Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) by Gary Golio, Ed Young
Published by Candlewick Press on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 0763697613
Pages: 48
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Featuring hazy, dream-like collage and ink illustrations, “Smile” tells the tale of Charlie Chaplin’s youth and rise to fame.  The title page looks like a silent movie screen, which sets the scene.  Chaplin grew up in London to parents who were both performers.  From a young age, he loved the spotlight, and the book tells us of joining his first theater group at age 9 and moving on to America where he started making silent movies.  We learn how he ended up creating the Little Tramp character by chance and went on to make 80 movies.  The book also includes quotes from Chaplin’s autobiography; a list of facts; and a resource list that includes books, movies, and a website.  This is a good addition to picture book biography collections.  Best for ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook