Where Happiness Begins by Eva Eland ~ #PictureBook #Review ~ @EvaEland @AndersenPress

Happiness. It’s so fundamental to life and our wellbeing. Today, I am reviewing Where Happiness Begins by Eva Eland.

Where Happiness Begins by Eva Eland book cover

Eva begins the book by asking the reader a question. Are you looking for happiness? Then, she gently guides us on a thought-provoking journey, allowing us to reflect on what happiness really is, and think about what we can and can’t control when it comes to happiness.

Where Happiness Begins by Eva Eland child trying to catch happiness

Eva’s words read like a poem, exploring what it means to be happy, how to embrace happiness and how to come to terms with the fact that happiness can sometimes be hard to find. Throughout this book Eva has majestically translated complex emotional feelings into two-tone illustrations that children will be able to relate to. I loved the page where the child is looking at the vast forest. I could instantly feel what the child was feeling.

Where Happiness Begins by Eva Eland child searching the forest for happiness

Where Happiness Begins is the follow up to Eva’s fabulous debut When Sadness Comes to Call that I reviewed back in 2019 (read it here). When Sadness comes knocking at the door unexpectedly, it can’t be ignored. The book suggests that if you begin to feel overwhelmed by sadness there are things you can do to try to understand it and Sadness might surprise you.

When Sadness Comes to Call and Where Happiness Begins by Eva Eland

Both books are written in the same style, second person, addressing the reader, alongside the personified emotion. It works really well. They are both beautiful in their simplicity, yet powerful in message. They talk about the deep nitty-gritty of big emotions, but end with uplifting messages of hope.

Where Happiness Begins by Eva Eland child finding happiness

Eva’s use of colour creates an atmosphere that draws you into the story. Where Happiness Begins would be a really helpful book to share with a child who is going through a challenging time. For me, as an adult reading it, it honestly made me stop and think and made me feel quite emotional. Where Happiness Begins is beautiful and instantly recognisable as Eva’s trademark style. If you liked When Sadness Comes to Call, you’ll love this book.

Published by Andersen Press

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I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of Where Happiness Begins. This voluntary review contains my honest opinion.