Review: I Love It When You Smile

I adore Charle’s Fuge’s illustrations. They are a joy to look at in every way, full of personality and character and such beautiful detail. It’s a double whammy joy, then, to also have a writer fill a book with such a delightful story that quite literally makes you smile.

McBratney’s gorgeous story follows the trail of a little kangaroo who’s feeling a tad grumpy, and a mum who’s totally intent on making her baby smile, no matter his mood. Despite mum’s consistent attempts, baby roo remains in his funk until a minor mud mishap makes for a hilarious outcome.

Little roo’s journey is peppered with the most charming little characters you ever did see – a duck, a mouse, a frog and a bumble bee – making this book even more of an adorable visual treat without succumbing to the overly cutesy or twee.

If the last page of this book doesn’t make you or your kids grin from ear or ear or even laugh out loud, you’re probably fast asleep. Wake up and smile!


Title: I Love It When You Smile

Author: Sam McBratney

Illustrator: Charles Fuge

Publisher: HarperCollins

Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 0 06 084245 8

For ages: 0 - 7

Type: Picture Book