Book Review

One Smile

By Cindy McKinley

Illustrated by Mary Gregg Byrne

Illumination Arts – 2002

ISBN:0-935699-23-6 – Hardback

Children / Fiction

Reading Ages 3 – 9

Reviewed by Beverly J. Rowe, MyShelf.Com

Katie is happily skipping along one morning with her mother, hurrying to catch a bus because their van is in the shop for repairs. Katie sees a young man sitting on a bench, looking very sad. The young man had just lost his job. Friendly little Katie flashes him a brilliant smile, which seems to lighten his burden. Katie’s beautiful, unexpected smile, becomes his inspiration to look for a job. When the young man stops to help a lady change a tire, and she gives an extra tip to an overworked waitress, we see that many acts of kindness have resulted from Katie’s friendly smile. The kindness of strangers finally comes full circle back to Katie and her mother.

Cindy McKinley has given us a wonderful, uplifting story to read together with your child. A page in the back of the book will guide parents in discussions about kindness with a series of thoughtful questions, and a challenge!

Mary Gregg Byrne’s illustrations are full-page paintings full of vigor and freshness, and really make this reading experience exceptional.

– Cindy McKinley