Hello, World! (Happy County Series #1)

by Ethan Long

Overview

Hello, World! is a vibrant, graphic picture book compendium for preschoolers set in a Richard Scarry-inspired environment by Geisel Award-winning creator Ethan Long.

Welcome to Happy County, where everyone is out and about! The Bright Brothers are testing their newest invention. Hannah the Handywoman is hunting for her hammer. And Mr. Rhinehorn is just trying to get some sleep!

This primer compendium is chock-full of lovable characters—from Tina Tusker the County Commissioner to Dottie the Dog Walker and Cheese Louise—living in a busy, spirited world full of landmark early-childhood subjects: first words, colors, numbers, shapes, simple maps, naps, school, and plenty of funny scenarios to keep little ones turning the pages. Interactive and on point for the preschool audience.

Christy Ottaviano Books

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250191755
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	03/03/2020
Series:	Happy County Series , #1
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	674,485
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 12.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Ethan Long is the acclaimed author and illustrator of many books for children, including Hello, World! and Sun and Moon Together, Books 1 and 2 in the Happy County series, as well as the Geisel Award-winning Up, Tall and High!, Tickle the Duck, Frightclub, Valensteins, Fangsgiving, and Chamelia. He is also the creator of the Emmy-nominated animated series Tasty Time with ZeFronk. Ethan lives with his family in Orlando, Florida.

Editorial Reviews

12/23/2019

A giant billboard welcomes readers to Happy County, “the place for fun,” at the start of this peppy activity-filled collection by Long (Fangsgiving). Much like Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town, Happy County is populated by a cast of cartoon animals with goofy names and a proclivity for getting into trouble while engaging in even the most mundane activities. In one story, “Dottie the Dog Walker,” a ladybug smaller than most of her charges collects hounds on a wild walk to the park, and labels note the canines’ actions. Another selection stars a mouse, Cheese Louise, in a rhyming presentation of the challenges of cheese-mongering (“The cheese is not here to squeeze!”). Amid Long’s engaging stories, interactive interstitials offer prompts to spell short words, sing, and seek and find various objects. With 18 vignettes, there’s a lot to take in, but readers will likely follow the invitation for repeated visits on the book’s final billboard: “You are now leaving Happy County. Come back soon!” Ages 3–6. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award List Selection

"Brimful of fun and sure to inspire many repeat readings."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Much like Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town, Happy County is populated by a cast of cartoon animals with goofy names and a proclivity for getting into trouble . . . Amid Long’s engaging stories, interactive interstitials offer prompts to spell short words, sing, and seek and find various objects."—Publishers Weekly

"Long ventures into Scarry territory with elevated, cartoon-style overviews of Happy County . . . Young visitors will indeed be inclined to “Come back soon!” as the billboard on the road out urges." —Booklist

From the Publisher

★ 2019-12-08
Anthropomorphic animals engage in a variety of activities throughout a bustling community.

There is a lot going on in Happy County. Eighteen mostly two-page chapters feature residents who are busy working, volunteering, exercising, and relaxing, among other pursuits. Some residents appear on the front endpapers, others are introduced later. In some cases, sequential panels follow a single character, as when Handywoman Hannah carries out a task at the Hyena household in a brief text replete with words that start with H. Other chapters offer a wide view of a specific setting, such as a scene-setting two-page spread and the county fair that serves as the grand finale. Long labels the objects and individuals in many of his characteristic bright, cartoon-style illustrations, enabling young listeners to practice, and probably expand, their vocabularies. He also includes questions and suggestions that encourage interaction. There are opportunities to match words and pictures, identify shapes, colors, and patterns, and practice the alphabet. Humorous storylines, clever wordplay, and occasional rhymes will charm listeners. Multiple appearances of some characters and the booklong chase of an adventurous chick in a visual subplot create continuity, and plentiful visual jokes add to the enjoyment. Gender equity is implied by the inclusion of female-presenting characters in nontraditional jobs, and the species mix amicably.

Brimful of fun and sure to inspire many repeat readings. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews