Shiny Happy People

October 1, 2022
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)

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