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Runaway Smile: An unshared smile is a wasted smile
"I woke up this morning and I had lost my smile and it wasn’t my fault and I looked everywhere and it was gone. Then I met a workman and a king and the best salesman in the world and a clown and no-one wanted to give me theirs. At school, I asked Miss to give me hers, but she gave us a pop quiz instead, and then no-one was smiling and..."
A little boy wakes up in the morning and realizes he has lost his smile. After spending the entire day trying to find it, he learns the truth behind smiles: the only real smiles are the shared ones.
A little boy wakes up in the morning and realizes he has lost his smile. After spending the entire day trying to find it, he learns the truth behind smiles: the only real smiles are the shared ones.
68 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
7 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas C. Rossis
21 books120 followersNicholas C. Rossis lives to write and does so from his cottage on the edge of a magical forest in Athens, Greece. When not composing epic fantasies or short sci-fi stories, he chats with fans and colleagues, writes blog posts, and enjoys the antics of two silly cats and his baby daughter, all of whom claim his lap as home. His books have won numerous awards, including the Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award.
In addition to his best-selling series, Pearseus, he writes short science fiction/speculative fiction stories, many of which have appeared in various collections and anthologies. These include Infinite Waters, which was voted one of the best 50 Indie books of 2015.
What readers are saying about Nick's fantasies:
"Most avid readers still have books from their childhood which they read over and over again. 'Runaway Smile' has joined the list."
"From the very first sentence I realized I was not reading a book, I was going on an adventure."
"Each story is like watching an old episode of the Twilight Zone."
For more on Nick or just to chat, visit him on:
Blog: http://bit.ly/1G79bQS
eNovel Authors: http://bit.ly/1JZEQct
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18lyLr5
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1dKgsPT
Google+ : http://bit.ly/1IkzR22
In addition to his best-selling series, Pearseus, he writes short science fiction/speculative fiction stories, many of which have appeared in various collections and anthologies. These include Infinite Waters, which was voted one of the best 50 Indie books of 2015.
What readers are saying about Nick's fantasies:
"Most avid readers still have books from their childhood which they read over and over again. 'Runaway Smile' has joined the list."
"From the very first sentence I realized I was not reading a book, I was going on an adventure."
"Each story is like watching an old episode of the Twilight Zone."
For more on Nick or just to chat, visit him on:
Blog: http://bit.ly/1G79bQS
eNovel Authors: http://bit.ly/1JZEQct
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18lyLr5
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1dKgsPT
Google+ : http://bit.ly/1IkzR22
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 9, 2015
Nicholas Rossis has written a delightful tale that is sure to put a non-stop smile on the faces of readers and listeners of all ages. I read a free copy of RUNAWAY SMILE and will be gifting a copy to my grandson, who is seven. Kids will not only giggle and want read more, they'll learn to appreciate the value of a smile that comes from the heart. Well-written in a playful tone with outrageous characters and wonderful illustrations, I recommend RUNAWAY SMILE as a perfect pick for a teacher read-aloud and as a must-have for every child's bookshelf.
~ Bette A. Stevens, retired teacher and author of children's books AMAZING MATILDA, The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles too!; PURE TRASH, the short story prequel to debut novel DOG BONE SOUP
~ Bette A. Stevens, retired teacher and author of children's books AMAZING MATILDA, The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles too!; PURE TRASH, the short story prequel to debut novel DOG BONE SOUP
February 24, 2015
I don't usually read children's books. When Nicholas Rossis, author of the Pearseus epic fantasy series, released Runaway Smile I was curious about his choice of genre so I took a gander. I found myself drawn in by the dog that wore slippers and a robe, the closet monster, and the boy's tender, if frustrating, search for his smile. The sepia illustrations by Dimitris Fousekis added a touch of whimsy to the imaginative tale which ended on an uplifting note. I especially liked the kernel of wisdom from the boy's mother at the end, "Any smile you can't share is a fake."
February 27, 2015
Another book, that in the beginning, I just couldn’t wrap my head around. Now, I consider myself to be a fairly intelligent woman, but there are those instances (where I might be reading in a little sleepy state), that certain books go way over my head. Well, since I like to give all books a fair shot in my world, I vowed to Mr. Rossis that I was going to re-read this book (fully alert), so that I could give it my honest opinion.
This cute little children’s book, filled with a most perfect life lesson (which I will not divulge here…you’ll have to get the book to find out), is about a little boy who wakes one morning to find that his smile is missing. On his quest to find it, he meets some interesting characters along the way.
The writing was perfect for a parent/child bedtime story and the illustrations in the book were fantastic! The language was age-appropriate and the creativity that was put into developing these characters, especially the dog…phenomenal!
Nicholas Rossis’ writing made me feel like a child again, actually, like the child I never was….adventurous! This book was a short read and the message within, is one worth teaching to all our children. If you were to ask me to suggest a "really good" read for children, RUNAWAY SMILE would be a first choice for me! Great job, Nich!
This cute little children’s book, filled with a most perfect life lesson (which I will not divulge here…you’ll have to get the book to find out), is about a little boy who wakes one morning to find that his smile is missing. On his quest to find it, he meets some interesting characters along the way.
The writing was perfect for a parent/child bedtime story and the illustrations in the book were fantastic! The language was age-appropriate and the creativity that was put into developing these characters, especially the dog…phenomenal!
Nicholas Rossis’ writing made me feel like a child again, actually, like the child I never was….adventurous! This book was a short read and the message within, is one worth teaching to all our children. If you were to ask me to suggest a "really good" read for children, RUNAWAY SMILE would be a first choice for me! Great job, Nich!
December 31, 2014
This is an adorable little book with a valuable lesson for children. It is a perfect book for middle grade students to read themselves. It has clever illustrations and a rhymic rhyme at the end. It is a fun book for kids with its comical prose. The author has a wonderful sense of humor and fun.
Will the protagonist find his smile? What lesson will he learn about keeping his smile? These and other questions will surface and make children think hard about something as simple as a smile and the true meaning of having one.
Will the protagonist find his smile? What lesson will he learn about keeping his smile? These and other questions will surface and make children think hard about something as simple as a smile and the true meaning of having one.
May 25, 2015
Entertaining story, intriguing illustrations, but for what ages?
REVIEW: Nicholas Rossis is an excellent writer with a magical use of language, scene-setting and tone. I have read other stories by him and admired his writing.
I enjoyed the book, but I'm confounded by trying to figure out who else would (besides adults, that is). As a long-time educator, parent and educator of educators for young children, I must admit to being very confused by what Rossis believes are the ages of children who would be his intended audience. "Runaway Smile" is seemingly meant for grade school children (ages 6 - 11), since it is a "chapter book" with advanced vocabulary and not a lot of illustrations.
However, the fanciful nature of the story, the topic and the apparent age of the protagonist seem at odds with each other.
In my opinion, the story is not something an older child (ages 8 - 11, who could read it independently) would want to read. This kind of treacle would turn them off, starting with the title. Next, the protagonist seems younger than 8, which would also put off an older child: on the cover and by most of the ways he is depicted as thinking and feeling, he seems to be about 7, but that is also confusing, because his vocabulary is very advanced for that age.
What about a younger child (ages 5 - 7)? An adult could read it to him/her, but the child listeners might not follow all of it very well nor would a younger child be able to relate to the language used by this boy: when he comes home from school and his mother asks how his day was, he replies: "It sucked."
A very young child (ages 2 - 5) wouldn't even be interested. It's too long and complicated, not to mention bizarre and scary (a talking dog that is supposed to guard but would rather read books, with glasses on? we can lose our smiles?), and the pictures aren't that appealing to young ones.
Finally, there is the perennial problem in many children's books: minor adult characters are depicted as two-dimensional, stereotyped and trite. This is lazy writing, in my opinion, and is so unnecessary, especially in such a long book. I know these encounters are supposed to be brief, but does each of these adult characters have to be so "one-note"? I know Rossis can develop excellent characters; I've read them! Why leave them out of this book?
I wanted to adore this book because I respect and appreciate Rossis and because I liked the illustrations very much. However, I'm stumped as to whom I would recommend it to, so I can't give it more than three stars. I could be very wrong....
REVIEW: Nicholas Rossis is an excellent writer with a magical use of language, scene-setting and tone. I have read other stories by him and admired his writing.
I enjoyed the book, but I'm confounded by trying to figure out who else would (besides adults, that is). As a long-time educator, parent and educator of educators for young children, I must admit to being very confused by what Rossis believes are the ages of children who would be his intended audience. "Runaway Smile" is seemingly meant for grade school children (ages 6 - 11), since it is a "chapter book" with advanced vocabulary and not a lot of illustrations.
However, the fanciful nature of the story, the topic and the apparent age of the protagonist seem at odds with each other.
In my opinion, the story is not something an older child (ages 8 - 11, who could read it independently) would want to read. This kind of treacle would turn them off, starting with the title. Next, the protagonist seems younger than 8, which would also put off an older child: on the cover and by most of the ways he is depicted as thinking and feeling, he seems to be about 7, but that is also confusing, because his vocabulary is very advanced for that age.
What about a younger child (ages 5 - 7)? An adult could read it to him/her, but the child listeners might not follow all of it very well nor would a younger child be able to relate to the language used by this boy: when he comes home from school and his mother asks how his day was, he replies: "It sucked."
A very young child (ages 2 - 5) wouldn't even be interested. It's too long and complicated, not to mention bizarre and scary (a talking dog that is supposed to guard but would rather read books, with glasses on? we can lose our smiles?), and the pictures aren't that appealing to young ones.
Finally, there is the perennial problem in many children's books: minor adult characters are depicted as two-dimensional, stereotyped and trite. This is lazy writing, in my opinion, and is so unnecessary, especially in such a long book. I know these encounters are supposed to be brief, but does each of these adult characters have to be so "one-note"? I know Rossis can develop excellent characters; I've read them! Why leave them out of this book?
I wanted to adore this book because I respect and appreciate Rossis and because I liked the illustrations very much. However, I'm stumped as to whom I would recommend it to, so I can't give it more than three stars. I could be very wrong....
December 22, 2014
I picked this title up as I'm a fan of Nicholas Rossis' epic fantasy series (Pearseus) and I was curious to see how a fantasy writer tackles the challenge of writing for kids. Smoothly, apparently. This isn't a happy-go-lucky fairytale. The boy of this story is on a quest. Unlike Alice, this little guy is used to the bizarre world he lives in, and takes milk-surfing ants and complacent monsters in the closet at a stride. What he can't deal with, though, is the loss of his smile. On his way to school, he comes across colorful characters with huge smiles plastered on their faces, but although they vy for the little one's attention, they can't seem to listen to him. They're grown ups after all; self-serving and self-centered. Each and every one, although full of promises, fails to bring happiness to our little hero. But in the end, he finds what he's after in the sweetest possible way, and he knows how to keep it forever.
This story is layered with thought-provoking semiotics that will attract parents as well. Fantastic illustrations make our boy's trek to school come to life, and the summary in verse at the end is a touch of genius and extra proof of the author's diverse talent. This is one book you won't regret reading to little ones, but even if there aren't any around, just go for it. You'll love it.
This story is layered with thought-provoking semiotics that will attract parents as well. Fantastic illustrations make our boy's trek to school come to life, and the summary in verse at the end is a touch of genius and extra proof of the author's diverse talent. This is one book you won't regret reading to little ones, but even if there aren't any around, just go for it. You'll love it.
January 5, 2015
Nicely presented interior, good message.
We have had lost smile books but this is the first runaway smile. The concept has the underlying meaning of a search for happiness, which of course, for a young child, is found with a loving mother.
I loved this book from the moment I saw the second page, for it is here that the enchanting and unusual illustrations begin. The cover is not the right colour for the age group, presumably 5 to 8 year olds. Terracotta is a late middle age colour! However, the brown illustrations inside actually add to the charm, suggesting a transitory fairyland of figures.
Amongst the huge variety of books for the child who is an emerging reader, and still in the stage of enjoying being read to, this is the one I'd choose. It is meaningful and it is likely to capture a child's heart as a 'keeping' book.
We have had lost smile books but this is the first runaway smile. The concept has the underlying meaning of a search for happiness, which of course, for a young child, is found with a loving mother.
I loved this book from the moment I saw the second page, for it is here that the enchanting and unusual illustrations begin. The cover is not the right colour for the age group, presumably 5 to 8 year olds. Terracotta is a late middle age colour! However, the brown illustrations inside actually add to the charm, suggesting a transitory fairyland of figures.
Amongst the huge variety of books for the child who is an emerging reader, and still in the stage of enjoying being read to, this is the one I'd choose. It is meaningful and it is likely to capture a child's heart as a 'keeping' book.
January 19, 2016
A brilliant book to read with your family,
especially if you'd like to witness the
reaction of the little ones. Every page is
a joy to read and the illustrations are
excellent.
especially if you'd like to witness the
reaction of the little ones. Every page is
a joy to read and the illustrations are
excellent.
December 20, 2018
This somewhat fantastical tale (the dog is a part-time superhero, and one can pick and eat from the sausage tree) certainly made me smile. I love the introduction of various concepts here. The boy has working parents so is responsible for getting himself to school. He feels a bit miserable today - perhaps because he is alone. We see that it is okay to feel a bit depressed, but kids should try to find a way to be happy.
How can he find his smile again?
Later we see that material goods don't provide happiness, and adults who smile at kids sometimes just want the kid to get out of the way so they can do their work, and an entertainer's smile can just be painted, not real. And in class, of course, nobody wants to take a test, so that doesn't help with smiling, even though the teacher assures the kids she is there if they have any problems.
Can the boy find how to smile again? You will have to read it and find out. I enjoyed the cheeky line drawings which bring the over-the-top story aspects to life, and will stop anyone being nervous about closet monsters. (Secret... They knit.)
I downloaded a copy when the author made it available on Amazon. I chose to review. This is an unbiased review.
How can he find his smile again?
Later we see that material goods don't provide happiness, and adults who smile at kids sometimes just want the kid to get out of the way so they can do their work, and an entertainer's smile can just be painted, not real. And in class, of course, nobody wants to take a test, so that doesn't help with smiling, even though the teacher assures the kids she is there if they have any problems.
Can the boy find how to smile again? You will have to read it and find out. I enjoyed the cheeky line drawings which bring the over-the-top story aspects to life, and will stop anyone being nervous about closet monsters. (Secret... They knit.)
I downloaded a copy when the author made it available on Amazon. I chose to review. This is an unbiased review.
January 21, 2015
A delightful children’s book with the sweetest ending ever!
The boy wakes up to find his smile is missing. His pet dog wishes it could help but cannot. The monster in his closet is a friendly one, but it has no answers either. On his way to school, the boy meets a bunch of strange characters but they all seem too preoccupied in their own affairs (aren’t all adults in the eyes of a child?) to answer his pressing question about his missing smile. Still, by the end of the story, the answer comes unexpectedly and in the sweetest way possible, so much that I felt my heart actually melting.
This is the first published children’s story by sci-fi/fantasy author Nicholas Rossis and perhaps the best bit about it, even more than the brilliance of the story itself, is that Runaway Smile is the first of many. The author is already working on the next children’s book and I simply can't wait.
But it is not just the fresh, delightful narrative that makes this story standout; the inspired illustrations by Dimitris Fousekis simply give it wings. I found myself immersed in the pages, left behind the worries of my adult mind and turned into a child again for a little while, as to remember anew where a true smile comes from.
If you are buying a book for a child, Runaway Smile is an awesome choice. There is no awkwardness and no fear factor; just delight, plenty of innocence and a sweet ending that will make any young heart lift.
The boy wakes up to find his smile is missing. His pet dog wishes it could help but cannot. The monster in his closet is a friendly one, but it has no answers either. On his way to school, the boy meets a bunch of strange characters but they all seem too preoccupied in their own affairs (aren’t all adults in the eyes of a child?) to answer his pressing question about his missing smile. Still, by the end of the story, the answer comes unexpectedly and in the sweetest way possible, so much that I felt my heart actually melting.
This is the first published children’s story by sci-fi/fantasy author Nicholas Rossis and perhaps the best bit about it, even more than the brilliance of the story itself, is that Runaway Smile is the first of many. The author is already working on the next children’s book and I simply can't wait.
But it is not just the fresh, delightful narrative that makes this story standout; the inspired illustrations by Dimitris Fousekis simply give it wings. I found myself immersed in the pages, left behind the worries of my adult mind and turned into a child again for a little while, as to remember anew where a true smile comes from.
If you are buying a book for a child, Runaway Smile is an awesome choice. There is no awkwardness and no fear factor; just delight, plenty of innocence and a sweet ending that will make any young heart lift.
January 15, 2015
As an early educator and mom of three, I was intrigued by the title of this book--as I thought it would be a good chapter book selection for my nine year old daughter, or a good read-aloud for my younger ones. I was right and wrong about that. Let me explain.
I was informed that this book was written for ages 6-9, but I would venture to recommend it for an older age group because of the sophisticated verbiage. The story was built around a very noble concept that most parents and educators would be happy to share with their children, but it is better suited for either an adult reading it aloud to their child, or perhaps a middle-school-aged child reading it alone. (I read it WITH my daughter out loud.)
Though she is a very skilled reader, she had trouble with many of the words and became frustrated. She enjoyed the story in the end, but struggled to completely connect with it because of the "hard words"--her words, not mine.
I have read other books by this author and he is very talented, so I would recommend this book to a pre-teen or a parent with a young child.
I was informed that this book was written for ages 6-9, but I would venture to recommend it for an older age group because of the sophisticated verbiage. The story was built around a very noble concept that most parents and educators would be happy to share with their children, but it is better suited for either an adult reading it aloud to their child, or perhaps a middle-school-aged child reading it alone. (I read it WITH my daughter out loud.)
Though she is a very skilled reader, she had trouble with many of the words and became frustrated. She enjoyed the story in the end, but struggled to completely connect with it because of the "hard words"--her words, not mine.
I have read other books by this author and he is very talented, so I would recommend this book to a pre-teen or a parent with a young child.
January 20, 2015
A little boy awakens to discover he has lost his smile, and as he spends his day searching for it, the reader is taken on a sweet journey.
While Runaway Smile is technically a children's book, the truth is I believe the lessons held within are as compelling for adults. As the mother of two, I felt for the boy throughout his search for his missing smile. Almost from the very first moment he awoke, he knew something was amiss. Once he realized what was missing, his entire day became centered around getting back that smile. He encountered fake smiles and conditional smiles, misplaced smiles and forced smiles... Ultimately, the discovery of the boy's smile comes about through a heartwarming and encouraging lesson in love.
The story is sweet and funny, and the world in which the boy lives is full of imagery which could be straight out of a child's imagination. The illustrations are delightful and evoked, for me, fond nostalgia of the same illustrative contribution as is found in The Phantom Tollbooth. Runaway Smile is a winner, and sure to share its smile with you.
While Runaway Smile is technically a children's book, the truth is I believe the lessons held within are as compelling for adults. As the mother of two, I felt for the boy throughout his search for his missing smile. Almost from the very first moment he awoke, he knew something was amiss. Once he realized what was missing, his entire day became centered around getting back that smile. He encountered fake smiles and conditional smiles, misplaced smiles and forced smiles... Ultimately, the discovery of the boy's smile comes about through a heartwarming and encouraging lesson in love.
The story is sweet and funny, and the world in which the boy lives is full of imagery which could be straight out of a child's imagination. The illustrations are delightful and evoked, for me, fond nostalgia of the same illustrative contribution as is found in The Phantom Tollbooth. Runaway Smile is a winner, and sure to share its smile with you.
February 16, 2015
Delightful story
I love children's books. And this one is no exception. It was cleverly told with the imagination of a child. And mom makes everything better in the end.
The illustrations were wonderful. The only thing I didn't like was finding a device to read this on. It wouldn't work on my laptop (I already knew it wasn't compatible with my version of a Kindle). I finally was able to read it on my iPad. But if you have a Kindle Fire or an iPad, you and your children would love this story. I can't wait for future children's books from this author.
I love children's books. And this one is no exception. It was cleverly told with the imagination of a child. And mom makes everything better in the end.
The illustrations were wonderful. The only thing I didn't like was finding a device to read this on. It wouldn't work on my laptop (I already knew it wasn't compatible with my version of a Kindle). I finally was able to read it on my iPad. But if you have a Kindle Fire or an iPad, you and your children would love this story. I can't wait for future children's books from this author.
February 12, 2015
What a wonderful book.
It was a joy to read for myself, and it will be even more fun to read it to my grandson the very next time I see him. This is not a distracting high arty style book; rather it is a thoughtfully told and illustrated with sepia toned and enjoyable illustrations that serve to help focus on the text rather than force a child's eyes from the words.
Well done Mr. Rossis!
It was a joy to read for myself, and it will be even more fun to read it to my grandson the very next time I see him. This is not a distracting high arty style book; rather it is a thoughtfully told and illustrated with sepia toned and enjoyable illustrations that serve to help focus on the text rather than force a child's eyes from the words.
Well done Mr. Rossis!
December 28, 2019
This is one of the best books for children I have read in a long while. Packed with imagination and adventure it is about a little boy who goes in search of his smile after discovering he has somehow lost it overnight. He is initially helped in his search by his best friend, an aging dog who wears spectacles and reads books. They look everywhere in his room, including in his trunk which is full of most unusual and intriguing toys, and in his closet which is inhabited by a closet monster who eats his clothes. They can't find his smile in his room or in the kitchen while he is eating his breakfast. It is not under his pancakes or anywhere else to be seen.
The little boy packs his oversized school bag with the books he needs for the day and sets off to school. On the way he approaches everyone he meets who is wearing a smile to see if they can help him find his. He comes across a workman who is drilled a hole in the ground, but the workman has not seen his smile in his hole or anywhere else. He does, however, gain a cart for his school bag. You will have to read the book to find out how he gets it.
He meets a king with a great big smile who looses it when his courtiers mistakenly think the little boy wants his head, and bolt away. Next, he meets the world's greatest salesman with the biggest smile he's ever seen. The salesman tries to sell him a number of products and looses his smile when he realises the boy doesn't want to buy anything. He comes across a clown with a fake painted smile and finally asks his teacher to help him find his smile, but she doesn't think the classroom is a good place for smiles.
The little boy returns home after school, sad and dejected, and finally finds his smile when his mother shows him how.
There are some really funny bits for example: "The dog jumped off the bed and slipped into its robe and slippers. It reached for its pipe, then remembered it had quit: smoke ruined its sense of smell, and a dog unable to smell is about as useful as ... well, a cat."
"Chewing absent-mindedly, he watched some ants windsurf across the creamy surface of his bowl of milk. The windy season had started, and, as everyone knows, ants love their sea sports."
I think that children, especially boys, aged 4 to 10 years old will love this story.
The little boy packs his oversized school bag with the books he needs for the day and sets off to school. On the way he approaches everyone he meets who is wearing a smile to see if they can help him find his. He comes across a workman who is drilled a hole in the ground, but the workman has not seen his smile in his hole or anywhere else. He does, however, gain a cart for his school bag. You will have to read the book to find out how he gets it.
He meets a king with a great big smile who looses it when his courtiers mistakenly think the little boy wants his head, and bolt away. Next, he meets the world's greatest salesman with the biggest smile he's ever seen. The salesman tries to sell him a number of products and looses his smile when he realises the boy doesn't want to buy anything. He comes across a clown with a fake painted smile and finally asks his teacher to help him find his smile, but she doesn't think the classroom is a good place for smiles.
The little boy returns home after school, sad and dejected, and finally finds his smile when his mother shows him how.
There are some really funny bits for example: "The dog jumped off the bed and slipped into its robe and slippers. It reached for its pipe, then remembered it had quit: smoke ruined its sense of smell, and a dog unable to smell is about as useful as ... well, a cat."
"Chewing absent-mindedly, he watched some ants windsurf across the creamy surface of his bowl of milk. The windy season had started, and, as everyone knows, ants love their sea sports."
I think that children, especially boys, aged 4 to 10 years old will love this story.
January 7, 2015
My review on my Blog: http://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015...
The title to this children’s book really intrigued me, Runaway Smile. How can a smile runaway? Nicholas did make this little boys smile runaway, but thankfully he returned it to him in the end!
It is a wonderful children’s book, an enthralling and heartwarming journey to search for one little boy’s lost smile. Nicholas introduces us to a whole host of eccentric characters. (What an imagination, Nicholas!!) The boy’s dog wears glasses, smokes a pipe, and drives a car but has lost his sense of smell, there’s a closet monster who eats all of the boy’s clothes, and even a bunch of surf boarding ants!
In his quest to find his smile the little boy talks to a bunch of characters who just can’t help him. There’s a workman walking his goldfish in a bowl on a small cart! Hey, I see this everyday too. Just regular workman kind of activity! A king with a wide smile. A salesman with an even wider one, and a clown with a painted on smile. I particularly liked the character of the salesman whose smile disappears, and ages, when he realises that he can’t sell the boy anything. “The salesman took a mirror from his pocket and stared at his image. All of a sudden he looked very old and tired, and the boy wondered how he could have missed the thinning hair, deep wrinkles, and expanding waistline.”
In desperation, the boy turns to his teacher hoping that she will be able to help him. But she doesn’t think that a classroom is the right place to keep a smile! So, by the time he gets home to his mum he is in tears and has given up hope of finding his smile. But of course his mother is the only person that can help him, because the only true smile that exists is a genuine one straight from the heart. The final reflection that greets the boy is not a false one like the salesman’s reflection. “The boys eyes opened wide. He ran to the mirror to check his reflection. She was right! A wide smile had finally appeared on his face!”
The secret to keeping his smile is to share it with those he loved. Absolutely. That’s the secret.
“She tussled his hair. Anything you give with love, multiplies. No-one can take it from you then.”
So the boy promptly goes off to share his smile with his dog. Of course!
The book finishes with a lovely Ode to a runaway smile.
So, definitely recommended, a very sweet book and lovely illustrations too.
The title to this children’s book really intrigued me, Runaway Smile. How can a smile runaway? Nicholas did make this little boys smile runaway, but thankfully he returned it to him in the end!
It is a wonderful children’s book, an enthralling and heartwarming journey to search for one little boy’s lost smile. Nicholas introduces us to a whole host of eccentric characters. (What an imagination, Nicholas!!) The boy’s dog wears glasses, smokes a pipe, and drives a car but has lost his sense of smell, there’s a closet monster who eats all of the boy’s clothes, and even a bunch of surf boarding ants!
In his quest to find his smile the little boy talks to a bunch of characters who just can’t help him. There’s a workman walking his goldfish in a bowl on a small cart! Hey, I see this everyday too. Just regular workman kind of activity! A king with a wide smile. A salesman with an even wider one, and a clown with a painted on smile. I particularly liked the character of the salesman whose smile disappears, and ages, when he realises that he can’t sell the boy anything. “The salesman took a mirror from his pocket and stared at his image. All of a sudden he looked very old and tired, and the boy wondered how he could have missed the thinning hair, deep wrinkles, and expanding waistline.”
In desperation, the boy turns to his teacher hoping that she will be able to help him. But she doesn’t think that a classroom is the right place to keep a smile! So, by the time he gets home to his mum he is in tears and has given up hope of finding his smile. But of course his mother is the only person that can help him, because the only true smile that exists is a genuine one straight from the heart. The final reflection that greets the boy is not a false one like the salesman’s reflection. “The boys eyes opened wide. He ran to the mirror to check his reflection. She was right! A wide smile had finally appeared on his face!”
The secret to keeping his smile is to share it with those he loved. Absolutely. That’s the secret.
“She tussled his hair. Anything you give with love, multiplies. No-one can take it from you then.”
So the boy promptly goes off to share his smile with his dog. Of course!
The book finishes with a lovely Ode to a runaway smile.
So, definitely recommended, a very sweet book and lovely illustrations too.
February 18, 2015
“An unshared smile is a wasted smile”
RUNAWAY SMILE is a charming account of a young boy who woke up one morning to find his smile was missing. He asks the dog if he has seen it. Of course, his dog hasn’t, so he asks the closet monster who is grumpy and hasn’t seen it either. He is so worried he is unable to eat his breakfast. On the way to school, he meets various other individuals and asks the same question, but no one has seen it – not the clown, not the worker, not a king, not his teacher.
At the day’s end, he heads home from school and crashes on the couch, exhausted from searching for his smile. His mother comforts him and tells him he has been searching in all the wrong places. She compassionately solves the mystery of her son’s missing smile.
The other characters in the book have some strange attributes. There is his dog that wears glasses and reads books, a closet monster that hides in the closet and eats clothes, and among others, a colorful salesman – the world’s best salesman. They each are busy with their own agendas, and not one takes the time to listen to the boy without a smile.
I found the book to be delightful, and full of very imaginative characters and a creative storyline. I think it would be best suited for elementary aged children. Do I recommend RUNAWAY SMILE? Why, of course!
RUNAWAY SMILE is a charming account of a young boy who woke up one morning to find his smile was missing. He asks the dog if he has seen it. Of course, his dog hasn’t, so he asks the closet monster who is grumpy and hasn’t seen it either. He is so worried he is unable to eat his breakfast. On the way to school, he meets various other individuals and asks the same question, but no one has seen it – not the clown, not the worker, not a king, not his teacher.
At the day’s end, he heads home from school and crashes on the couch, exhausted from searching for his smile. His mother comforts him and tells him he has been searching in all the wrong places. She compassionately solves the mystery of her son’s missing smile.
The other characters in the book have some strange attributes. There is his dog that wears glasses and reads books, a closet monster that hides in the closet and eats clothes, and among others, a colorful salesman – the world’s best salesman. They each are busy with their own agendas, and not one takes the time to listen to the boy without a smile.
I found the book to be delightful, and full of very imaginative characters and a creative storyline. I think it would be best suited for elementary aged children. Do I recommend RUNAWAY SMILE? Why, of course!
July 29, 2016
I found Runaway Smile by Nicholas C. Rossis available online at the author's website. It's about a young boy who wakes up one morning and senses that something is different. It turns out that his smile is gone! As he gets ready for school, he searches. Yet, he cannot find it! On the way to school, he talks to the various people he meets and none of them are able to help him. You'd think that his teacher would be able to give some advice on the matter, but no, she can't solve his problem either. When he gets home, his mother gives him the solution and everything is alright.
Runaway smile features a strange little world, filled entirely of whimsical situations. Yet, it's centered around things that could happen to any sort of child; a boy who has lost his smile and turns to the people around him for help. All of the characters are very unique and have some sort of loveable aspect about them. My favourite is his encounter with the King ("He wants the King's head!"). The illustrations certainly enhance the book in epic proportions. Many of the characters are adorable and the scenes depicted certainly provide amusement.
This book was well drawn, well written and a great book overall! Definitely worth five stars!
Runaway smile features a strange little world, filled entirely of whimsical situations. Yet, it's centered around things that could happen to any sort of child; a boy who has lost his smile and turns to the people around him for help. All of the characters are very unique and have some sort of loveable aspect about them. My favourite is his encounter with the King ("He wants the King's head!"). The illustrations certainly enhance the book in epic proportions. Many of the characters are adorable and the scenes depicted certainly provide amusement.
This book was well drawn, well written and a great book overall! Definitely worth five stars!
February 10, 2015
It’s a little different reading and reviewing a children’s book as an adult. I did go back and read some old Secret Seven books when I bought the hardcopies two years ago, and I guess Runaway Smile is roughly the same age-group(?) Although, kids all read at different levels, don’t they?
Runaway Smile was a fun blend of everyday life with regular doses of the fantastical. The illustrations were a real treat, really adding to the story without being imposing. The poem at the end was a nice touch, even if I wished it rhymed more.
I know for a fact my nine-year-old self would detest (if she knew the word) the dog being referred to as ‘it’. That’s just a personal thing, since to me ‘it’ indicates an inanimate object without feelings, but then, some people prefer to use ‘it’ as it’s neither masculine or feminine. I just know what the nine-year-old in me thinks, and she thinks it’s mean to call a dog ‘it’.
That’s such a minor gripe though, and the book is a fun, short magical read for bedtime. The ending was especially sweet, and I’d like to see what the writer and illustrator come up with in their next collaboration.
Runaway Smile was a fun blend of everyday life with regular doses of the fantastical. The illustrations were a real treat, really adding to the story without being imposing. The poem at the end was a nice touch, even if I wished it rhymed more.
I know for a fact my nine-year-old self would detest (if she knew the word) the dog being referred to as ‘it’. That’s just a personal thing, since to me ‘it’ indicates an inanimate object without feelings, but then, some people prefer to use ‘it’ as it’s neither masculine or feminine. I just know what the nine-year-old in me thinks, and she thinks it’s mean to call a dog ‘it’.
That’s such a minor gripe though, and the book is a fun, short magical read for bedtime. The ending was especially sweet, and I’d like to see what the writer and illustrator come up with in their next collaboration.
December 15, 2015
I found this book to be a delightful story of a young boy’s fantasized predicament when he realizes he’s lost his smile. His eyeglass-wearing book-reading talking dog has no interest in what his owner was saying.
Readers follow the boy as he continuously fantasizes about everything he does as he gets already to go to school and trying to find his missing smile; his lack of luck continues on his way there with all the people he meets, especially when he asks them if he could have their smiles.
You would think he would get help at school from his teacher, but he struck out there as well.
I loved the melodic flow of words which Mr. Rossis has used in the writing of this book as it added to the enjoyable reading experience not only for its young readers, but for the adults who can have their inner-child come alive again. Not only did this boy find his smile again [what kind of story would this have been if he didn’t], he learned the important life lesson of sharing; you can never lose something if you’re willing to share it.
For rekindling my inner-child as I read this book, I’m giving it 5 STARS.
I received a mobi.file copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
Readers follow the boy as he continuously fantasizes about everything he does as he gets already to go to school and trying to find his missing smile; his lack of luck continues on his way there with all the people he meets, especially when he asks them if he could have their smiles.
You would think he would get help at school from his teacher, but he struck out there as well.
I loved the melodic flow of words which Mr. Rossis has used in the writing of this book as it added to the enjoyable reading experience not only for its young readers, but for the adults who can have their inner-child come alive again. Not only did this boy find his smile again [what kind of story would this have been if he didn’t], he learned the important life lesson of sharing; you can never lose something if you’re willing to share it.
For rekindling my inner-child as I read this book, I’m giving it 5 STARS.
I received a mobi.file copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
January 13, 2015
I read this book on the author's website, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
A young boy awakes one morning without his smile. No matter where he looks, he cannot find it. He asks everyone he meets on his way to school, but they can't share their smiles. The book is filled with a host of interesting characters, for instance: the boy’s dog wears glasses, smokes a pipe, and drives a car, but has lost his sense of smell, then there’s a closet monster who eats all of the boy’s clothes, and even a bunch of surf boarding ants.
I absolutely adore the illustrations, all done in sepia tones, and feel they greatly enhance the book. This would be a good read for younger children who need an adult to read to them, or for more advanced readers of aged 8 and upwards. The whole thing is about 60 pages long. The language used is age-appropriate, and flows well. I love the message in this book: That anything we share with love, multiplies.
A young boy awakes one morning without his smile. No matter where he looks, he cannot find it. He asks everyone he meets on his way to school, but they can't share their smiles. The book is filled with a host of interesting characters, for instance: the boy’s dog wears glasses, smokes a pipe, and drives a car, but has lost his sense of smell, then there’s a closet monster who eats all of the boy’s clothes, and even a bunch of surf boarding ants.
I absolutely adore the illustrations, all done in sepia tones, and feel they greatly enhance the book. This would be a good read for younger children who need an adult to read to them, or for more advanced readers of aged 8 and upwards. The whole thing is about 60 pages long. The language used is age-appropriate, and flows well. I love the message in this book: That anything we share with love, multiplies.
January 21, 2015
This little boy suddenly finds himself in the brink of two worlds, the one he lived the day before, as a child, and the one he woke up to, the real world, the world of the grown ups, the world where children, especially the curious one are regarded as pests, the world where his innocence left him to go in search of the not so innocent, where people worry about everyday problems.
His lost smile went in search, and he with it. In the end, he learned his lesson. What was this lesson? In other words, what is the moral? This the lesson he learned from his mother, “an unshared smile is a wasted smile.” And sure it is indeed. If one does not connect with the world around him, one is disconnected, one remains an island to oneself, one is miserable.
This is a lesson for grown up too, especially for those who did not learn this lesson in childhood. We are all connected, we are all one. We should find what connects us, we should find and share our lost smiles.
His lost smile went in search, and he with it. In the end, he learned his lesson. What was this lesson? In other words, what is the moral? This the lesson he learned from his mother, “an unshared smile is a wasted smile.” And sure it is indeed. If one does not connect with the world around him, one is disconnected, one remains an island to oneself, one is miserable.
This is a lesson for grown up too, especially for those who did not learn this lesson in childhood. We are all connected, we are all one. We should find what connects us, we should find and share our lost smiles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2017
This was a wonderful children's book. A little boy wakes up and discovers his smile is missing. He looks in all the wrong places for it. The smiles he discovers on people's faces are not true smiles, and so the people he asks for their smiles are unwilling to share them. These false smiles disappear as soon as the little boy makes the request, and the true faces of the adults shine through... or should I say "frown through." What a lovely lesson to teach a child that when you share a real smile, you don't lose your own.
Lovely illustrations as well. Well done. Loved this book.
Lovely illustrations as well. Well done. Loved this book.
October 10, 2015
Where do Smiles come from?
This is a heartwarming little story accompanied by fun pictures to go along with the stories. A tale of a child searching for his smile and the people he encounters throughout his day who he questions where he can get his smile back. No doubt, there's a heartfelt message that comes from his mom, where he learns the true meaning of a smile and where it really comes from. A great children's book, as well a great parental read.
This is a heartwarming little story accompanied by fun pictures to go along with the stories. A tale of a child searching for his smile and the people he encounters throughout his day who he questions where he can get his smile back. No doubt, there's a heartfelt message that comes from his mom, where he learns the true meaning of a smile and where it really comes from. A great children's book, as well a great parental read.
January 8, 2015
Runaway Smile is an enchanting tale about a young boy who wakes up one morning to discover that his smile has fled. In his search for his fugitive smile, he encounters many characters whom he discovers have only false smiles. How can he recover his smile? Humorously written and illustrated, this book is great for reading to younger children, or for children who are not yet up to the task of reading chapter books. (Many adults will also find it highly entertaining!)
January 13, 2015
Runaway Smile by Nicholas C. Rossis is a children's tale of a young boy searching for his smile.
The book is amazingly illustrated and very well written. The boy looks everywhere for his smile before his mother finally gives him the secret to finding a true smile. Sharing.
I loved the somewhat random quality to this book, but it still all came together. Perfect for children just learning to read longer books all on their own or who still want their parents to read to them.
The book is amazingly illustrated and very well written. The boy looks everywhere for his smile before his mother finally gives him the secret to finding a true smile. Sharing.
I loved the somewhat random quality to this book, but it still all came together. Perfect for children just learning to read longer books all on their own or who still want their parents to read to them.
December 28, 2015
Cute book with a few fun pictures about a boy who can't seem to find his smile. It is quite the problem and readers are going to find the story a great lesson in why it is so important to not only find your smile, but share it with everyone you meet. The author does a great job creating a book that kids will love and adults also will like to share with those they love. Great book that is fun and teaches an important lesson along the way!
January 28, 2016
This charming children's book by Nicholas Rossiss, about a boy whose lost his valued smile, is cleverly written with hidden lessons throughout the storyline. With delightful sketch illustrations reminding me of Dr. Seuss, kids will surely delight in the adventure of searching for a smile, only to discover it at the end, where it's always been.
January 14, 2015
This is a charming tale that will delight both parent and child! Lots of fun shenanigans in the search for the lost smile. Very imaginative both in prose and illustrations! Great job! Will be buying more of this author's children's books in the future.
February 20, 2024
Runaway Smile is a chapter book by Nicholas Rossis, and illustrated by Dimitris Fousekis. It is about a kid who wakes up one day, finding that his smile has gone missing.
The book has a lot of text, and there are a bunch of words that younger readers might not understand. So it might be difficult for younger readers to read to themselves. However, I’m sure they would love it if an older reader would read it to them. For me, I thought it was an okay book. However, my main thought is that there’s a lot of unnecessary stuff going on. A lot of the text in the story is the author trying to add stuff like whimsical elements to the book. For example, there’s a scene where he’s having breakfast, and he’s watching ants “windsurf across the creamy surface of his bowl of milk.” It’s not really relevant to the plot of the book. A lot of the aspects throughout the book had similar moments; it felt like they were just shoved in, and didn’t really fit. And, for that reason, I felt like the story dragged on a little too long. The story could have been half as long, without the irrelevant bits, and I would have enjoyed it so much more.
I certainly enjoyed a lot of the elements of the illustrations. There was several good images of the characters. Though I would have liked to see a little more going on in some cases. The images only take one or two elements from the paragraphs, and sometimes it feels like they’re the irrelevant bits. Also, with some of the illustrations, there’s only a minor portion to see. Like a snippet of a couple of hands doing something, so it’s not always clear as to what’s going on. I do think they’re a good artist, though.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy the writing very much. It felt like it needed to be edited down a lot; there were way too many elements that didn’t seem to fit, in my opinion. And, while I do think the artist is very good at their work, I felt like many of the illustrations weren’t enough to show what was going on. Otherwise, I feel like it was an okay book.
The book has a lot of text, and there are a bunch of words that younger readers might not understand. So it might be difficult for younger readers to read to themselves. However, I’m sure they would love it if an older reader would read it to them. For me, I thought it was an okay book. However, my main thought is that there’s a lot of unnecessary stuff going on. A lot of the text in the story is the author trying to add stuff like whimsical elements to the book. For example, there’s a scene where he’s having breakfast, and he’s watching ants “windsurf across the creamy surface of his bowl of milk.” It’s not really relevant to the plot of the book. A lot of the aspects throughout the book had similar moments; it felt like they were just shoved in, and didn’t really fit. And, for that reason, I felt like the story dragged on a little too long. The story could have been half as long, without the irrelevant bits, and I would have enjoyed it so much more.
I certainly enjoyed a lot of the elements of the illustrations. There was several good images of the characters. Though I would have liked to see a little more going on in some cases. The images only take one or two elements from the paragraphs, and sometimes it feels like they’re the irrelevant bits. Also, with some of the illustrations, there’s only a minor portion to see. Like a snippet of a couple of hands doing something, so it’s not always clear as to what’s going on. I do think they’re a good artist, though.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy the writing very much. It felt like it needed to be edited down a lot; there were way too many elements that didn’t seem to fit, in my opinion. And, while I do think the artist is very good at their work, I felt like many of the illustrations weren’t enough to show what was going on. Otherwise, I feel like it was an okay book.
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