A little kindness goes a long way in this delightful book full of sweetness and light that celebrates the universal sign of happiness: a smile. Betcha can’t read it without breaking into one!

A new book by author-illustrator Sophy Henn is always cause for celebration, and this feel-good fable is no exception. Built on a simple premise that sharing good things is a positive experience that makes both giver and receiver feel good, it’s filled with the joyful optimism and sense of wonder that comes so naturally to young children (from whom jaded grown-ups could learn a thing or two).

See something that makes you go ‘wow’? Pass it on. Something make ya giggle? Pass it on. Whether it’s the thrill of a roller-coaster ride, the joys of larking about or giving a friend a hug, life’s myriad experiences are more fun when shared.

Filled with sunny optimism and happy-go-lucky charms, Pass It On celebrates the contagious nature of a smile. Sow a little smile, and reap the joy of spreading happiness all around. What could be nicer than that?

We already know that Sophy Henn does a nice line in pouty pandas and benevolent bears. Now we know she is equally adept at turning her creative hand to a crew of super-cute kids, including a super-sweet central starlet showing her sartorial style in capri pants and a jauntily tilted sombrero.

But of course, life can’t always be completely trouble-free. But this sunny book manages to put a silver lining on every cloud. When grey skies gather, don your wellies and raincoat and enjoy a spot of puddle-jumping. Even when you’re feeling lonely, there are friends to be found if you reach out.

For the age where social sharing is all, the message is clear: when something good happens, don’t keep it to yourself. Pass it on.

*** MORE FROM THE TALENTED SOPHY HENN *** Read our reviews of Pom Pom Gets The Grumps, Pom Pom The Champion and Meet the Author Sophy Henn for insight in the art of illustration.

Did you know? It’s easier to smile than to frown. Scientists have discovered that your body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile. Depending on the type, smiles use from 5 to 53 facial muscles.

Fun fact Researchers at the University of California in San Francisco  identified 19 different types of smiles and put them into two categories: polite “social” smiles which engage fewer muscles, and sincere “felt” smiles that use more muscles on both sides of the face.

Author notes Sophy Henn lives and works in Sussex, England. She studied Fashion at Central Saint Martins, accidentally had a London based career as an Art Director in advertising, then completed an MA at University of Brighton in Illustration. Now she writes and illustrates children’s books in her studio, with a large cup of tea by her side, and can’t quite believe her luck. Sophy is the 2015 official World Book Day illustrator. Her debut book Where Bear? was published in 2014 and has been nominated for two prestigious awards: the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal and Association of Illustrators (AOI) Award for Children’s Books.