LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
February 2024 Picture Book of the Month
Children will understand absolutely the thrill the young boy in this story feels as he sets out to choose and buy something for himself, a collection of coins held tightly in his hand. And there’s so much to choose from in this busy street: there’s a music shop, a book stall, a toyshop, not to mention stalls selling a variety of delicious food.
He’s almost decided when disaster strikes and the money is knocked from his hand, disappearing down a drain. Dejected – so much so that the street itself turns grey – he finds a shop that might help. It’s called Smile – could he afford one little smile with the coin he has left?
Adult readers will realise the shop is a photographers, and the boy leaves with a photo and smile to take back out into the street, now full of colour again, a smile he can exchange for many more.
Satoshi Kitamura is one of the world’s very best picture book creators and this story, seemingly so simple, shows us so much about the world and what really matters. It’s also beautifully composed and illustrated, giving readers of all ages so much to discover.
Andrea Reece
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About
The Smile Shop Synopsis
Award-winning artist Satoshi Kitamura delivers the powerful message that kindness is more important than money. Nominated for the Greenaway Medal 2021.
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!
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781912650972 |
| Publication date: |
1st February 2024 |
| Author: |
Satoshi Kitamura |
| Illustrator: |
Satoshi Kitamura |
| Publisher: |
Scallywag Press |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
32 pages |
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Press Reviews
Satoshi Kitamura Press Reviews
'A captivating and surprising picture book packed with intricate illustrations and a strong message - that kindness is more important than money. This wonderful picture book is packed with beautifully observed illustrations, full of gentle humour and intricate detail, which reflect a multicultural, multi-ethnic town.' BookTrust
'A wonderful demonstration of the fact that kindness is worth so much more than anything that money can buy - something else we've learned in the last few months. A book to ponder upon and discuss across a wide age range.' Red Reading Hub
'A beautiful book to share and use to remind us that money isn't necessary to be happy, and that kindness costs nothing but makes the world a nicer place to be a part of.' What I read
'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
Author
About Satoshi Kitamura
Satoshi Kitamura was born in 1956 in Tokyo. He says that when he was young he read comics and admits that these have had a great influence on his style. He says he was also influenced by anything visual from a tin of sardines to the fine art of the East and the West. He was not trained as an artist, but at the age of 19 began to do commercial work. From 1976-1979 he worked as a commercial artist in Japan, working as an illustrator for adverts and magazines. He moved to London in 1979 and worked mainly at designing greeting cards. He started illustrating for Andersen Press in 1981 after he had an exhibition of his work at the Neal Street Gallery in Covent Garden.
More About Satoshi Kitamura
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