“In the 1960s, The Happy Hollisters was the best-selling series in the U.S. for children in the 7-11 age group, with lifetime sales of over 11,000,000 copies in eleven languages. Over one million children joined The Happy Hollisters Book Club in the 1950s and 1960s. They joined for the excitement and mystery of the 33-volume adventure series, but many of them remained loyal fans through adulthood and became avid collectors, wistfully remembering the books’ wholesome quality and squeaky-clean fun. These long-time fans have been clamoring for a return of the series for more than 30 years; now that time has come for them to share the series with their children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Andrew Svenson (Jerry West) researched and traveled extensively, giving The Happy Hollisters books an educational aspect that was appreciated by parents and teachers. Children loved the mystery and drama of the exciting cases that were solved by the children themselves. Svenson frequently said, “The trick in writing children’s books is to set up danger, mystery and excitement on page one. Force the kid to turn the page. . . Then in the middle of each chapter there’s a dramatic point of excitement, and at chapter’s end, a cliffhanger.” It’s a formula that has not gone out of style, and getting kids to read is more important now than ever.”

I was very excited to read The Happy Hollisters by Jerry West. Just looking at the book reminded me of the fun classic books that I read as a little girl. I was very pleased when I read this book. I got that classic story feel as I was reading it. It took me back to my childhood of reading similar stories like The Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew.

One thing that I liked about The Happy Hollisters was that there were a lot of different events happening in the book that all connected to the big story. This was a mystery story as well. The Hollisters family moves to a new town at the beginning of the story. A moving van with all of the children’s toys ends up going missing. Soon they discover that the toys have been stolen and they have to somehow get their toys back. Children can relate to many events that happen in this book. The book talks about getting along with the members of your family, how to adjust when moving to a new place, making new friends, problem solving, and how to deal with a bully.

I was also excited to discover that this was only the first in a mystery series of books. I am very interested in looking at all the others in the series. They are definitely a fun, easy read.

If you are looking for a great children’s book that reminds you for the classic, feel good stories you read when you were little, The Happy Hollisters would be a great book to have you and your kids read!