Sometimes Willow smiled without even trying. But sometimes when she wished she could and knew she should, her smile slipped straight off her face.
So when her teacher tells the class that Picture Day is coming, shy Willow starts to worry. What if she isn’t able to smile for the camera? How can she have her picture taken without smiling? But then on Picture Day, Willow gets the opportunity to watch the other children being photographed. She sees that all of her friends’ expressions are unique, and perfect in their own way. And by the time it’s her turn, she’s realised that she doesn’t need to worry about smiling for her picture. She just needs to be herself.
In this sweet picture book, author Lana Button has created a relatable and reassuring story that offers children a terrific model for how to deal with a difficult experience in a socially and emotionally competent way. The simple illustrations by Tania Howells beautifully capture the story’s focus through the range of emotions so clearly expressed by Willow and her classmates.
This book provides opportunities for character lessons on self-respect, empathy and resilience. It would work for a classroom introduction to the annual ritual of Picture Day as well, a subject not often covered yet very significant to young children. It could also lead to a conversation about why we take pictures and what makes a great picture, and to activities such as making a class photo album. AGES: 3-7 AUTHOR: When Lana Button was young she transformed all of her rubber skipping ropes into microphones, and sang to large crowds of imaginary people in her bedroom. Today she lives with her husband, three daughters and her cat, Rocco, and spends much of her day singing and reading to small crowds of preschoolers. ILLUSTRATOR: Tania Howells graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design in 1997 and has been a freelance illustrator for 15 years. She is currently a stay-at-home mum, and after bedtime, she works on her drawings. In another life, Tania might like to be a fabric designer, a librarian or even a small-town cafe owner. She sometimes has trouble saying things out loud, just like Willow. She likes coffee and tea, walks, reading books, daydreaming and baking things?
