The Happiest Boy on Earth: The Incredible Story of the Happiest Man on Earth

A picture book adaptation for older readers (8+ years) based on the extraordinary bestselling adult title THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH.

Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.

Eddie lived with his family and adorable dachshund, Lulu, in the beautiful city of Leipzig in Germany. But one day, into the sunshine of his childhood crept a dark, heavy cloud. Not a rain cloud. Much worse than that. Adolf Hitler came to power.

When Eddie was 18, he was sent to a concentration camp.

The story is framed as a conversation between 101-year-old Eddie and his great grandchildren - who are bursting with questions about the life of their Pépé.

The story of Eddie’s life unfolds beautifully, sensitively, heartbreakingly through his words, and exquisite illustrations by Nathaniel Eckstrom.

SHORTLISTED FOR DYMOCKS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 FOR YOUNGER READERS

Eddie Jaku OAM, was born Abraham Jakubowicz in Germany in 1920. In World War 2, Eddie was imprisoned in Buchenwald and Auschwitz concentration camps. In 1945, he was sent on a death march but escaped. Finally, he was rescued by Allied soldiers. In 1950 he moved with family to Australia where he has lived since. Eddie has volunteered at the Sydney Jewish Museum since its inception in 1992. Eddie was married to Flore for 75 years. They have two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eddie passed away in October 2021, aged 101.

Nathaniel Eckstrom is one of Australia’s leading children’s illustrators. He has illustrated over twenty titles, including Meg McKinlay’sDuck!A number of Nathaniel’s books have been shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards.