Happy Together
Chloe Douglass, Author and illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Feb. 4, 2025
Suitable for ages: 5-9
Themes: Animals, Bands, Fame, Friendship
Chloe Douglass, Author and illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Feb. 4, 2025
Suitable for ages: 5-9
Themes: Animals, Bands, Fame, Friendship
Opening: “Fox was beyond excited! The Band was going to play at the same festival as the most famous band ever: The Bad Apples!”
With the school year starting, Chloe Douglass has written an engaging story about being yourself, tricky friendships, and disharmony among a band group on its way to a festival. Just look at that book cover! You want to snatch it off the shelf. Her colorful illustrations are humorous and expressive.
Fox is the most colorful character, as he’s enamored with the popular band and wants his group to mimic their music and add costumes. But Bear, Duck and Seagull like their own unique style. Fox meets the popular band members backstage and is invited to play with them. He puts on a cool outfit. But Fox comes to a sobering realization as the band goes on stage. When a malfunction occurs, Fox is left to play and sing to the audience alone. But his true band friends join him and save the day.
Readers will identify with this lovable group of musicians. At some point during their school year many kids may feel envious of the “cool and popular.” crowd. This uplifting story will help readers realize how important it is to be yourself. The grasser is not always greener on the other side. But learning to like who you are, honoring your values, being honest, and choosing friends who laccept and support you, are vital. This is an excellent book for the classroom and at home.
Activity: This is a great read aloud with a grroup of children. This story will likely stir up memories about when they are envious of the “cool” kids in class. Share examples and encourage them to tell each other what they like about each other.
Chloe Douglass works in her home studio to create illustrations, character designs, and story ideas. She graduated from Kingston University with a masters in illustration. She lives in Tooting, London. Visit choloeillustrates.co.uk, @chloillustrates on X, and @chloeillustrates on Instagram.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*The publisher provided an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.