The Happiness Box
A Wartime Book of Hope
Age 7+
History & The Past: General Interest
An inspiring narrative nonfiction picture book by award winners Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean.
In 1942, Sergeant “Griff” Griffin was a prisoner of war. With Christmas approaching, he decided to make a book for the children cooped up in nearby Changi Prison. The book was said to contain the secrets to happiness. But the enemy was suspicious …
With this picture book, award winners Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean bring to life the inspirational true story of a book that became a National Treasure.
Resources
Reviews
The Happiness Box (Walker Books Australia) is written by a formidable pair of Australian picture book creators, Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean, whose illustrations are in pen and watercolour.
Paperbark Words
Highly Recommended.
ReadPlus
The Happiness Box is a remarkable new book, about a remarkable old book.
Kids' Book Review
Beautifully told and illustrated, this is a lovely story about the strength of the human spirit.
The Golden Adventures
The Happiness Box offers children a new revelation into Australia’s war history and would be an important asset to every Australian classroom. Highly recommended.
Kids' Book Review