Smile Reviewed by Radhika, Age 9

I loved how Lauren Child has weaved a gossamer web of heartwarming characters, each of which went further than the book. They came to life in vivid scenes before my eyes as each page unravelled and unfolded like a never-ending ball of yarn. While Clarice’s brother was annoying and interrupting, and her teacher is strict and apathetic, Clarice was my favourite character because she is philosophical and a deep thinker. I was pulled into her higgledy-piggledy mind overflowing with thoughts of deadlines, dust specks floating in the air and her favourite fictional TV character Ruby Redfort as she pulls out imaginative solutions from the depth of her mind at the last minute.

I was dragged along the relentless corridors of Clarice’s mind as she daydreams through school, forgets to eat and goes through an undulating stream of emotions. This was a heartwarming book which brought me into the depths of Clarice’s mind and I think Clarice was a compassionate and well-chosen protagonist.

I found it hilarious how Clarice is always blaming her brother Minal Cricket for everything that goes wrong in her life.

There is also an amusing smile guide at the beginning of- did you know there were 11 different kinds of smiles for example the Faker, the Lemon and the Apple Pie! I thought it was really interesting, I didn’t know there could be that many different kinds of smiles but if you if you look at the illustrations below you may see some smiles that you recognise.

Smile has unequivocally become one of my top books. I was fortunate enough to receive a signed copy which really lifted my spirits because Lauren Child is one of my favourite authors.