The Happiness Box: A Wartime Book of Hope

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

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Description

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.

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 *
The award-winning team of Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean bring to life thi inspirational true story of a book that became a National Treasure. * Trevor Cairney Blog *
Beautifully told and illustrated, this is a lovely story about the strength of the human spirit. * The Golden Adventures *
Highly Recommended. * ReadPlus *

I was left with a feeling of sad calmness if that makes sense.
Recommended

Author Bio

Mark Greenwood, who has a passion for history and legends, is the author of many books for children, published both in the United States and in his native Australia. His recent book, The Drummer Boy of John John, was honoured by Kirkus Reviews (Best of 2012) and the Bank Street College of Education Childrens Book Committee. The Donkey of Gallipoli, illustrated by his wife, Fran Lessac, was a CBC Honour Book and a USBBY Outstanding International Book. His work has twice received the West Australian Premiers Book Award. Jandamarra, illustrated by Terry Denton, was short-listed for the 2014 Childrens Book Council Awards. Marks latest books include The Mayflower, published by Holiday House, and Midnight, published by Walker Books Australia and New Zealand and Candlewick Press in the US.


Andrew McLean grew up in the Victorian country town of Bairnsdale. He trained as a painter and teacher, and taught in secondary schools before becoming a lecturer in painting and drawing at Caulfield Institute of Technology. He has been a full-time artist now for more than thirty years. Andrew and his wife Janet have created many picture books together, and Andrew also illustrates books written by other authors. Many of his books have been award winners: he has won the Childrens Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award three times. Bob the Railway Dog (written by Corinne Fenton) was his first work with Walker.