Willow's Smile
Willow's Smile
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Publisher's Hardcover ©2016--
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Kids Can Press
Just the Series: Willow   

Series and Publisher: Willow   

Annotation: Willow is worried that she won't smile right for her school picture, but 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.
 
Reviews: 1
Catalog Number: #119081
Format: Publisher's Hardcover
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Copyright Date: 2016
Edition Date: 2016 Release Date: 04/01/16
Illustrator: Howells, Tania,
Pages: 1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN: 1-7713-8549-9
ISBN 13: 978-1-7713-8549-7
Dewey: E
Dimensions: 24 x 27 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
School Library Journal (Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 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

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School Library Journal (Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)
Word Count: 720
Reading Level: 2.8
Interest Level: P-2
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 181844 / grade: Lower Grades
Lexile: AD500L

Sometimes Willow smiled without even trying. But sometimes when she wished she could and knew she should, her smile slipped straight off her face. So when her teacher tells the class that Picture Day is coming, shy Willow starts to worry. What if she isn't able to smile for the camera? How can she have her picture taken without smiling? But then on Picture Day, Willow gets the opportunity to watch the other children being photographed. She sees that all of her friends' expressions are unique, and perfect in their own way. And by the time it's her turn, she's realized that she doesn't need to worry about smiling for her picture. She just needs to be herself. In this sweet picture book, author Lana Button has created a relatable and reassuring story that offers children a terrific model for how to deal with a difficult experience in a socially and emotionally competent way. The simple illustrations by Tania Howells beautifully capture the story's focus through the range of emotions so clearly expressed by Willow and her classmates. This book provides opportunities for character lessons on self-respect, empathy and resilience. It would work for a classroom introduction to the annual ritual of Picture Day as well, a subject not often covered yet very significant to young children. It could also lead to a conversation about why we take pictures and what makes a great picture, and to activities such as making a class photo album.


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