"Smiles have a funny habit of disappearing. Mine is no exception. Mum says that most lost things in our house can be found: under the sofa; in my pockets; in Mr Honeycomb's basket. I don't know about that, but I do know I NEED my smile back where it belongs...on my face."

From its sunshine yellow cover to its quirky storyline, this book does exactly what it says on the tin: it is almost unimaginable to think of getting through it without, well, smiling.

Author/ illustrator, Leigh Hodgkinson, worked as art director on the first series of Charlie and Lola, so it is possible to find similarities between this book and the work of Lauren Child - but this is by no means inferior or a poor imitation.

The story is based on the sad fact that Sunny McCloud has lost her smile (it might have something to do with the fact that Mum said she wasn’t allowed any more biscuits, but Sunny does assure us herself that she’s definitely not sulking about that) and follows her on her quest to seek it out again. Sunny is a particularly charming character – cheeky and cute, with big innocent eyes – and quite easily the potential to be developed in further stories. Her commentary on her mission is pure and candid as she searches in all sorts of places, high and low, and considers many possibilities, trying to find out just what has happened to her smile.

 As with many modern picture books, this one too can be enjoyed on many levels, from a casual acceptance of the story from a young child to an appreciation of the humour derived from the links between the pictures and the childlike narrative – a treat for observant parents, carers and teachers. The artwork is current, relevant and, as Sunny might say herself, ‘as fresh as a daisy’.

Leigh Hodgkinson experiments with colour and texture ensuring that each page is dynamic and full of energy and the text, in both appearance and meaning, is bold and lively. There is a great deal that can be discussed on each page, guaranteeing that this book can withstand many subsequent readings without becoming stale.

This is an ideal book to share with a child who may be feeling a little gloomy, and a good starting point for discussion about why s/he has lost his/her smile at that particular time. It is also ideal for reading aloud to a group. I recently used it with a small group of four year olds and , as they seemed to respond well to the story, I asked if and why they liked it. Most children said they liked the pictures best but the most perceptive comment came from a little boy who said his favourite part was the final page, where Sunny and her family are sitting round the table, because, he said ‘everyone is smiling and it makes me want to smile too’ – and I couldn’t sum this whole book up better myself.

2009-07-02