I Am Not Happy!

By Caroline L Perry & Sydney Hanson

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Quokkas are known to be ‘the happiest animal on earth’, because of their perennially happy face. No matter what the inner turmoil, on the surface the quokka looks pleased and delighted. Caroline L Perry and Sydney Hanson have combined forces here to represent the feelings of a quokka who is not happy at being constantly misunderstood. It is almost a misfortune to have so few available expressions. When the quokka is sad, worried, angry embarrassed, anxious or whatever the face always looks the same – happy.

As well as teaching children about this charming animal here is an opportunity to talk about feelings and expressions with young children. Sharing this book will allow you to explore emotions, reading people’s faces and judging people by their ‘cover’. The quokka here is always accompanied by a very grumpy frog who also always has the same expression, it’s the opposite of happy, again another opportunity for discussion.

An amusing book encouraging children to look beyond the surface. An added bonus is the facts page at the back all about this small vulnerable marsupial.

Affirm Kids 2025

Caroline L Perry

Sydney Hanson