Don't Worry be Happy! or Else! by Francoize Boucher

A & C Black, 2014. ISBN: 9781472904713.
(Ages: 8-99!) Subjects: Happiness, Emotional Health, Cartooning. Francoize Boucher is a Parisienne author and fashion designer who shares her creativity and passion for happiness in her new book Don't Worry be Happy! or Else! She has a unique style of presentation with page after page of neon illustrations, encouragements and sayings, quirky cartoon characters and spaces for personal drawings and reflections. This is definitely not a novel, just a book filled with positivity, suitable to pick up and read straight through or just dip into when you need encouragement.
Boucher asks 'Why should you feel so happy?' She answers because you are 100% human of course! The humorous comparisons between the sad lives of lions, worms, goldfish, pigs even objects like palm trees and the joys of happiness experienced by people adds humour to the book. Imagine a worm who can't share in the pleasures of pocket money, future career opportunities even mobile phone ownership! Her fun advice and fresh view on life makes this a joy to read. Humour and happiness are interlinked.
The cartoon illustrations are creative, with multiple speech bubbles, bold use of neon highlights and shading, different font styles and sizes to catch your attention. The style is reminiscent of Liz Pichon's Tom Gates books. This would make a great present for a birthday or special occasion or for someone who needs encouragement.
Rhyllis Bignell