A review by backonthealex
Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) by Gary Golio

4.0

Charlie Chaplin is such an iconic comedian of silent films, but kids today probably don't really know who he is. Which is why I was happy to see this picture book biography, introducing him to another generation. Charlie's career began on the streets of London, where he performed to earn a few pennies for food. At one point, he, his mum, and older brother Sydney landed in the poorhouse when she became sick, but they also worked and got themselves out of it. Charlie went back to entertaining, even joining a traveling theater troupe at age 9, where he quickly learned how to make people laugh. He also learned that everyone has a story, and how funny and sad, laughter and tears all go together. And these are the ideas he brought with him to America and Hollywood, were his character the Little Tramp was born in a prop room full of old dust clothes. This is a very kid friendly biography, written in clear, precise, accessible language, and accompanied by Ed Young's wonderfully striking collage and ink illustrations created using a variety of techniques. As you read, you'll notice a little silhouette of the Little Tramp on some of the pages at the bottom right hand corner. Flip the pages to see it walk Chaplin's characteristic Little Tramp walk. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in performing arts history, and/or Charlie Chaplin's life. Back matter includes an Afterword by the author, a list of Facts About Charlie Chaplin, and a list of Resources and Selected Books and Movies.