Description of book
Most people don’t like being different.
They want exactly the same things as their neighbours, only bigger and more of them. Yet no matter how much they have, they always feel there is something missing.
The Smiths are not like other people. They might not be any good at cooking, or housework, or homework, but in their jumbled house full of strange things that will probably come in useful one day, they are happy and content.
Yet the Smiths, too, feel that there is something missing from their lives.
And today the children went down to the shops and found it.
Reviews
Praise for THE BIG LITTLE BOOK OF HAPPY SADNESS
- 'Thompson has created a visuall y complex and multi-layed story, filled with the pathos of a child's journey from despair to joy. Thompson is unique in Australian picture-book creation and this book is simply wonderful. Very highly recommended for ages 4 to 8 years.' - MELBOURNE’S CHILD
- ‘. . . elegantly written. Some lines pull you up short with their openness and honesty and the illustrations communicate the feeling behind the story so well . . . This will touch lonely children deeply. And have them howling to visit the local pound.’ - SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
- ‘This is one of those perfect picture books . . . loaded with Thompson's signature style of illustrations that are capable of conveying warmth, desolation and simplicity all at once . . . remarkable storytelling with brilliantly evocative and emotive phrases and subtle humour. This book breathes 'atmosphere'. Thompson has created something very special here. Highly recommended.’ - BUZZ WORDS