The Smile Shop

Satoshi KitamuraClick here for biography

Sometimes it takes a dire situation before you discover how much kindness there is around you.

Celebrate the power of a smile in this deceptively simple story set in a multi-ethnic market. A small boy is planning how to spend his first ever pocket money when disaster strikes and he's left with only one coin. His day seems to be ruined until he sees a Smile Shop.

In a surprise ending, the world is put to rights and suddenly the whole world is smiling again!

NOMINATED FOR THE 2021 KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL

'This wonderful picture book is packed with beautifully observed illustrations, full of gentle humour and intricate detail, which reflect a multicultural, multi-ethnic town … This is the book to prove that a smile really is the gift that keeps on giving.' BOOK TRUST

'Full of urban conviviality and expressive observational detail, this gentle story offers a different perspective on the commercial messaging that children meet elsewhere. Satoshi Kitamura is a multi-award-winning artist whose books have been translated into many languages, and this is a quietly sophisticated offering with lots to admire and enjoy… Kitamura works every spread to maximum effect' BOOKS FOR KEEPS

'With his quirky, scratchy drawing and watercolour illustrations Satoshi Kitamura's latest story is essentially a parable that shows how powerful something as simple as a smile can be ... A book to ponder upon and discuss across a wide age range.' RED READING HUB

'A refreshing modern fable that s ideal for sharing, reading aloud and discussion with pupils.' SCHOOL READING LIST

'Kitamura's simple but emotive story speaks loudly about the power of kindness and its value to us as human beings in a shared world, while his richly detailed and carefully crafted illustrations are brimming with warm humour, compassion and acute insight. With its playful story, subtle philosophy, and resonant messages about the infectious nature of a simple smile, this beautiful book is guaranteed to lift the spirits of readers young and old.' LANCASHIRE EVENING POST

'An enchanting picture book full of life, love and humanity.' BOOKMARKED

READ ABOUT THE 2020 WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE PROJECT RUN BY THE CHILDREN'S BOOK SHOW and download the teaching ideas.

 

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