The House of Happy Spirits Book Review

The House of Happy Spirits: A Children's Book Inspired by Hundertwasser 

Written by Géraldine Elschner 

Illustrated by Lucie Vandevelde

Translated from the French by Paul Kelly

Published by Prestel, September 15, 2020

Son's Review

(Age: 5)

I'm studying the pictures carefully. I'm studying the picture to find animals I didn't even see [the first time]. 

Is this true? (Mom: Yes )  It thought it [the real house] would be more colorful. It's [the book is] mixed-up: true stuff and not-so-true stuff. This book was good. I would look for the giant tree [if we visit]. 

I like the cover. It has a lot of mirrors, and I like to feel the book. Why does the house have feet? Maybe it's magic.

Mom's Review

I learn so many interesting things when I read to T. Whether it's about taste buds, illusionists, deforestation in Kenya, or famous artists, I like expanding my knowledge alongside my kiddo. The House of Happy Spirits is fun, and we both learned a little something about a famous Austrian architect. 

Going into this without knowing anything substantive about Hundertwasser, I enjoyed the story and the art and learned about ecological architecture from the back matter.  In the story, three children watch a strange building grow in the empty lot nearby, where their favorite tree grows. In the end, they are delighted to discover Hudertwasser's apartment building, which is colorful, full of fanciful details, and protective of their tree. Vandevelde's illustrations channel Hundertwasser's style, bright in color and full of curving lines. Back matter explains how and why Hunderwasser designed his buildings to reflect nature, featuring photographs from the Hundertwasser House in Vienna, Austria.

The House of Happy Spirits is realistic and fanciful. It is a delightful way to get to know Hundertwasser's work. I'd recommend it, especially for children who like construction and nature, or think outside the box. They will find a kindred soul in the characters and in Hundertwasser himself.

Note: A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.