Searching for happiness

Kids, like adults, begin to get influenced by their surroundings from a young age. They are quick to notice what another child has and yearn to have it too! A human flaw is focusing on what we don't have and seeking fulfilment from material possessions around us. And so begins the search for happiness that plagues many...

Where Happiness Lives, written by Barry Timms and illustrated by Greg Abbott, is a heart-warming book about discovering happiness in the right places.

Grey Mouse is happy and content in his simple house surrounded by his loving family. One day, while out walking, he notices a bigger, more beautiful house belonging to White Mouse. He marvels at his lovely, large home and wishes he could live there. White Mouse is afflicted because he has spied an even grander house on the top of the hill. He shows Grey Mouse, and together they set off to find the mansion on the hill. Along the way they are so fixated on reaching the palatial house, they don't notice the beauty of nature around them. When they reach the top, Brown Mouse welcomes the mice into her home and takes them on a tour. The turning point of the book is when Brown Mouse encourages the two mice to take a look through her observatory telescope aimed directly at "the house where true happiness lives." Yep, you guessed it, Grey Mouse's family-centric humble abode.

The uplifting book serves as a reminder for us readers to be grateful for what we have. That all the wealth and goods in the world will never provide true happiness... that can only be found when we're surrounded by family and friends who love us.

Title: Where Happiness Lives

Author: Barry Timms

Illustrator: Greg Abbott

What's to LOVE about this book:

• Enchanting picture book containing meaningful messages;

• The lift up flaps and peep-through pages captivate the reader and provide an insight into the idyllic world of the little mice;

• Barry Timm's rhythmic narrative makes for enjoyable reading and Gregg Abbott's illustrations are utterly charming.

Favourite quote:

"Whatever your home, it is happy indeed...if you love what you have...and you have what you need."

Messages:

• Envy and jealousy blind us from acknowledging what we already have;

• Shared experiences and harmonious relationships are worth more than worldly possessions;

• Perceptions are not aways what they are in reality;

• Showing appreciation and gratitude for what we have is the first step to happiness.

If this book sounds like a goodie to you, here is a link to buy it:

https://amzn.to/4iOk7gL