Review - Willow's Smile

Willow's Smile
by Lana Button
illustrated by Tania Howells
Date: 2016
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

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.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I'm really not sure how I feel about this one. I think part of my problem is buying that a child would be so fixated on whether or not they'd be able to smile on picture day. I'm sure there are kids like this, but (from what I remember, anyway) most kids' thoughts in the lead-up to picture day are more along the lines of Willow's classmates': they're worried about what they're going to wear. (I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not sure how many kids are going to be able to relate to Willow's worries.)

The photographer in this story is a lot better than some. He knows just how to get to the kids to smile, and he uses his talent effectively. (There probably isn't much need for retakes at Willow's school.) I like how he sees her trepidation and includes her in the process.

The illustrations are really simple, but they work. I'm kind of confused as to what sort of class only has nine kids, though. (My guess is that it's the kind of class that's easier to draw!)

Overall, this isn't bad. If you know a kid who has worries like Willow's, they might find this story helpful. But if they're not the sort to worry about their smile, they might not understand why Willow's making such a big deal about it.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5