The Smile Shop

Description

The Smile Shop

Satoshi Kitamura

(Scallywag Press)

What would you do if you had a handful of pocket money and set out ‘to buy [yourself] something for the very first time’? Would you go to The Smile Shop? Maybe it’s not your first choice when the town’s streets are full of busy people and there are ‘tasty apple pies‘ and ‘tempting smells’. Perhaps you’d be lured by a clock, a ‘beautiful little boat‘ or an interesting book? There are sounds and hats… it seems there’s so much and one decision to make!

Therefore, what happens if you lose your money in some way? Could it be that The Smile Shop might prove a refuge? How much might a smile cost? Or rather, what might the manager of this shop offer you for your money? Thereafter, what might you notice around you?

While this is an allegorical title, in some ways, the depth of message is subtle and picture hidden. It seems when we first investigate the book that the main character is operating outside of his setting. The other characters seem disassociated from him, going about their lives in such multi-layered ways to which he is oblivious. What is going on? There is such a cacophony of background and yet the main character’s focus is so singularly intent! How might this change?

This is an outstanding, provocative, thoughtful picture book. Satoshi Kitamura makes us think, look and feel. Just take a step into Hat Tricks for example. Bookwagon is enthralled by this superb Scallywag title.