When a young boy heads out into his neighborhood to spend his precious savings, he's in for delight and disappointment. He delights in all that surrounds him, and the possibility of what he could buy...but when it all of a sudden disappears, he's down in the dumps. At that time, he steps into a very special shop...a smile shop, if you will...and discovers that even without coin or riches exchanged, some things are more valuable still, and can change a frown upside down in a hurry.

With a more sombre color palette, the illustrations in this one really leave their mark as they high the important things, the best things that life has to offer. It emphasizes that material things are all well and fine, but kindness shared, a smile given is just as important in our crazy, fast-paced world.


**copy received for review, opinions are my own ( )