Samuel's Kisses

Karen Collum (author)

Serena Geddes (illustrator)

New Frontier Publishing, Australia: December 2010

ISBN: 9781921042157

Genre: picture book

Issues: hope, optimism

Samuel loves the world and everything in it and likes to share that love with everybody – but especially with those who look unhappy.

When he goes shopping with his Mummy, Samuel smiles at everybody. If someone is too busy, too tired, too inattentive to smile back, Samuel blows them a kiss – and Samuel's kisses are powerful things. Before they know it, people find themselves looking around with the wonder and hope of a child, their day brightened by Samuel's magical 'attitude adjustment' treatment.

This delightful story reminds all readers that no matter how sad or bad the day can seem, there is always time for love, smiles and kisses. Serena Geddes illustrations are full of movement, conveying Samuel's energy and affection. She cleverly doesn't allow the reader to see his mother's face until the very end, when it becomes obvious that Samuel has had a wonderful model for his loving behaviour. Heart-warming, inspirational, and a great reminder that if we retained the heart of a child we would find the world a friendlier place.