Allyson Rankin Reviews “My Happy Place” by Whitney Cunningham

Review by Allyson Rankin, Plymouth, MA

My Happy Place is a book you don’t find everyday in the kid’s section; describing legitimate meditation and grounding techniques in a way that makes it easy for folks of all ages to understand. Cunningham emphasizes the importance of descriptive language when trying to bring your mind back into the real world, as well as encouraging children to be more aware of how they’re feeling in stressful situations. I especially love how it gives the reader a space to practice what they’ve learned from their reading, utilizing descriptive language and constructing their own happy place! 

Cunningham tells all children reading this book that they can rely on themselves when they’re feeling lost or afraid. That, even when it seems like everything is upside-down, they can always go back to their happy place no matter where they are. This amazing message, along with Huijser’s simple yet adorable illustrations, adds up to one of the best educational children’s books I’ve seen in a while.

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Allyson Rankin is an English major and tutor at Cape Cod Community College, along with being awarded a place in Phi Theta Kappa: International College Honor Society. She desires to work in the publication industry, specifically as an editor, and is working hard every day to hone the skills needed to meet that goal. Helping authors write stories that inspire and immerse readers is her greatest dream, and connecting to the audience while upholding the vision of the author is a balance she is constantly looking to master.