chosen, with a good sense of humour, a generous heart, and a steady supply of biscuits.

But Suki has a frustrating habit of doing things the way she wants, instead of Moll’s way. Until she meets Ted, who Moll adores almost as much as Suki does.

Ted, though, has demons of his own - so is he really the right choice for Suki?

With Moll getting older, and Suki still struggling, can this devoted pup fulfil her promise to look after her owner, before her time runs out?

A quirky tale of second chances, told through the eyes of woman’s best friend.

***

Dog lovers will adore this book which is narrated by the authors dog, Moll. She tells the story of her owner, Suki's experience as she steers her through a journey of love and loss en route to finding happiness again.

It is a heartfelt account of the routes upon which grief can send you. However, at times it is humorous, at other times it's poignant and at all times it is an enjoyable read.

The descriptive passages of Cornwall made me want to hop on a train and walk through its countryside with my own dog. However, he is elderly and riddled with arthritis and cannot walk far but I think he would strongly identify with Moll's ability to enjoy a good sniff.  Although I have visited Cornwall in the past, and it is indeed a beautiful county, reading this book has initiated my desire for a return visit.

The book contains a certain charm, and it's being narrated by Moll elevates the story. Whilst based on the author's own experiences, it is imaginatively constructed and well written. I am already looking forward to reading the author's next book, Lainy's Tail.

I defy anyone who reads this not to fall in love with this little bundle of canine intuition.

ISBN: 978 1912009343

Publisher: Compass Publishing UK

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages: 308

About the Author:

S. L. Rosewarne writes contemporary women’s fiction with an underlying theme which can be overcoming grief, second chances, how to live with anorexia, dealing with a problem rescue dog - everyday dilemmas that many of us face. 

She hopes that by sharing her experiences, wrapped up in characters that have grown from her imagination, you may laugh and cry with her, and enjoy reading how she overcome her dilemmas.

(author photo and bio information courtesy of the authors website)

(book courtesy of Rachel's Random Resource)