posted on 16 Jul 2019

The Happiness Tree by Danny English, illustrated by Miriam Hull

The overall design of this sumptuous picture book implies a deep love of the natural world, so it was no surprise to read that the author loved exploring the great outdoors as a child and now works as an Outdoor Educator and Storyteller.  Likewise, the illustrator acknowledges the influence of her rural childhood ‘with nature on her doorstep, the green fields and pastures formed the central influence in her art work’.

The story is about the age old battle of good against evil where in this case the extraordinary power of one tree breaks a wicked witch’s spell to destroy all the happiness in the world. Before we meet the dreadful hag we are taken on a journey over the hills painted in vibrant greens and blues until we arrive at the cave where she lives. My four year old grand- daughter screeched with delight when the witch looked out menacingly at her from an early double page spread. It seems that she particularly hates happy people:

‘In her mind, worst of all were the children; the smiles on

    their faces would make the wart on the end of her

             nose itch furiously’.

After many years of plotting, the witch mixes a ghastly potion that will wipe out all happiness on the earth. I liked how she flies far and wide to gather the ingredients from many sources through which the author makes some subtle environmental points. These included discarded plastic bags; car fumes and disgusting chemicals from the rivers. Once the potion is prepared she flies high across the mountains and deposits it into the clouds. When the rain falls it pollutes everywhere that it falls. We turned the pages to see that even the smallest creatures and flowers were affected. It seems that all hope has been lost and the world has indeed forgotten how to smile.

But thank goodness for a curious and adventurous young girl who loves exploring because while talking a walk in the countryside, spots an unusual pile of rocks at the bottom of a tree. When she looks closely at each one and marvels at their uniqueness, she discovers a sparkly, rainbow coloured Glitterworm hiding underneath. What is most amazing is that it has a beautiful smile on its face! She has never seen this phenomenon before and wants to have one too and so is fascinated when it goes on to tell her that her wish could come true. It explains that all the happiness left in the world after the witch’s spell had been soaked up by the roots of a young tree. All the girl needs to do is to weave a crown from its branches and she will be able to smile as well.

We do like a positive ending so were very pleased when the wicked witch got her comeuppance, although my kind granddaughter reflected that it was a shame that she didn't want to be happy like everyone else. Time for a life lesson: not everyone in the world is nice and some people even enjoy being on their own and sulking. There was so much more to talk about afterwards and I can see this being an excellent resource for teachers working with young children as they explore ideas about the environment, the fragility of nature and the need to hopeful about the future. I recommend this well told, memorable folk tale enhanced with magical illustrations throughout.

 

Karen Argent

July 2019

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