Jessica's smile by Sian Turner. Illus. by Rebecca Cool

Jessica is the essence of style. Each second page the repeated pair of lines talks about her style accompanied with a great big smile. She has a smile for everybody; the children dancing in the park, the juggling clown, the girls with balloons. Each time she interacts with people in her neighbourhood, they are impressed with her smile. She is happy.

In rhyming pairs of lines we see Jessica and her stylish clothing impressing the people she meets, and sharing her lovely smile.

But one day it is her birthday and she is turning eight. Her smile has disappeared because she has no one to share her birthday with. Readers will recognise that sometimes we are sad for different reasons and some days find it hard to have a smile on our daces.

They will be concerned for Jessica and be relieved when turning the page find that everyone in the neighbourhood has turned up to share her birthday, and so her smile returns.

Repeated lines on every second double page will attract readers who will try and predict the rhyme, as well as the different clothing noted in the verse. Kids will easily learn the repeated lines saying them with the reader as it is read out loud.

The bold colourful illustrations are entrancing, drawing the eyes to the children on each page and the clothing the stylish Jessica wears.

Kids will love talking bout how they feel when they smile, and when the smile disappears. They will be able to talk about the difference having people close helps with how they feel.

Themes: Mental health, Companionship, Sharing, Style.

Fran Knight