Reading "The Happy Owls" was like taking a delightful stroll through a whimsical forest of charm and life lessons. As someone who firmly believes that there's magic in children's books for readers of all ages, this retro gem was an absolute joy.

Let's talk about the stars of the show—those utterly endearing owls. Illustrated by Piatti in 1963, these feathery characters have an irresistible charm that transcends time. The delightful fusion of fun and retro illustrations makes every page a visual treat. It's not just a book; it's a time capsule of heartwarming aesthetics.

Now, onto the storyline—a classic fable about finding joy in life's simple wonders. The central question lingers: why are these owls so gosh-darn happy? That's the mystery that piques the curiosity of chickens, ducks, and geese alike. And as the adorable peacock sets out to unravel the secret, the answer is as heartwarming as it is profound. The happiness of these owls lies in appreciating the everyday miracles—the rain, sunshine, flowers, and butterflies. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes, joy is found in the simplest moments.

And here come my personal thoughts. "The Happy Owls" struck a chord with my inner child, reminding me that the magic of storytelling knows no age limit. As an adult who loves owls (who doesn't?), I found myself enchanted not just by the delightful narrative but also by Piatti's timeless illustrations. There's a certain nostalgia in the air, and it's not just for kids; it's for anyone who craves a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of life wisdom.

So, my dear reader friends, whether you're an adult seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a little one eager for a new bedtime favorite, "The Happy Owls" is a charming journey waiting to unfold.

This was cute story about a pair of owls who are content to be together in their warm nest in a tree. The always bickering barnyard animals send the peacock to find out why this is.
The owls explain in great detail how they enjoy nature and the seasons. The barnyard animals refuse to understand and continue their quarreling. A good reminder we can still be content when others are not.

I liked the illustrations very classic look and think it adds to the charm of the book, making it a great addition to any child’s library.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. The barnyard animals are curious as to why the owls don't quarrel. When they ask the owls, say it's because they enjoy the seasons. I'm not sure kids will understand the meaning of this book.

This little book of a Dutch Fable about two owls has beautiful images to accompany the story. My four year old, who is obsessed with all forest creatures, thoroughly enjoyed the brightly coloured pictures throughout the book.

I went to read this and the file was gone. *POOF*. Just disappeared. So I will not be reading this. I am very disappointed as I was really looking forward to reading this enchanting looking book. If a book is not released until February and you go to read it in January, it should not be invalid. IMO, this is NOT okay.

Just a very sweet book about enjoying life and the simple things that most people take for granted. The illustrations are old-fashioned, but not in an off-putting way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

This is a sweet story of how owls find happiness. They share their secret, which isn't really a secret, with other barnyard fowl. It would make a lovely board book.

Thank you to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This classic children's book from a well-known Swiss artist made me happy. I loved this book as a child - yes, I'm old - and I loved even more the opportunity to pass this on to my two nephews. The illustrations are so evocative, and the kiddos had no problem understanding the central message of the book, and - perhaps surprisingly, given the generation gap - enjoyed the illustrations too.

This was a very nice picture book - the art is definitely different, but I really appreciated that. The story is not as easy going, so a lot of discussions can be sparked with the little ones.

Our mind is designed to think about the future, but at the same time it often remembers the past. In this whole equation, the present seems to matter less and less, so we tend to be pessimistic and always put evil first. No wonder we can't be completely happy under the circumstances.
The fable of Celestino Piatti, even if it was written a while ago, it still resonates with everything that happens nowadays. While all other animals are pessimistic and putting evil first, they cannot understand how the owls are so happy and not complaining. Even when they receive the answer to their question, it is very difficult to believe that the power of existing in the present can bring so much happiness.
The message sent by the owls is that if we learn to live in the present and adopt the motto "Carpe Diem," we may know true happiness.

This is a great little book. I love the illustrations and I think kids of all ages will really like this one.

The Happy Owls is a simple picture book about some unhappy barnyard fowl who ask the wise owls for advice, then reject it and continue to wallow in their discontent. Accepting the advice of others when you are unable to solve your own problems is an important lesson to learn! The illustrations are beautiful and vivid. A wonderful book for small children!

Some people are never happy. Grumpy, grouchy complainers. The barnyard animals in The Happy Owls are the same way. Foul fowls.

These barnyard fowls are fighting because they don’t have anything better to do. Sounds like boredom. After they hear what makes the owls happy, they disagree with the owls.

I never thought of spiderwebs holding up autumn leaves a bit longer before they fall to the ground.

A cute book which explains the four seasons; quite short. Wish it was longer. Thanks to Netgalley and NorthSouth Books.

This is a fable “whose origins go back to the nineteenth century”. This is a story book which will have to be explained to a young child by an adult reading the book.

There is a pair of owls who live close to a barnyard. They always seemed happy to be together in their warm nest in a tree. The barnyard animals were always fighting about something, more food, more EVERYTHING!! Finally they send the peacock, in all of his finery, to ask the owls why they are always happy.

Explained in descriptive prose, the owls explain how they take joy in nature and it’s seasons, in the beauty all around them. The barnyard animals still don’t understand and go back to their quarreling.

The illustrations are very classic looking and appealing. A great book with a strong lesson to add to any child’s library.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley

A really, really wise one I would say!

A basic life lesson: never try to explain what happiness means to you to the chaotic world especially to those people who will never understand what means the most to you.

I love the illustrations. The story surprised me! Well done, team 💯

Thank you author/artist for the advance reader copy.

4.5 stars rounded up: My grandson picked this book for me to read to him because he liked the owls. He is almost 3, so even though he enjoyed the illustrations and what happened during the different seasons, it was the older ones who understood the story. This is a folktale about two happy owls and the bickering fowl who lived on the farm. When they asked the owls about their secret to happiness they could not understand the message, nor believe it was as simple as enjoying the world around you. I truly believe looking for all the positive things in your life will make you happier, like these owls. I absolutely loved the illustrations in this book, they were a perfect fit for a folktale. The colours and emotions added to the understanding of the story. When we finished reading, we listed all the good things in life that make us happy and what we could do to appreciate it all. A wonderful result after reading this one. This copy is a reprint of the book originally published in 1963.

4 Stars

Oh, the illustrations are charming. They’ve been done using a traditional technique, something similar to block printing on sarees and dresses. The result is old-school and beautiful.
The fable is about owls that are always happy while the other birds eat, drink, and fight through the day. When asked, the owls reply that they find beauty and peace in nature, thus being happy no matter what.
The birds don’t understand, but hey, the owls are wise and snuggle back into their home to be happy. I think adults would enjoy this more than kids. However, the book can show kids a different kind of art and interest them in various concepts and art forms.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I may have a very different opinion but even being an adult it took me some time to understand what this book wants to achieve. Very confusing message for young children.Illustrations are good though

It was cute. I loved the illustrations. The content could have been longer. It was too precise to have an effect but overall, it was okay. The illustrations were worth it.

This was a very sweet, beautifully illustrated children's book. It's the perfect read with kids and a cool fall night!