The power of a smile transforms lives in a modern translation of the
classic poem by a beloved humanitarian
A smile costs nothing, but it's worth so much. Did you ever think
about the power of a smile? With one short poem, French writer and
humanitarian Raoul Follereau spoke to the world about the value of this
fundamentally human expression. Since 1920 "A Smile" has been translated
into many languages around the world. In this new English translation,
framed for a small child's point of view, the poignant words accompany
an intergenerational story in pictures about two children and the many
lives affected by their infectious smiles. A dejected street musician, A
lonely businessman, an exhausted teacher--all are lifted up by the
generosity, compassion, and friendship inspired by a simple smile.
Created in paper collage by internationally award-winning illustrator
Hoda Hadadi, the illustrations burst with joyful emotions that will
infect the hearts of every reader.
Although Raoul Follereau passed away in 1977, his belief in the ability
of children to change the world shines through in this book, which was
created thanks to the assistance of La Fondation Raoul Follereau. A
closing note shares details about Follereau's humanitarian work, his
thirty years traveling the world to give aid to and raise awareness for
people with leprosy, and his creation of World Leprosy Day, which is
still marked on the last Sunday in January every year.
