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Keep Smiling

by Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Diane Ewen

Interest age: 4 to 5

Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, 2023

  • Picture books

About this book

Vina loves smiling, and Vina’s mum says that a smile is the very best gift you can give to someone. When Dad and Vina walk to school, they find a number of people who aren’t having the best day, and who really appreciate a smile: the bus driver, who is grumpy that he had to wait, the post lady, who has dropped all her letters, and a tourist who is a bit lost.

Yet, when Dad drops Vina off at her new school, it all feels a bit scary, and Vina doesn’t feel like smiling at all. But when one of her fellow pupils gives her a shy, mouse-like smile, Vina feels a bit brighter. Then, on the way home, Vina collects smiles from all the people that she bestowed her happy smile on earlier, so that when Mum comes home in need of a happy smile, Vina is recharged and ready to go!

This sweet, bright picture book from Dame Floella Benjamin is inspired by her daughter’s beautiful smile, and it’s an homage to the simple way that we can make each other’s days and lives a little lovelier. Legendary illustrator Diane Ewen’s depiction of a mixed-race family and their happy, diverse community is full of warmth and joy, with lovely bold colours and a friendly feel. It’s also a perfect book to share with children starting Reception or nursery.

About the author

Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE, DL was born in Trinidad in 1949 and came to England in 1960, aged 10. She is an actress, presenter, writer, producer, working peer and an active advocate for the welfare and education of children. She is best known as a presenter of the iconic BBC children’s television programmes Play School and Play Away, and she continues to make children’s programmes. Her broadcasting work has been recognised with a Special Lifetime Achievement BAFTA and OBE. She was appointed a Baroness in the House of Lords in 2010 where she continually promotes legislation to protect children’s wellbeing. In 2012 she was presented with the prestigious J. M. Barrie Award by Action for Children’s Arts, for her lasting contribution to children’s lives through her art. Floella has written thirty books, including Coming to England, a Guardian Children’s Book of the Year 2016, which is used as a resource in schools in social and cross-curricular areas. The book was adapted into an award-winning film for BBC Education. She was also appointed Chancellor of the University of Exeter until 2016 and this year had honorary Freedom of the City of London bestowed upon her.

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