Hello, World! (Happy County #1)

A giant billboard welcomes readers to Happy County, “the place for fun,” at the start of this peppy activity-filled collection by Long (Fangsgiving). Much like Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town, Happy County is populated by a cast of cartoon animals with goofy names and a proclivity for getting into trouble while engaging in even the most mundane activities. In one story, “Dottie the Dog Walker,” a ladybug smaller than most of her charges collects hounds on a wild walk to the park, and labels note the canines’ actions. Another selection stars a mouse, Cheese Louise, in a rhyming presentation of the challenges of cheese-mongering (“The cheese is not here to squeeze!”). Amid Long’s engaging stories, interactive interstitials offer prompts to spell short words, sing, and seek and find various objects. With 18 vignettes, there’s a lot to take in, but readers will likely follow the invitation for repeated visits on the book’s final billboard: “You are now leaving Happy County. Come back soon!” Ages 3–6. [em](Mar.) [/em]