Augustus and His Smile

PreSchool-Grade 2–Augustus the tiger has lost his smile. Not knowing where to find it, he begins a quest that takes him all over the world. He explores jungles, deserts, and oceans while searching for it, and finally finds it by looking in a pool of water. He comes to the realization that all of the things he has experienced will bring back his missing smile any time he thinks of them. Rayner has created a simple, poetic story that will have children speculating about what makes them feel good. The underlying theme of the enjoyment of the natural world will also help them articulate what parts they like best. The art matches the simplicity of the large-print text. Each spread has shapes or creatures that symbolize the area that the protagonist is currently visiting (large overlapping leaves for the jungle, a school of fish for the ocean, etc.). The illustrations work well with the spare narrative, giving viewers an idea of the expanse of the environments without becoming cluttered. The settings are soothing and majestic in contrast to the tiger's movement and energy. This book will suit storytimes, where children will smile along with Augustus.–Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ
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