SOLVED. Children's book about a boy whose smile was stolen by the devil, in exchange for being able to win any bet. Read in mid 1980s. [s]

[Anastasia]

After the boy's smile is traded for infinite luck, the boy's face turns into a frightening grimace every time he attempts smiling. In the end, he outwits the devil by betting against the devil that he can get his smile back. If anyone can help out, it would be great!

[Kris]

Anastasia, what's the genre or tone (which we need to add to the header/topic header) - e.g., children's fantasy, humor, horror, adventure? For kids or teens?

Can you give an example of a bet the boy wants to win (from early in the book)?

[Paige]

Timm Thaler oder Das verkaufte Lachen is very similar in plot.

[Kris]

Google translation of Paige's suggestion (since I'm curious):

(view spoiler)[About laughter, the devil and an incredible deal
Timm Thaler's wonderful laugh infects everyone. But he sells it to the mysterious Baron Lefeut, who promises him a lot of money for it: The baron gets Timm's laugh, and from now on Timm wins every bet. But Timm soon notices that a person is not a real person without laughing - no matter how much wealth he accumulates. Timm forges a plan how he can regain his laughter. Lefeut is not easy to outsmart, but Timm does not give up ... (hide spoiler)]

[Anastasia]

Paige wrote: "Timm Thaler oder Das verkaufte Lachen is very similar in plot."

That's it, Paige! The boy's name was Timm. Thank you SO much - this was really bothering me for a while!

I probably should have added that I read the book in Russian translation from the German, but it looks like it hasn't been translated into English yet.

[Anastasia]

Kris wrote: "Google translation of Paige's suggestion (since I'm curious):

About laughter, the devil and an incredible deal
Timm Thaler's wonderful laugh infects everyone. But he sells it to the mysterious Bar..."

Thanks, Kris. I think Paige got it!

[Paige]

Yay! Glad I could help.