This book was impossible to put down.

Set during World War II, 'Happy' is a retired marine dog who joins the family of an active marine as a Christmas gift for his daughter, Jody Zuber. He was a sentry dog but his eyesight is fading and so he becomes a beloved pet and trusted confidant to the young girl.
Jody's father is posted to Pearl Harbour in 1940 and the novel is split into the time leading up to and including the terrible events of December 1941 and then afterwards as the family are separated and Jody's father has to remain in Pearl Harbour. Jody, her sister Peggy and her mother have to relocate and seek refuge in San Francisco and as her mother falls apart, struggling mentally, Jody tries to keep the family together. Happy keeps Jody together. He saves her more than once.

Told through the eyes of both Jody and Happy, this historical fiction novel, based on true events, is a moving tale of friendship and resilience. Animal lovers, history fans and anyone who doesn't know enough about World War II should read this superbly written recollection of hope during one of the darkest moments in the 20th Century.

We read this book with children age 10-12.

Thank you to NetGalley and ZonderKids for sending this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

Jody and her dog Happy are best friends. Because her father is a member of the Marines, the family, which includes sister Peggy and Mom, has to move often. At some point they ends up in Hawaii. More specifically to Pearl Harbor. First of all, it's a wonderful life on the tropical island. But it quickly becomes clear that this paradise is in danger. One day the worst happens and the Japanese army launches its attack on Pearl Harbor. Jody and her family survive, but are separated from her dad. Jody, her sister and her mother come to San Francisco via stopovers and try to build a new life until they can be reunited with their father. But everything quickly gets out of hand and Jody has to do everything she can to keep her family together.
This book primarily tells the story of a girl and her dog. But as the story progresses, the focus becomes more and more on a family that has to find its way through the trials and tribulations of war. Jody and her sister have to grow up quickly and suddenly take on a lot of responsibility because their parents are temporarily unable to do so. Despite all the despair, hope for better times always shines through. Happy the dog always stands faithfully at the side of his favorite person. In some chapters the story is even told from his perspective, which gives the story a different point of view. Overall, this is a great young adult book that shows what you are capable of even in dark times and how important it is to have someone by your side, regardless of whether that someone has two or four legs.

Though this book deals with difficult subject matter, it is told in a really heartwarming way. I loved the relationship between Jody and her dog, Happy. I think young readers will really enjoy the alternating POVs. One of those being Happy’s!

I enjoyed the themes of friendship, family, and love interwoven with the historical elements of World War ll. The story has a great message for children, making the best of difficult situations. I thought it was so sweet when Jody went on the hunt to find a new apartment to help her mother and sister. I loved their bond.

Overall, an engaging historical fiction for young readers. I definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.

Operation: Happy is a fantastic middle grade historical fiction novel!
I'm not sure why I haven't read much of Walsh's previous books, but after reading about Happy and Jody and their family, I will certainly embrace reading more of her works. I really liked that the book was relatable and focused on family and friendships as well as the historical aspects. Fans of Alan Gratz will love this tale! I can't wait to share this with my readers!

Operation: Happy by Jenni L. Walsh was a total dream to read, unlike most children's book's that I usually whizz through, this one I took my time with, way past my own usual deadline, but I just so enjoyed it!

Walsh invites us to learn and befriend Team Zuber's pup, Happy in this Historical Children's Novel.
Set in 1938 and leading up to the main and terrible events of Pearl Harbour in 1941, we learn about Jody and her lovingly loyal ex-marine dog: Happy.
Jody had always wanted a dog, and finally her parents get her one for Christmas, perfection. Happy isn't a young dog, having served with the Marines and his handler Gordon for a long period of his life, he is then sent on his next mission, to befriend a young girl who moves around a lot but is desperate for fur friend to play with and love.

Happy has experience but as he's retired from his trained life, he now gets to experience being loved and wanted by one little girl. Losing his 20-20 vision, Jody plans on making the most of the time Happy has left as he's now moving towards his OAP status. Together, they created the "happy list" which gives them both time to spend together doing all the things they love and also gives Jody time to focus on instead of the dark days she has at the Island.

The whole book is brilliantly written through the eyes of a marine's daughter and her dog who has served already. Happy can sense many things even though he's struggling with his sight, he uses his powerful snout and uses his ears and feelings to make sense of everything.
I really liked the way Walsh was able to put herself into Happy's shoes and explain an awful and terrifying part of history through a child's eyes - an incredible feat! And with such detail but without completely traumatising any young reader attempting to read this book! I found that so inspiring for a book. Despite the book mostly having a lot of bad experiences, war, being split from one's family, moving around a lot and fear, there are also little moments of humour, which I massively appreciated even as an adult but it seriously helped to break it up and I suspect younger readers would need that too.

I also loved the way Walsh portrayed the Japanese in all of this. Even though the "past" Japanese of the war era rained bombs over Pearl Harbour that day in December 1941, she showed us that the future Japanese people cannot be held responsible, I really loved that as most children see things in black and white, good or bad. I loved that Japanese people were incorporated into the book. It's one of the first children's books I have read about WWII that is outside of the UK and I too loved to learn about the perspectives others may have gone through!

I completely applaud this author's writing and will be keeping my eye out for her works in future. I am definitely putting this on my personal shelf for my own kids to read!

I received this book as a free DRC from Netgalley in return for an honest review. all opinions are my own.

I loved this book. Although this is a children’s book, the subject was heavy containing war and bombings and all. I think this book gave a very good insight in how devastating and impactful this kind of situations are. This is about the Second World War and Pearl Harbor, but it really is a very actual topic still nowadays.

I loved that Jody had Happy with her to get through these emotional and trying times. I think for a 12-year-old she did a really good job.

I also have to give credit to the author for the first message in the book saying that the dog does NOT die in this book. I hate reading about dogs dying because they’re just too good to die. So I was glad to read this book already said he’d live. Happy deserves to live 🐶♥️

We follow a girl named Jody and her dog Happy.
The story begins with Jody's family moving to Pearl Harbor. We see the whole family getting to know their new home, doing well when the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Jody, her sister, mother and Happy have to leave their new home, but her father has to stay. The book continues by with Jody (and her family) trying to deal with it all.

Definitely enjoyable read, but at times felt bit too dark for middle grade, so please check trigger warnings if you want your child to read this.

(Definitely going to check other books by this author.)

A heartwarming story which documents the difficulties of experiencing war as a child. The story made me smile and cry, and I will definitely recommend it to some of my younger students and have a physical copy in the class room. Thank you for allowing me to read this early digital copy.

Operation: Happy
A World War II Story of Courage, Resilience, and an Unbreakable Bond
by Jenni L Walsh
Pub Date 02 Apr 2024
Zonderkidz
Children's Fiction| Historical Fiction


Netgalley and Zonderkidz sent me Operation: Happy to review:


During World War II, a girl tries to keep her family together by completing a bucket list with her dog Happy, who happens to be her best friend.


In 1940, Jody and her family are moving again, this time to a small naval base in Pearl Harbor. With Hawaii being so beautiful and her loyal dog Happy by her side, it's easy to find things to add to her "top ten" list every time she moves.


Jody's mom, though, is convinced the island is dangerous and practices first aid constantly. Jody also learns Happy is getting older and slowing down. In order to cope, she makes a list of fun things they can do together. She can focus on "Operation: Happy" instead of scary new experiences like air raid drills.



Soon, everyone's worst fears come true: Pearl Harbor is attacked. As the rest of the family evacuates, Jody's dad stays behind, and she promises him she'll keep everyone together. It's hard in San Francisco, where she feels like an outsider. Jody worries that she and her sister will have to go to an orphanage because her mom is depressed. With Happy by her side, Jody hatches a brave plan to keep the family safe... Will Operation: Happy help?


I give Operation Happy five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I have cried for this book... Thats was sad, emotional, hopefull... Loved it but it broke my heart...

I enjoyed this historical novel set during World War II from a perspective I have not read about before. Jody and her family move often as her father is in the military. This time they have landed in beautiful Hawaii with a view of Pearl Harbor. As tensions increase in Europe during the war, Jody feels like her family won't be affected by the fighting since they are so far away. That all changes as they begin practicing black out and air raid drills. Finally, we reach the day December 7, 1941 and the tragedy and terror that takes place is like nothing the family has dealt with before. Despite the confusion and fear, Jody has a great companion in her dog, Happy. Happy knows when Jody is stressed, when she is happy, and when she needs someone to comfort her. His great personality and support of the family helps make the move away from her father to San Francisco more bearable. While the family is still dealing with different hardships in California, Jody grows an incredible amount and learns when it is time to ask for help. I enjoyed the characters in the story, especially that amazing dog, and watching the family members be better and overcome their struggles to embrace life again. I would recommend this book to any historical fiction fan, to all the animal lovers, and to anyone who needs an inspirational story about hope, family, compassion, and personal growth.

Historical Fiction AND about a dog?! Although it's middle grade, I instantly knew this book was for me. Oh how I wish this book had been around when I was younger.

This story if focused on a little girl named Jody who is part of a military family and her loyal dog, Happy who is also retired from the military. When they move to Ford Island in Oahu life is good. Everything about living in Hawaii is fun and new and Jody believes her and her family are safe from the war even though Mom seems quite nervous here. Little by little events starts happening to train Ford Island just in case. Sirens, plans of action and dungeons soon become routine. Once the bombing takes place Jody and Happy know exactly what to do, but that doesn't change the fact that their lives are heavily impacted and changed forever.

To keep safe Jody, Happy, her sister and mother must leave her father behind and move to San Francisco. Mom has turned into "Sad Mom" and her sister struggles to leave their sub-par apartment. Jody becomes the leader of Team Zuber. It's a lot for a little girl to take on while also dealing with a new teacher's pet at her new school. With Happy by her side, Jody is able to overcome so many obstacles and it truly is a story of resilience and finding silver linings during such a trying time.

The author's note at the end made everything that much sweeter letting us know this is loosely based off of a true story. I think this book is a wonderful stepping stone for young readers into the historical fiction and World War II era. I will 100% be purchasing the physical copy of this book for my daughter and niece to enjoy.

Pub. date: April 2, 2024
Thank you ZonderKidz and NetGalley for my copy!

Jodi gets her wish-a dog. Happy to be exact. Happy was a sentry dog for the base, until he started to lose his eyesight. Jodi and Happy start their life together at Pearl Harbor, until is it attacked. Then Jodi, her sister Peggy & eventually their mom move to the mainland. Happy is there to help Jodi through some tough times-unsafe living arrangements, Mom’s depression, problems at school to name a few. Through it all, Happy is there!

I really enjoyed this book. I was glad I was given the opportunity to read it. I can’t wait to share it when it is released!

My daughters and I adored this story.
Operation follows the daughter of a military man and her dog during World War II.

Jody is used to the constantly change life as a military family. With her dog Happy by her side, she learns to find the happy where ever she is.

The latest move to Pearl Harbour, seems a bit different and unrest in Europe could potentially change their lives.

The book has dual POV, Jody and the dog Happy, an ageing, ex-service dog who seems to be losing his vision.

The story was fantastic and the historical fiction tied in nicely with other things we have been learning about WWII.

Highly, highly recommend

Middle grade historical fiction. A stormy that makes for a good follow up or introduction to learning about WW2 . As a homeschool family I love to grab a historical novel to accompany our history sections. The story tackles some big topics (depression and anxiety, and realities of war) in a realistic way but also in a sweet way because our MC finds a bond with Happy that helps get her through those terrible times. Happy’s POV is kinda odd because it’s not always clear and I’m not a huge fan of animals being a character that talks. But I know my younger kids enjoy it.

I read this book aloud to my eleven-year-old daughter. We both loved Happy and Jody as main characters and related to Jody's personality. She's tough and stubborn but also vulnerable and scared (with good reason). I've read a few different books about World War 2, and I feel like this one does a good job of discussing what the children living on Ford Island during the attack on Pearl Harbor might have experienced.

SPOILER ALERT/TRIGGER WARNINGS:

When we finished, my daughter was quick to express her enjoyment of the story. While I also felt the book was well-written and the story compelling, as a parent there were a few triggers in the book that I wish I would have known about. First of all, the attack on Pearl Harbor throws Jody's mother into a state of shock and she doesn't function at all for a good portion of the book, leaving Jody and her sister to fend for themselves in a new city. While I know this might be entirely accurate, it did make me nervous as a parent that deals with depression because I felt it was taken too far for the mother's character. I wouldn't want my child reading this and thinking that just because something bad happened that she wouldn't be able to depend on me as a parent to take care of her and her siblings.

Secondly, there is a scene toward the end of the book where Jody's older sister is accosted in the lobby of their apartment building. As an adult and someone who personally knows survivors of sexual assault, reading about Jody's perception of this scene disturbed me greatly. While the author never calls this sexual assault, that conclusion is one many readers would come too. I don't think that is where my daughter's mind went because she is a very innocent eleven-year-old, and I think that books like this can serve as good conversation starters about stranger danger, I do wish the author had picked a different scenario to move the plot forward. This might not be as big of a deal to other readers, but it did lessen my enjoyment of the book. A book about Pearl Harbor is traumatic enough; parental abandonment and assault didn't need to add to that.

That said, I loved Happy. I loved how Jody found ways to conquer her fears and discovered how truly strong she could be, as well as learning that it is okay to ask for help when you need it. I especially enjoyed all of the parts about life on Ford Island (the mango war--loved that chapter!). The Attack on Pearl Harbor scenes were extremely well handled, vivid yet appropriate for a middle grade audience.

A thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

Oh, my goodness, I just couldn’t put it down. Completely and utterly absorbed in this captivating story. I love historical fiction, yet this story is the first I’ve read of World War II set outside Great Britain.

Happy is a retired Marine dog, re-homed upon his retirement, with a fellow marine family at the time of Pearl Harbour. Happy spends his days with Jody the youngest member of the Zuber Family, playing or waiting for outside the onsite school house. Happy recalls his role has a serving marine and puts in place the same ethos in his role within the Zuber Family. But, when Pearl Harbour is struck and the family separated, it’s Jody and Happy that serve to protect and care for the family.

It’s a moving story of resilience, courage and friendship, which gives an insight into life for young Jody at the time, just prior to and following the Pearl Harbour air strikes. Jody, based on a real life character and her experiences, is a brave and determined “marine” that you can’t help but wish to succeed. Beautifully written with heart and compassion, Operation:Happy will be a fabulous read for any animal lover, fan of historical fiction and a great resource for schools.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for the opportunity to read this fabulous book ahead of publication.

Jenni L Walsh does a great job in writing a story about a girl and her dog in World War 2. It had a great story overall and the historical elements worked overall. I enjoyed how good the characters were written and glad I got to read this.

A beautiful story, based on the true experiences of a girl and her dog. Living on Ford island in Oahu when Pearl Harbor was bombed would be unbelievably traumatizing.
If your dad, your hero, was heavily involved - it would make it even harder. Having to move away and leave him there- would add stress and emotion to everyone involved.
It does. Her mom is there with her physically only, her sister is dealing with her own worries- it is up to Jody and her sidekick Happy to keep them going.
Everyone needs a sidekick who knows and understand them. For Jody- it's her dog. For Happy- it's his girl. The dual POV's add such a sweet touch.
This is written in a gentle way for younger friends to understand the horrors of war on a level that won't be too distressing.
"At times, my sister can be loud, annoying, even a bully.
But she can also be my ally. We survived the mango war together, after all. It looks like we may need to survive San Francisco together too."
"Operation: Happy may ve gotten off track, but I see it now. I look at my boy. I have an idea, an idea not meant to fix anything, something that we can do together that is only about us having fun and being happy together."

A story for dog lovers who love to read historical fiction! I would say this book is more for preteen/teenagers.

Happy a devoted dog of Jody. The story is set at Pearl Harbor suring WWII and throught the view of Jody and Happy the dog. It shows you war but from a child's perspective, although not in a way in which could frighten a child.

When I started this book I wasn't sure and found the beginning a little slow but I'm glad I continued as this book is an inspiring, educational and powerful read which I will be recommending to others especially parents I know.