The world is full of bad news. Television and the internet provide a constant stream of gut wrenching stories that only make your day sadder.

Author, Mauro Gatti, decided to do something about that back in 2018 when he created The Happy Broadcast, which aims to inspire positive change, improve mental health, and improve the world through collective action.

Gatti and business partner Keith Bonnici hand-picked this collection of 150 HAPPY FACTS to help young readers (and old) take on their mission for a happier world.

The facts are labeled in categories ranging from the Environment to People, Technology, and Animals. Each fact is given 1-3 paragraphs of background. You can’t help but feel happier with each turn of the page leading to the next fact. A few of my favorites:

60. Big news for the big cats! In a major move, South Africa will finally ban the breeding of lions in captivity for trophy hunting or for tourists to pet.

76. A New Zealand couple gifted land worth millions to the nation for “the benefit and enjoyment of all New Zealanders.”

107. A popular sandwich and burger condiment may also help us in the fight against climate change!

The book could be used as an inspirational read-aloud in classrooms or at home, followed by a discussion of making their own community better and more positive. Brightly colored illustrations appear throughout.

150 HAPPY FACTS is the perfect antidote for a down day and for putting that smile back on your face.

ABOUT THE CREATORS

Mauro Gatti is an Italian illustrator and creative director based in Los Angeles, California. He has worked for many years on illustrations, branding, games, apps, videos and installations for an amazing range of clients, from MTV, Nike and Disney to JibJab, Line, Redbull, Vans, as well as many local businesses and community organizations. Mauro also co-founded Illustri, the biggest association of illustrators in Italy. Together with his business partner and friend Keith Bonnici, an entrepreneur and accomplished business executive, the pair have launched The Happy Broadcast as a mental health-focused initiative that sprinkles positivity into people’s lives to help improve their overall happiness. The Happy Broadcast is followed by over 1 million people across various social channels as well as through their mental health and wellness mobile app, WHOLE. Their team believes that a positive outlook can greatly improve the mental well-being of society and they are on a mission to spread information about the many positive things in our world to all.

*********************************

It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to join the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.