Booklist reviews Smiley’s Dream Book!

Smiley’s Dream Book.
Smith, Jeff (Author) , Smith, Jeff (Illustrator)
Jul 2018. 40 p. Scholastic/Graphix, hardcover, $17.99. (9780545674775). 741.5.
Late of Smith’s classic graphic novels, Smiley Bone leaves his cigar behind and makes the leap to picture books. Big, bright, vibrant pages see Smiley through a pleasant walk in the forest, where the musical chirp of a bird encourages some impromptu counting. As the count gets higher and the birds’ garb becomes increasingly fanciful, Smiley lifts off the ground and joins them for a swooping, soaring excursion. A threatening bird of prey shows up, only to have Smiley go stern and, in a development sure to induce hilarity in many young readers, scare the living poop out of him. Smiley’s return to the ground for a peaceful nap ties things up tranquilly. This is an unusually friendly and gentle story, wrapped in a lovely yet dynamic package. Smith’s warmly embracing style proves a natural for picture books, and his sensibility is perfectly pitched to a younger readership. Smiley, whose nurturing, happy-go-lucky nature is fused into his comically rounded body and movements, should prove a wonderful new friend for the age group.
— Jesse Karp