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Each person has their own answer for what happiness is about.
A book I first read when I was a boy makes me happy whenever I read it. It’s “Happiness Is a Warm Puppy“ by Charles M. Schulz. It’s a Peanuts book with a series of “Happiness is …” statements accompanied by Schulz’s illustrations of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, and other Peanuts characters.
In “Happiness Is a Warm Puppy,” Schulz shows that happiness is available wherever you seek it. Happiness is everywhere. I will quote some of the “Happiness is …” statements from the book in the following sections as I present my book review of “Happiness Is a Warm Puppy” and see what happiness is about…
“Happiness Is an Umbrella and a New Raincoat.”
Happiness doesn’t have to be complex. It can be very simple.
Perhaps you get happy when it rains, and you can use an umbrella and a new raincoat. You might be pleased about being prepared – even if you never were a boy scout. Or you might simply enjoy walking in the rain without getting wet.
“Happiness is an umbrella and a new raincoat” is a simple statement, but it and other statements in the book offer multiple angles for exploring why you’re happy.
You can find happiness in the simple things. Especially in the simple things. Schulz did well to remind us of that.
“Happiness Is a Pile of Leaves.”
In “Happiness Is a Warm Puppy,” Schulz reminds the reader of the pleasures that we were a lot more aware of as children. The book is a master class in gratitude. It’s a short book that will take you less time to read than it will take to read this review, but it packs so much into its pages. I experience happiness every time I read it. I’m grateful for the book, and it is an excellent tool that can help you take a deep dive into gratitude.
The more grateful you are, the happier you are. I’ve realized this from reading “Happiness Is a Warm Puppy” and looking at the pictures that emphasize the various happiness statements.
As a boy, I used to jump into piles of leaves. I saw it as a reward for raking the leaves. I got to lie in the piles of leaves before putting the leaves into big bags.
I was more aware back then of life’s simple pleasures. Thankfully, I’ve been regaining some of that awareness. I am truly blessed.
“Happiness Is Sleeping in Your Own Bed.”
Schulz kept making such accurate statements throughout the book. Try it for yourself. Fill in the blank: “Happiness is ____________________________.”
What did you put there?
Bet you can’t stop at one happiness statement. Once you get started, it’s natural to keep going.
I agree that “Happiness is sleeping in your own bed.” I have experienced that countless times. It’s a feeling unique to that situation. I’ve had many beds, a wide variety, and I still have that feeling. It’s wonderful. It’s a feeling of being at home that I’ve looked forward to and been pleased to discover all over again. Year after year. Decade after decade.
How about you? Have you been identifying with any of these happiness statements so far?
“Happiness Is Getting Together with Your Friends.”
In the picture with this happiness statement, Snoopy is on top of his doghouse with four friends. And the smile that he has! It’s so heartwarming that I smile, too, on the inside and the outside.
Think of when you’ve spent time with your friends. Maybe you’ve had moments where you appreciate what you have together and smile as you’re grateful for your connections with your friends.
Those are magical moments. Treasure them. You are wealthy. Wealth is more than your finances. It’s more than your health. It’s your relationships, too.
Happiness is knowing that you have each other’s backs. Happiness is sharing laughter and supporting each other. Happiness is being aware of the riches you already have.
“Happiness Is Everything.”
“I just want to be happy.” You’ve probably heard someone say that before. You’ve probably said it, too.
Much has been said about happiness. And much has been written about it. What is happiness about? Is it a feeling? A state of mind? Is it expressed in these happiness statements in “Happiness Is a Warm Puppy”?
Yes, to all those questions. Happiness is all those things and so much more. It is also something to be shared. And sharing helps it multiply exponentially.
“Happiness is everything” is the final statement in the book. So final that it’s on the back cover. Schulz sums up the book and all of life with that final statement.
Conclusion
“Happiness Is a Warm Puppy” is a worthy addition to your personal library. It’s a book of wisdom disguised as a children’s book. Don’t let the fact that you can probably read it in 5 minutes or less fool you. It may be short, but it’s got much substance.
I had the physical book when I was a boy. Now I’ve got the Kindle edition, so I can have it wherever I go. The book serves as a reminder that happiness can be found anywhere if you’re prepared to see it.
Click here to buy “Happiness Is a Warm Puppy” and take a deep dive into gratitude. Happiness is all around you.
What are some of your favorite “Happiness is …” statements from the book? And what are some of your favorite “Happiness is …” statements that you’ve come up with on your own?
I’d like to hear from you. Spread happiness.
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Until next time,
James Barnett
I really love this one, James. I read it to Chuck, and he enjoyed it also. Something simple I find happiness in is the appreciation of a warm blanket. So comforting. Happiness is being with my granddaughter! I’ll be buying this book for her ☺️ You are gifted in writing… Thank you for sharing.
Hi Juliette, speaking of a warm blanket, “Happiness Is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown” is the name of the Peanuts animated TV special from 2011. If you’d like, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmFjyK41DaI
Your granddaughter ought to enjoy the book. She might also enjoy the TV special.
Thank you for enjoying the post. It was fun to write. Thank you for sharing the post with Chuck, too.
My sister had this book. She was a big fan of Charlie Brown.
It is good and important to remember to be young at heart always and find happy things in life. Always look for joy and spread sunshine to others.
“Gray skies are going to clear up. Put on a happy face. And spread sunshine all over the place. Just put on a happy face.”
I agree, Maisie. Sometimes I think of the song “Young at Heart” and sing it, too. The version I think of is the one by Jimmy Durante.
I remember when the “Put on a happy face” song was in various Wal Mart commercials, accompanied by whistling. The smiley face bounced around and rolled back prices all over the store.
I read so many of the Charlie Brown books when I was a boy. And I remember specifically the daily strip where Sally provided 2 pictures for her class instead of a 2,000 word report since a picture is worth 1,000 words. You can read the strip here: https://www.gocomics.com/peanuts/1979/05/18
That is funny and cute about Sally.
My sister’s copy is really old. Maybe you have a newer version.
“Happiness is a thumb and a blanket.” That was my niece when she was a little girl.
“Happiness is a warm puppy.” For me as a cat lover, Happiness is a cat.
“Happiness is an “A” on your spelling test.” I was always a very good speller in school. I love words, loved English class, love reading.
“Happiness is three friends in a sandbox … with no fighting.” My brother and I had a sandbox when we were young. I loved playing in there. Neighbour kids did also. There was no fighting.
Happiness is: going to the movie theatre. Being in nature, especially with water of some kind. Good food. Being with good friends, including family. Music. My TV shows. Etc.
Thanks for posting such a happy subject.
Exactly, Maisie. The various happiness statements in the book are very relatable. Thank you for sharing how certain happiness statements from the book relate to your life, and thank you for sharing happiness statements of your own. You get to spread happiness, and that makes for a very rich life.