There are stories that entertain, stories that teach, and then stories that feel like gentle reminders we have always carried somewhere within us. How to Be Happy with Who You Are is one of those rare tales. Sudha Murty has written a book that speaks to the child learning to accept herself and also to the adult who has spent a lifetime comparing, wishing, and wanting to be someone else.
Set in a magical, fluid world of nature, transformation and self-discovery, this book becomes more than a simple chapter story. It becomes a quiet voice reminding readers of all ages that peace begins where comparison ends.
2. About the Book
How to Be Happy with Who You Are is a beautifully illustrated Puffin chapter book that follows the journey of the Princess of the Sea. After meeting her friends, she begins longing to be like them. She wishes to be strong like a mountain, sweet like a river, or full of color like a tree. Every transformation brings her joy at first, but each new form shows her the hidden struggles of being someone else.
Through changing seasons and shifting shapes, she discovers a gentle truth: true happiness does not come from comparison. It comes from accepting herself, just as she is.
The story is enriched by Shruti Hemani’s soft, luminous illustrations that add rhythm, color and emotional warmth to each page. This book is designed for children aged five and above, yet it carries a message that stays with older readers long after they finish reading.
Product Details:
Publisher: India Puffin, Penguin
Publication Date: 25 August 2025
Language: English
Pages: 44
ISBN: 978-0143458203
3. About the Author
Sudha Murty is one of India’s most loved authors, educators and philanthropists. Born in Shiggaon, Karnataka, she earned her master’s degree in computer science from the Indian Institute of Science and went on to become a pioneering engineer, celebrated writer and the founder of the Infosys Foundation.
She has written more than three hundred titles in English and Kannada, many of which have been translated into major Indian languages. Her bestsellers include Three Thousand Stitches, Dollar Bahu, Wise and Otherwise, and several beloved children’s books.
Sudha Murty has received several awards including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Bal Sahitya Puraskar, the R. K. Narayan Award, and many state honors. Her storytelling is known for its simplicity, depth and warmth, making her a timeless voice in Indian literature for children and adults alike.
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4. Review of How to Be Happy with Who You Are
This book feels like a soft whisper encouraging readers to pause, breathe and remember their own worth. Sudha Murty’s writing is gentle, luminous and rooted in wisdom that never feels heavy. The Princess of the Sea becomes a mirror for anyone who has wished to be someone else. Her excitement at changing forms, followed by the realisation that every form carries its own burdens, is a simple yet powerful metaphor for our own everyday struggles.
The Sea King, her father, stands out as a beautifully written character. Patient, calm and loving, he allows the princess to learn her lesson through experience. His presence adds emotional grounding to the story.
Shruti Hemani’s illustrations flow like nature itself. They create an atmosphere where the story is not just read but felt. The visual storytelling complements Sudha Murty’s style, making the book meaningful for young readers and reflective for adults.
Above all, the book’s message is universal. It tells every reader, regardless of age, that they do not need to be stronger, sweeter or brighter than who they are. Being themselves is already enough.
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5. Why Read How to Be Happy with Who You Are
- Perfect for parents and educators wanting to teach self-love and confidence gently.
- Ideal for children who feel pressured to compare themselves with others.
- A meaningful read for adults who often forget the importance of accepting themselves.
- Beautiful illustrations make the story visually engaging for young readers.
- Sudha Murty’s storytelling is simple, warm and emotionally enriching.
- The book offers a timeless message that stays with readers long after they close the pages.
6. Conclusion
How to Be Happy with Who You Are is a tender and magical reminder of the importance of self-acceptance. Through the Princess of the Sea and her journey of constantly wishing to be someone else, Sudha Murty shows that true happiness blooms when we stop comparing and start embracing who we are.
This Puffin chapter book may be written for children, but its message resonates with anyone who has ever doubted their own worth. It is a book that comforts, encourages and reminds you that being yourself is more than enough.
You can buy this book from Amazon and Flipkart.
7. FAQ on How to Be Happy with Who You Are
Q. What is the main message of the book?
The book teaches that true happiness comes from accepting oneself rather than comparing with others.
Q. What age group is the book suitable for?
It is ideal for children aged five and above, but adults will also find value in its message.
Q. Is this book a part of a series?
It serves as a gentle introduction to the imaginative world of Sudha Murty’s children’s literature.
Q. Who illustrated the book?
The book features full-color illustrations by Shruti Hemani.
Q. Is there a How to Be Happy with Who You Are PDF download available?
Avoid searching for pirated PDFs. Buy the official paperback or eBook from legitimate platforms to support the author and publisher.
This article discusses whether a legal PDF version of the book mentioned in the title is available. I do not host, store, or share copyrighted PDFs. All downloads should only come from official and authorized sources provided by the author or the publisher.
If an official PDF is not released, readers are encouraged to support the creators by choosing legal alternatives. You can purchase the book from trusted platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, or any verified bookstore. Digital formats like Kindle eBooks and Audible audiobooks are also convenient options for reading and listening online.
Buying from legitimate platforms ensures you receive a safe, high quality version of the book and helps support the authors and publishers who create these works. This article will be updated if a legal PDF becomes available in the future.
