Willow's Smile

by Lana Button, Tania Howells

Overview

Willow is worried that she won’t smile right for her school picture. She chooses the perfect outfit and practices her smiles, but at the sight of the big lights and the camera’s flash Willow’s smile disappears! When an understanding teacher gives her the job of shaking a rubber chicken to help make her classmates laugh, Willow discovers that no two smiles are the same. And when it’s her turn, she delivers a picture-perfect expression all her own. Parents and teachers will welcome this third story in the Willow series as a lead-in to Picture Day and to discussions about feelings. Willow’s experience will help bring a level of comfort and familiarity to this sometimes-intimidating annual event. Charmingly told and illustrated, Willow’s Smile will leave readers grinning from ear to ear.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771387187
Publisher:	Kids Can Press
Publication date:	04/01/2016
Series:	Willow , #3
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	8 MB
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Lana Button works in early childhood education. Her writing has been published in Lady Bug magazine and Today's Parent. Willow's Whispers is Lana's first book for Kids Can Press.

Tania Howells's illustrations have appeared in Chirp and Today's Parent, among other publications. She is the illustrator of Berkeley's Barn Owl Dance and Willow's Whispers. Tania lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Editorial Reviews

... this slice-of-life picture book is an affirming celebration of being true to your authentic self.—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

02/01/2016
PreS-Gr 2—Shy Willow worries she won't be able to smile for the camera on Picture Day at school. Despite practicing her grin at home and wearing ribbons in her hair, she nervously hides behind her hands when she enters the big gym photo shoot. Perceptive and empathetic, Willow notices some of her classmates are also feeling apprehensive, and she offers support in her quiet way. Howells's delicate pen and ink illustrations paint a portrait of a diverse classroom. The students' emotions and individualities shine through, from Kristabelle's confident posture to Julian's awkward discomfort in his new shirt and tie. Willow decides that "her way of looking picture perfect [doesn't] have to include a smile." When it is Willow's turn in front of the camera, her friends wave and cheer and she "[can't] help it. She smile[s]!" VERDICT Like Willow's Whispers (2010) and Willow Finds a Way (2013, both Kids Can), this slice-of-life picture book is an affirming celebration of being true to your authentic self.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

School Library Journal

2016-01-09
With Picture Day looming, a girl worries because she can't smile at will. Willow's nervous that Picture Day is tomorrow. Her classmates excitedly plan outfits; Willow goes home and studies herself in the mirror. Can certain clothing make her smile "picture perfect"? Willow smiles plenty; she just can't do it on purpose. Well-meaning adults, trying to reassure her, only spotlight Willow's exact point of worry: "Just bring your smile," instructs her teacher, while her father soothes, "I'm sure your picture will be perfect." Perfection's quite a standard. Stressed, Willow pulls and tugs her cheeks with her fingers, trying to force a smile. On Picture Day, the moment of Willow's snapshot will confuse readers: she decides that "her way of looking picture perfect didn't have to include a smile," and the text implies she follows through with that, but the illustration shows a smile—tiny yet unmistakable. Either way, it's inadequate: the victorious climax shows Willow's friends inspiring her smile from behind the camera. Howells uses bright, flat colors on white backgrounds; her characters are Photoshop figures, racially diverse (though Willow's white), drawn in simple black lines and dots. Unlike Willow's Whispers (2010), where it was easy to root for Willow to speak loudly enough to be heard, this is about performing emotional expression. This isn't smile-when-you're-ready; it's smile-on-schedule, and the resolution undercuts its previous, apparent support for Willow's reticence. Not much to smile about. (Picture book. 3-5)

Kirkus Reviews