Shiny Happy People: A Children's Picture Book

by R.E.M., Paul Hoppe

Overview

R.E.M.'s hit song is brought to life in this joyful picture book celebrating friendship and togetherness.

“In this picture-book adaptation of R.E.M.’s song, a young fox and rabbit show the adults that everyone can be friends . . . A pop song finds new life as a simple yet heartfelt story of acceptance.” —Kirkus Reviews

"Shiny happy people laughing
Everyone around, love them, love them
Put it in your hands, take it, take it
There's no time to cry, happy, happy . . ."

Shiny Happy People is a heartwarming picture book whose story is told through the lyrics of R.E.M.'s joyful tune of the same name. "Shiny Happy People" appeared on the band's 1991 album Out of Time, and the song reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

With lyrics by R.E.M. and illustrations by Paul Hoppe, this picture book follows the unlikely friendship between a rabbit and a fox as they teach others about the joy of inclusion and acceptance. It is the perfect vehicle for R.E.M. fans to share a loving and positive message with children of all ages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617758515
Publisher:	Akashic Books, Ltd.
Publication date:	11/22/2022
Series:	LyricPop
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	344,294
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

PAUL HOPPE has illustrated various children’s books, including Good Vibrations (song lyrics by Mike Love and Brian Wilson), How Did Humans Go Extinct? (written by Johnny Marciano), Neymar: A Soccer Dream Come True, and The Woods, which he also wrote. His work has been honored by the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and American Illustration, among others. Originally from Poland and raised in Germany, Hoppe works from a shared studio in the Pencil Factory in Brooklyn, and lives in Queens. Shiny Happy People (song lyrics by R.E.M.) is his latest book.

Editorial Reviews

"As part of the ongoing LyricPop book series . . . illustrations by Paul Hoppe and ShinYeon Moon, turns the irresistible tune into a story of love and acceptance in the face of adversity"

Mirror Mag

"Yup, Shiny Happy People the picture book is the same as the R.E.M. song. In fact, as I type this, I am listening to the song in the background. Over 30 years later the message of both the song and the book remains that we should love the people around us. Treat them well and celebrate with them. We don't have to be the same to appreciate each other."

Justabxmom.com

"This book is ideal for fans and for kids to listen to and read with their parents. R.E.M. has lyrical content that has always been visual in nature, this is the perfect song to draw inspiration from."

Sandbox World

Praise for Shiny Happy People:

“In this picture-book adaptation of R.E.M.’s song, a young fox and rabbit show the adults that everyone can be friends . . .  A pop song finds new life as a simple yet heartfelt story of acceptance.” 
—Kirkus Reviews

“This book is ideal for fans and for kids to listen to and read with their parents. R.E.M. has lyrical content that has always been visual in nature, this is the perfect song to draw inspiration from.” 
—Sandbox World

"As part of the ongoing LyricPop book series . . . illustrations by Paul Hoppe and ShinYeon Moon, turns the irresistible tune into a story of love and acceptance in the face of adversity."
—Mirror Mag

"Yup, Shiny Happy People the picture book is the same as the R.E.M. song. In fact, as I type this, I am listening to the song in the background. Over 30 years later the message of both the song and the book remains that we should love the people around us. Treat them well and celebrate with them. We don't have to be the same to appreciate each other."
—Justabxmom.com

From the Publisher

2022-09-14
In this picture-book adaptation of R.E.M.’s song, a young fox and rabbit show the adults that everyone can be friends.

The joyous reunion of the young animals is cut short when they meet angry adult rabbits gesturing at a no-foxes sign. The duo try to convince the protesting rabbits that Fox is a friend. Fox even makes a carrot peace offering that is refused and tries unsuccessfully to amuse the protestors by riding a unicycle. Next, an adult fox, wolf, and bear show up and threaten the resident rabbits. The animals are about to come to blows when the young fox and rabbit mediate. In the end, tempers cool and everyone shares a meal and some joyful dancing. At first, the song’s lyrics match the illustrations; during the conflict, the words and art appear dramatically at odds; and, in the end, the vibrancy of the images reflects the words. The story is simple, but careful readers will note that color plays a large role—fiery reds and oranges denote conflict, while vibrant blues, purples, and pinks surround the happy folks at the end. While the song on which the book is based has somewhat dark, ironic undertones—it was released two years after the Tiananmen Square uprising, and the titular phrase was taken from Chinese propaganda posters—the illustrations match the pop feel of the melody, with an upbeat tone that will resonate with kids. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A pop song finds new life as a simple yet heartfelt story of acceptance. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews