School Library Journal Starred Review
(Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)
PreS-Gr 1 This lovely volume features 100 everyday objects and activities from a child's world that elicit pleasure. In rhyming couplets, the list ranges from "bucket trucks/yellow ducks," "flip-flops/lollipops," and "mud puddles/soap bubbles" to "polka dots/forget-me-nots," "pony rides/shiny slides," and "braids/parades." A sample spread reads "fuzzy sweaters/long letters/ slippery floors/dinosaurs/comfy chair/county fair." Each of the rhymes is accompanied by a delightful illustration featuring a diverse cast of characters. The book jacket doubles as a poster featuring smaller-size illustrations of all 100 happy things on the reverse side. A fun, engaging read. Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH
ALA Booklist
(Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)
Schwartz's distinctive pictures in brilliant colors would make anyone happy. In this oversize picture book, she offers exhilarating activities in rhyme and joyful art. The active youngsters show 100 things that please them most: red socks and building blocks, flip-flops and lollipops, shiny slides and pony rides. Diverse children of all shapes and sizes interact with zestful enthusiasm, as they explore the joys of the little things in life, from mittens to kittens, snowflakes to chocolate cakes, chocolate chips to camping trips. Some ideas rhyme exactly, while some demand a little leap of imagination, as in "garbagemen" to "a good friend." In one stunning full-page spread, an adult and a child roast marshmallows at a campfire under brilliant stars. In another, three little gourmands devour a whole apple pie each. A final "peekaboo" turns over to the last page's "time with you," as two friends run through an erupting sprinkler in a comfortable and pleasing end to a magical romp through the senses and delights of being human.
Horn Book
(Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)
Lilting rhyme presents one hundred happy-making things: "Baby toes / A puppy's nose / Sticky glue / The city zoo." Each vignette is illustrated with pictures of smiley kids of different ethnicities following their bliss. Some items are concrete and easily pictured ("Flip-flops / Lollipops") while others ("Saturday"; "Daydream") capture a feeling. Contented facial expressions and relaxed postures abound as children play, snuggle, and twirl.