Ah, happiness. The more you want it, the harder it seems to find. The same, oddly enough, can be said about cats. Dr. Andrew Dykeman explores the topic in a way children can understand in his new illustrated book, Happiness, in which a little girl is on the hunt for her feline of the same name.
A Metro East native, Dykeman has had a wide variety of careers, from punk band drummer to chimney sweep. As you might imagine, the man is far from short on stories. These days, when he isn’t penning children’s books, Dykeman is a chiropractic physician in Alton.
The new book is full of life lessons and quirky illustrations. Below, Dykeman shares his three recommendations for any child’s bookshelf.
Best Word Book Ever
By Richard Scarry
Random House Children’s Books, ages 3–7
“It’s a visual feast of animals, words, and bugs,” says Dykeman of this vocabulary-focused picture book that introduces readers to the important places and people of their neighborhood. “And all of the animal characters were humanized in Scarry’s book. As an adult, I still have the utmost respect for animals and insects. In fact, my next children’s book has a cricket as a central character. Coincidence?”
How to Care for Your Monster
By Norman Bridwell
Scholastic Book Services, ages 4–8
“[It’s] from the creator of Clifford the Big Red Dog, Norman Bridwell,” says Dykeman. “I really wanted a pet monster, and this was a perfect handbook if I should get one.” This fun and spooky tale features tips for catching (and maintaining!) your own vampire or werewolf, making this a great pick during the upcoming Halloween season. “It is somewhat irreverent for a children’s book, with a lot of inside jokes for the adults. I still think it is very unique and stands up well among today’s children’s books.”
Sam and the Firefly
By P.D. Eastman
Random House Books for Young Readers, ages 3–7
“It’s about an owl who befriends a mischievous firefly,” Dykeman explains. “The artwork is an ominous dark blue, and the words are very organic and flowing.” Like many Dr. Seuss Beginner Books, Sam and the Firefly features helpful word repetition, great for early readers, as well as an important lesson: “Even though some of your friends can be a little mischievous and jerky, they are still your friends. Give them a chance to redeem themselves. Try to be forgiving.”
