Title: Bubba: Happily Ever After
Author: Richard Engel
Publisher: Matchstick Literary
ISBN: 978-1637909096 
Pages: 21
Genre: Children
Reviewer: Liz Konkel 

Hollywood Book Reviews

Bubba is not your ordinary gerbil. He does not spend his days going around in a circle – instead he has found a gift for conveying messages through a laptop. He uses this ability to communicate with Debi and her family, but he soon finds that he may be able to do more. His life has been filled with adventure as throughout Debi he’s been able to make an impact on those around him, particularly when helping missionaries. However, Bubba has reason to be concerned when he feels Debi’s father may be planning to use his unique ability as a way to make money. Debi takes him and his concerns to the local pastor who helps him realize that his purpose may be bigger than what he thinks and perhaps he has his gift for a reason.

The story begins with Bubba in the comfort and safety of his habitat and is even provided with the freedom to come and go as he pleases. His life was pleasant and quiet as he has done away with all irritations which has made this an ideal paradise for him. This is a clever way to introduce the character as his story focuses on leaving the comfort of his habitat to help others. This is a great way of discussing how sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zones in a way which is grounded on a child’s level. The use of an adorable gerbil helps to show what he views as safe and helps as a conversation starter for what makes them feel the same. His personality impacts the tone, making the story upbeat and cheery as he’s very exuberant and full of life. He’s an easily likable character and for more than being an adorable gerbil, as he is full of heart and compassion for others. Bubba is a great example of how we should help and look out for others. 

The story is fast-paced and aimed at children a little older through the use of a chapter format. There are two obstacles that Bubba must face and what the story revolves around. First, he worries about Debi’s father’s plan to use him to make money. This adds an interesting suspense aspect to the story and provides the story with an interesting struggle which reminds you that this is the journey of a gerbil. However, Bubba is a well-crafted character who will easily gain children’s attention with his adorable nature. Ultimately, the mystery is about what Bubba’s happily-ever-after is with his internal struggle adding depth to the story. The setting is grounded in reality and while his gifts make him human-like, his capabilities are still derived on the basis that he is a gerbil. 

The second obstacle is the main theme the story explores which is Bubba’s journey to find what his true purpose is. No explanation is given for why Bubba has the gifts that he does, so his journey is about finding this answer. Through counsel with the pastor, he finds he could have a deeper purpose such as helping others, particularly children, by serving as a therapy gerbil. This is a sweet shift in the story which serves as a great way to communicate to children about helping others, and discuss with them what their purposes could be as they get older. The story has a religious component as the pastor is an important character in Bubba’s journey while prayer and spiritual gifts are at the core of it. This can show children that there is joy in being a friend and helping others, but it also shows that everyone’s gifts are for a reason and have a purpose. 

Bubba: Happily Ever After is a charming children’s story about finding what makes you happy and understanding what your true purpose in life is.