About the Author

Catherine Rayner was born in Harrogate and now lives in Edinburgh. She has a BA (Hons) in Visual Communication and Illustration from Leeds College of Art, and Edinburgh College of Art. Much of her inspiration - and occasionally modelling! - for her illustration comes from her pets: her horse Shannon, guinea pig Marvin, dog Ellie, cat Emma and two goldfish, Bruce and Sheila. AUGUSTUS AND HIS SMILE is her first book for Little Tiger Press.

Reviews

"Her bold sense of colour, movement and scale is often breathtaking as we follow the handsome tiger on his quest." Sunday Herald "...her artwork has a bold, youthful freshness that is very appealing." The Scotsman"

PreS-Gr 2-Augustus the tiger has lost his smile. Not knowing where to find it, he begins a quest that takes him all over the world. He explores jungles, deserts, and oceans while searching for it, and finally finds it by looking in a pool of water. He comes to the realization that all of the things he has experienced will bring back his missing smile any time he thinks of them. Rayner has created a simple, poetic story that will have children speculating about what makes them feel good. The underlying theme of the enjoyment of the natural world will also help them articulate what parts they like best. The art matches the simplicity of the large-print text. Each spread has shapes or creatures that symbolize the area that the protagonist is currently visiting (large overlapping leaves for the jungle, a school of fish for the ocean, etc.). The illustrations work well with the spare narrative, giving viewers an idea of the expanse of the environments without becoming cluttered. The settings are soothing and majestic in contrast to the tiger's movement and energy. This book will suit storytimes, where children will smile along with Augustus.-Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.