The Happy Day (picture book) facts for kids
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First edition
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| Author | Ruth Krauss |
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| Illustrator | Marc Simont |
| Publisher | Harper & Brothers |
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Publication date
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1949 |
| Pages | unpaged |
| Awards | Caldecott Honor |
The Happy Day is a beloved picture book from 1949. It was written by Ruth Krauss and beautifully illustrated by Marc Simont. This charming story takes young readers on an adventure with woodland animals as they discover the arrival of spring. It's a simple yet powerful tale about new beginnings.
Contents
What is "The Happy Day" About?
This classic children's book tells the tale of several animals living in a snowy forest. They are all asleep, tucked away for the winter. One by one, they wake up and follow a mysterious scent. What they find is a wonderful surprise that signals a big change in their world.
The Story's Simple Magic
The book uses very few words, making it easy for young children to follow along. The story relies heavily on the pictures to tell the tale. It shows how the animals, like a bear, a fox, and a squirrel, slowly wake up. They then follow their noses through the snow.
Discovering Spring
The animals eventually find a small, delicate flower. This flower has pushed its way through the snow, showing that spring has finally arrived. This discovery fills the animals with joy. They celebrate the end of winter and the start of a new season.
Who Created "The Happy Day"?
The book was a team effort between a talented writer and an amazing artist.
About Ruth Krauss
Ruth Krauss (1901–1993) was an American author of many children's books. She was known for her unique and simple writing style. Her books often explored the world through a child's eyes. She believed in letting children use their imaginations.
About Marc Simont
Marc Simont (1915–2013) was a Spanish-American illustrator. He brought Ruth Krauss's words to life with his drawings. His illustrations for The Happy Day are simple but full of emotion. They perfectly capture the quiet beauty of the forest and the animals' excitement. Simont won the Caldecott Medal for another book, A Tree Is Nice, in 1957.
Why is "The Happy Day" Special?
The Happy Day received an important award for its illustrations.
Caldecott Honor Award
In 1949, the book was given a Caldecott Honor. This award is given to books that show outstanding artwork for children. The Caldecott Medal and Honor are among the most respected awards in children's literature in the United States. This recognition shows how much people appreciated Marc Simont's beautiful drawings in the book.
